The Coastal Ride in the South of Sri Lanka takes you to the most memorable places you've ever seen! Visit the Kosgoda Turtle hatchery, a safe haven for an endangered species and the perfect place to get acquainted with the local wildlife. Afterward, quench your thirst for adventure with a river safari in the Madu Ganga. See the famous Hikkaduwa coral reefs and meet its fishy resident's first hand. You will also visit a World Heritage site, the Dutch Fort in Galle which is considered one of the most well-preserved forts in all of Asia. You'll never run out of things to see!
Highlights:
During this tour, you will visit the following points of interest in the specified order.
Includes:
- Transport throughout the tour with an air-conditioned vehicle.
- Service of an English-speaking chauffer guide.
- 1-Boat safari through the mangroves of Madu River.
- 1-Liter of bottled mineral water per person.
- All taxes & service charges.
Excludes:
- Entrance fees (Kosgoda turtle hatchery, and Fish therapy at Madu River).
- Food or drinks.
- Gratuities (Optional).
- Expenses of personal nature.
Experience:
Your tour starts at 08:00 when you will be picked up from the gates of Panadura city hotel and then head to the South West coast of the country. Ensure that you bring a packed breakfast with you if you are unable to have your meal.
The first stop on your itinerary will be the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery Which you will reach by approximately 09:00. (Travel Time 1 hour) Visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery on the Southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. Learn more about the five endangered sea turtle species that come to the shores of Sri Lanka to nest. Learn how the Kosgoda Turtle Care Program helps protect the nests until they hatch and increases the chances of survival for the babies. Get a chance to see, touch and feed baby turtles; or even injured adult turtles that the Turtle Hatchery cares for. (Visit Time 30 to 45 mins)
Thereafter, proceed to Balapitiya at approximately 10:00 and go on a lovely Boat Safari in Madu River. (Travel Time 15mins) Go on a wonderful boat ride down the Madu River with its flourishing ecosystem. Pass through the secretive passages created by the mangroves. See the basking crocodiles and water monitors. Visit one of the small islands with its cinnamon harvesting natives. Enjoy the restorative qualities of the famous fish massage. (Visit Time 1 to 1 1/2 hrs)
At approximately 12:00 you will have lunch at a place of your choice (At your own expense) and reach Galle by 13:00 and visit Old Colonial City. (Travel Time 45 mins to 1 hrs) Discover the city of Galle, where the Portuguese and Dutch made their headquarters, and it's secrets. Visit the Galle Fort which is one of the best-preserved fortifications in Asia. View the Maritime Museum, Galle National Museum, and the lighthouse. Walk-through the cobblestoned streets with their Dutch names as you learn more about their histories. (Visit Time 1 to 1 1/2 hrs)
You will be finishing the tour at 15:30 and returning to Panadura by approximately 17.00.
Additional Note:
Comfortable walking shoes recommended for this tour. Drive time may change due to unpredictable road traffic. Photography stops on the way can be arranged but within locations with reasonable parking areas.
