Galle / Madu River Day Excursion
Trip starts from Colombo or Negombo and drive to Balapitiya ( one and half hrs drive), start boat ride down the picturesque Madu river. The estuary of the Madu Ganga( river) is a complex coastal ecosystem of mangroves and islands. It may be one of the last remaining tracts of pristine mangrove forests in Sri Lanka. A boat trip is a wonderful way of seeing some of the hundreds of species of plants and animals – monkeys eat fruit in the trees, a water monitor lizard glides slowly through the water, and cormorants, egrets and kingfishers wait patiently on the banks, eyeing the water for prey. There are around 64 islands in the river and lagoon, from a tiny speck housing a deserted shrine to one housing 250 families connected to the mainland with a very long footbridge. After an exciting Madu river boat trip, drive down to Galle on the highway and visit a Turtle hatchery near Galle to see various species of Sea Turtles. Witness the skills of stilt fishermen who wait for the day’s catch sitting on a stick perched on shallow waters of the Indian Ocean.
After the lunch visit bustling Galle market and see the fishermen sell their daily catch by the road side.Visit Galle Fort - The Galle Fort, also known as the Dutch Fort or the "Ramparts of Galle", is a historical, archaeological and architectural heritage monument, which even after more than 423 years maintains a polished appearance, due to extensive reconstruction work done by Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka. Galle lighthouse, Galle clock tower, Groote Kerk - Galle, All Saints' Church - Galle, National Museum in Galle, Old Dutch Hospital, National Maritime Museum Galle are main archaeological and architectural heritage monuments in Galle fort. The fort has a colorful history, and today has a multi-ethnic and multi-religious population. The Sri Lankan government and many Dutch people who still own some of the properties inside the fort are looking at making this one of the modern wonders of the world. The heritage value of the fort has been recognized by the UNESCO and the site has been inscribed as a cultural heritage UNESCO World Heritage Site under criteria IV, for its unique exposition of "an urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries." Galle Fort is a trendy place to enjoy the architecture, history, shopping and taste some best food and wine in the road side cafes.
Transfer back to Colombo or Negombo ( 2-3 hrs drive)
