Srilanka Basic Package

Today we’ll be heading out of Galle in the early morning. We don’t want to miss the once-in-a-lifetime view in Galle which is located in the south-western part of the island. We start our city tour in Galle upon arriving. The Galle Fort is the highlight of the tour, a historical structure that was constructed during the Dutch colonial era. The Fort was finished in 1663 and stood as a fortress that’s well-known for the European architecture mixed with Sri Lankan influence. It earned the World Heritage Site title in 1988. The Galle National Museum is another destination you shouldn’t miss out. There are displays of many artefacts made of ebony, tortoise shell, and old wood. Many left behind by owners and makers long gone. Later we will be heading out to Hikkaduwa, a small town located in the southern coast. This beautiful coastal town has gorgeous lines of reefs and restaurants line up on shore. We’ll visit the Hikkaduwa Beach and just take in the view of the turquoise water. You should try snorkeling here while you get the chance and maybe even a little bit of windsurfing. When you get closer to the beach, you’ll see several shacks and stores to enjoy local delicacies. Or try hopping on a bicycle tour to look around the island. We drive back to Bentota to spend the night at the hotel once we’re done.

Enjoy your breakfast the check-out from the hotel in Bentotta and hop on your ride for Colombo. We start our Colombo City Tour immediately upon arrival with a visit to the iconic Independence Square located within the Cinnamon Gardens. It is also where the Independence Memorial Museum is built to commemorate the independence of Sri Lanka in 1948. The Hall is located in the heart of the museum and is used for ceremonial purposes. It’s impressively known for the architectural feats with intricately carved lion statues, pillars, and columns that has Sri Lankan design on them. The square is now a popular place to just hang out and stay cool around the fountains while enjoying the greenery after a quick shop at the arcade within the colonial government buildings. You do need to pay attention to the car itineraries and ensure that it passes by this attraction. The World Trade Centre Towers of Colombo are another buildings worth visiting. They are 39-storey twin towers building that was opened by 1997 and has continued to flourish as the financial situation and business in the country grow. The 152m twin towers have many facilities including entertainment venues, restaurants and several shops. Visitors are invited to visit and experience the services of the many stores that are open here. It’s definitely worth a visit to look around, but also make sure the car itineraries include a stop here. The Galle Face Green is an ocean-side park and known as Colombo’s biggest seaside promenade. The park becomes popular among visitors because you can enjoy the gorgeous sunset view. It was first planned out in 1850 by Governor Sir Henry George Ward when it was still a golf course that doubles as a horse racing track. There were a few hearsays throughout the years as some believe it was meant for the “fair ladies” to spend a pleasant afternoon at. Others said that it was where the Dutch planned to line up their cannons while defending against Portuguese. The view and greenery are worth it, but as usual make sure the car itineraries include an extended stop to the promenade. Our tour also includes a visit to the Viharamahadevi Park which is one of the biggest in the city. It is also known as the Victoria Park that was designed and constructed by the British before Sri Lanka’s Independence. It used to host events for the British Army pre-WWII, the 17th Brigade of Australian Army, and where several cricket matches were hosted. A Buddha statue will greet you at the entrance and as you go further in, you’ll see water fountains where you can chill around. There’s also a play area and a zoo where you can spend some quality time with your kids. There’s also a small aquarium on the eastern side of the museum which is near the park where you can see many rare local fish species. Just 4km outside Colombo is the Old Parliament Building that has become a famous historical building. It was established in 1930 as the Parliament before it was moved to Jayawardenapura Jotte in 1983. Presently, the baroque-style building with faded paint is the home of the Presidential Secretariat. There’s also the garden where you can see several bronze statues of important figures to Sri Lanka’s history during the Colonial Era. After the tour, we will head to the hotel for check-in. Spend the night at the hotel in Colombo.

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel before we check-out. You’ll have the rest of the day on your own before the time of departure. Our team will drive you to the airport per schedule for your flight back home.