About this experience

Step off the ship at Colombo Seaport and into a private, air-conditioned vehicle for an 11-hour journey along Sri Lanka's southern coast. Your English-speaking chauffeur guide heads first to Handunugoda Tea Factory — one of the very few tea estates in the country sitting just minutes from the shoreline — where you walk the production floor and learn how the famous Virgin White Tea is crafted. Snacks, refreshments, and a water bottle per person are provided on the road.

The afternoon brings you to the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, where your guide — drawing on generations of local knowledge — leads you along the Dutch colonial ramparts and through the cobbled streets of the old town, pointing out the landmarks that shaped this historic port. Entrance fees, lunch, and gratuities are not included, so bring some local currency. The vehicle returns you to Colombo Seaport comfortably before your ship departs.

Duration11 hours

LanguagesEnglish

Group typePrivate — your party only

ReferenceLKA9E35QAZ

What’s included

Included

Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Service of an English-speaking chauffeur guide.
Snacks and Refreshments

Not included

Entrance fees (if any).
Food and Beverages (Lunch)
Expenses of personal nature.
Gratuities (optional).

Day-by-day itinerary

1 Galle

Day 1 — Southern Coast Highlights from Colombo Port

You will be picked up at the gates of Colombo Port by 0700 hrs. Ensure that you bring a packed breakfast with you, if you are unable to have your meal at the hotel.

You will reach your first destination, Handunugoda Tea Factory by approximately 0930 hrs. (Travel Time 1 ½ to 2 hrs)

Handunugoda Factory is famous for its Virgin White Tea, which is one of the most expensive teas in the world. The tea is plucked and made without being touched by humans, partially following an ancient Chinese tea plucking ritual. You will be guided around the factory and given an opportunity to try and buy Virgin White Tea, along with many other tea types. Handunugoda is also one of the only tea factories in Sri Lanka which is close to the coast.

After that you will be leaving for Galle city by approximately 1230 hrs. (Travel Time 40 to 45 mins) Once you reach Galle, you will be having lunch at a restaurant of your choice (At your own expense).

By approximately 1430 hrs go on a guided walk through Galle’s historic 17C Dutch Fort - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Galle’s natural harbour has long been a hub of trade dating back to ancient times. The accidental arrival of the Portuguese Lorenzo de Almeida in 1505, when his fleet of ships steered off course following a storm at sea, changed the history of this island nation. The Portuguese were followed by the Dutch and then the British in 1796. With each occupation, Galle’s landscape changed and the cultural influences remained. Galle Fort covers nearly four sq. kms and is protected by 12 bastions and connecting ramparts.

Wonder the maze of narrow cobblestone paved roadways lined with colonial period buildings still in use and old merchant houses where generations of Moorish families still live. Take a walk along the sturdy ramparts looking out to sea and visit colonial period churches, the lighthouse and museums. Along the way, stop by for a cup of Ceylon Tea or fresh king coconut. This fascinating excursion will give you a memorable glimpse into life within Galle Fort – one of the best preserved Colonial Fort’s in Asia. After a nice two and half hours spent experiencing its glory, you will be leaving Galle at 1630 hrs.

You will be taking two and a half hours to return to Colombo. Your vehicle will drop you off at 1830 hrs at Colombo Port completing your tour.

Please note

Public transportation nearby
Infant seats available

Not wheelchair accessible
Not stroller accessible
Not suitable for pets
Infants must not sit on laps
Our chauffeur guide will purchase the entrance tickets for the respective mentioned sites at the entrance and hand over them to the clients at each respective sites
Port Of Colombo