Luxury Galle Tours

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and former colonial trading post, Galle is Sri Lanka’s fourth largest city and the thriving capital of the south.

Originally used by the Portuguese in the 16th century as a hub for trading spices, gems and exotic goods, they were overthrown in the 18th century by the Dutch and later by the British.

At the heart of the city lies the magnificent Fort, the largest in Asia and Sri Lanka’s best preserved colonial town. The Dutch expanded the Fort to its grand scale, complete with a chain of huge bastions and towering granite walls to withstand enemy cannonballs.

More than 300 years later, those same walls saved the city from devastation during the 2004 tsunami. Today, the Fort is a historical gem and an absolute delight to explore.

The picturesque streets are lined with Dutch-colonial buildings, grand mansions, ancient mosques and churches, as well as touches of old Moorish architectural influences.

You can spend hours roaming the quiet cobblestone lanes filled with antique boutiques, stylish cafes and heritage houses. Take a walk with a resident guide who will entertain you tales of the fort’s rich history.

Beyond the Fort, you’ll find a town buzzing with local Sri Lankan culture. We’ll take you to a local village for a hands-on cooking demonstration, where you’ll discover a new layer of Sri Lanka’s proud heritage through its delicious cuisine. 

Start with a visit to a local market to see the colourful array of tropical fruits and vegetables. Then, you’ll move to a traditional wattle and daub hut for an authentic culinary experience and a true feast for all your senses. In the evening, take part in traditional mask carving with your hosts.

Experience the local side of Galle with a tour around a nearby village by bike and boat, starting with a serene boat journey down the Kapu Ela River, accompanied by a local naturalist who will point out the local bird and reptile life along the way.

Take a nine-kilometre ride through Sri Lanka’s paddy fields, southern villages and rural Galle. Stop at local markets to observe villagers trading and take a rest in a cool mud hut to refresh yourself with homemade herbal teas.

A magical city steeped in history and culture, and unlike any other in Sri Lanka, Galle becomes a fast favourite for anyone who visits.