Full day
Sigiriya & Dambulla Day Tour
Climb the Lion Rock early, then see the painted caves of Dambulla.
- Sigiriya Lion Rock climb
- Dambulla Cave Temple
- Village lunch
From, per vehicleUS$45
View tour
Private day tour
Galle Fort & South Coast Tour
Mangrove lagoons, the ramparts of a 17th-century Dutch fort, a swim at a palm-fringed beach and stilt fishermen at sunset. The best of Sri Lanka's south coast in one day.
- DurationAbout 14 hours from Colombo
- PickupFrom 06:30
- Pickup fromColombo or Negombo, Bentota, Beruwala or Hikkaduwa, Mirissa, Weligama or Unawatuna
- Best timeDecember to April
Highlights
- Walk the ramparts of Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Glide through mangrove tunnels on the Madu River
- Swim at Unawatuna or Jungle Beach
- Watch the stilt fishermen at Koggala as the sun goes down
Your day
Pickup from your hotel
We take the coast road south from Colombo or Negombo.
Madu River boat ride
Glide through mangrove tunnels past Cinnamon Island and small island temples.
Galle Fort walking tour
Walk the ramparts, see the lighthouse and the Dutch Reformed Church, and explore lanes of cafés and boutiques inside the fort.
Lunch in the fort
Seafood, rice and curry or a café lunch, your choice.
Swim at Unawatuna or Jungle Beach
Time to swim, snorkel or just lie under a palm tree.
Stilt fishermen at Koggala
Watch the fishermen on their poles in the evening light.
Drive back
The Southern Expressway gets you back quickly.
Drop-off at your hotel
Back in Colombo or Negombo in the evening.
Good to know: Staying on the south coast? From Bentota or Hikkaduwa we start at 08:00, from Mirissa, Weligama or Unawatuna at 09:30, and we change the order so you finish at the fort for sunset.
Prices
| Pickup from | Car · 1–3 | SUV · 1–4 | Van · 1–6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo or Negombo hotelPickup around 06:30, back around 20:30 | US$130 | US$155 | US$170 |
| Bentota, Beruwala or Hikkaduwa hotelPickup around 08:00, back around 19:00 | US$70 | US$85 | US$90 |
| Mirissa, Weligama or Unawatuna hotelPickup around 09:30, back around 18:30 | US$50 | US$60 | US$65 |
Prices in US dollars for the whole vehicle, not per person. Guests per vehicle shown in each column.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking chauffeur-guide
- Fuel, highway tolls and parking
- Bottled water
Not included
- Madu River boat ride, paid on the day
- Lunch and drinks
- Tips for your driver
Before you go
- Bring swimwear, a towel and sunscreen for the beach stop.
- The south coast is at its best from December to April, when the sea is calm.
- The stilt fishermen usually ask for a small tip if you take photos.
- Galle Fort is flat and easy to walk. A hat helps in the midday sun.
Questions
Is the sea safe for swimming?
From December to April the south coast is usually calm. Outside those months the sea can be rough, and your guide will take you to a sheltered bay.
Can we add whale watching?
Boats leave Mirissa early in the morning, roughly from December to April. We can plan it for the same day or the day before.
Can the tour end at the airport?
Yes. Galle to the airport is about 2.5 hours on the expressway, so the tour can end with a drop-off for an evening flight.
More private day tours
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Full day
Kandy Cultural Tour
The Temple of the Tooth, royal gardens, tea tasting and Kandyan dance.
- Temple of the Tooth
- Royal Botanic Gardens
- Tea factory tasting
From, per vehicleUS$45
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Half-day safari
Yala Safari Tour & Transfer
Morning jeep safari for leopards and elephants, with an onward transfer option.
- Leopards, elephants, sloth bears
- Private jeep and tracker
- Safari + transfer option
From, per vehicleUS$80
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Need a ride from the airport too? Book an airport transfer from US$25.