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Top 10 Places to Visit Near Galle

A trip to Sri Lanka is often incomplete without visiting Galle. One of the most popular cities on the southern edge of the island, Galle is popular for its ancient Portuguese, Dutch, and British architecture, breathtaking beaches, culture, and heritage. When visiting the island, Merganser Holidays is among the most sought-after Travel Agents in Sri Lanka. Get in touch with us for bespoke Sri Lanka Private Tours.

Top 10 Attractions in Galle

1. The National Museum of Galle – One of the best places to explore Sri Lankan history, the National Museum of Galle holds invaluable artefacts and relics from the 4th Century. Starting with its historic architecture, wooden carvings, and Beeralu Collection, the Dutch influence on Sri Lankan culture can be best viewed through the weapons and items on display at the museum.

2. Galle Dutch Fort – Originally constructed by the Portuguese on a strategic location overlooking the Laccadive Sea, the fort was captured by the Dutch. The British finally sealed the structure due to the vast extent of renovation required to get it operational. The Galle Dutch Fort has been rebuilt since, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site popular with tourists.

3. Japanese Peace Pagoda – The ideal location to visit on your hunt for tranquility in the middle of the urban jungle, the Japanese Peace Pagoda is located on top of the Rumassala Hill. The place offers some of the most serene views of the ocean and the surrounding forest. The temple is also visible from Galle beach and Unawatuna beach.

4. Jungle Beach – Offering some of the best views of the shoreline and the right amount of quiet time needed to rejuvenate your mind and soul, jungle beach is one of the less popular beaches near Galle. Ideal for snorkeling and exploring the surrounding wildlife, indulge your senses in the diverse marine life at Jungle Beach.

5. Galle Fort Clock Tower – Constructed in the memory of the humanitarian doctor Peter Daniel Anthonisz. Records suggest the locals pooled in the capital required to construct the clock tower in his honor. The clock tower overlooks the Moon Bastion, which once was the guard’s room.

6. Sea Turtle Hatchery – Privately owned and operated by a local family dedicated to preserving the wildlife population. The sea turtle hatchery tends to the fitness of the native sea turtle population, aiding the conservation process. This place holds a plethora of knowledge about the local marine life. Taking a short detour here is highly recommended.

7. Galle Lighthouse – Nestled within the Galle Fort, the Galle Lighthouse is an amazing example of the imperial architecture. One of the oldest lighthouses in the country, the tower was a sight of relief for ancient mariners traveling the olden trade route. It is a mesmerizing sight for tourists today!

8. Meeran Jumma Mosque – Located in the Arab corner of Galle fort, Meeran Jumma Mosque is one of the most alluring structures in Galle. The grand architecture of the mosque makes it popular among tourists. Key design elements include Italian flooring, artistic glasses, mesmerizing chandeliers, and huge corridors.

9. Koggala Beach – Offering some of the best views of the Galle coastline, Koggala beach is a haven for tourists looking to discover some of the hidden gems near Galle. If you are feeling inclined, you could also try your hand at surfing here.

10. Sinharaja Forest Reserve – Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a paradise for nature lovers. Home to a vast number of animal and bird species, you can almost find 95% of Sri Lanka’s endemic bird species in this reserve.

In your quest for Tour Operators in Sri Lanka, Merganser Holidays is among the best local travel companies. Visit our website for the best deals on Sri Lankan tour packages and the widest collection of customizable travel itineraries.

The Top 3 Road Trips to Take in Sri Lanka

If you are a fan of road trips, Sri Lanka is perhaps the ideal destination for you to explore. While there are numerous self-drive car rental services around the island, we recommend hiring a chauffeured ride for the best experience. If you have traveled through Southeast Asia, you are probably aware of the traffic rules, or their lack thereof, resulting in chaos. Merganser Holidays can arrange exclusive Sri Lanka tours, including relaxing road trips through the heartland. With that in mind, here is a list of the top 3 road trips to take in Sri Lanka.

1. Explore the Hill Country

The perfect excursion for the adrenaline junkies, the drive towards Nuwara Eliya starts from Colombo. Drive alongside picturesque tea estates, quaint hill towns, and tropical forests as the weather gets cooler. We recommend exploring any of the bigger tea estates in the area to witness the production of the famous Ceylon tea.

Next on the list is the famous Horton Plains National Park. Located just 30 minutes from Nuwara Eliya, the park is located at an altitude of 7,000 feet and is home to a number of popular treks. The two most popular hikes include Baker’s Fall and World’s End. Next in line is Ella, set amongst a quaint rural backdrop, the hamlet is the ideal location to spend the night.

Your sightseeing options in Ella include a hike to Little Adam’s Peak and Diyaluma Falls. Next up, the cultural capital of Kandy will keep your engrossed for a few days. The architectural and cultural hotspots in town include the Temple of he Tooth, Kandy Lake, and the Royal Botanical Gardens. You can drive back to Colombo, or continue exploring the Cultural Triangle.

2. The Cultural Triangle

Start your journey from Kandy and visit Anuradhapura, 4 – 5 hours away. Popular attractions here include the ruins of ancient Sri Lankan civilizations, the Bodhi tree, Ruwanwelisaya, and Kuttam Pokuna. You can also explore the local monasteries and museum before heading down to the city of Polonnaruwa 100 km away.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is home to a plethora of temples, stupas, and statues. Some of the popular attractions in town include the Archaeological Museum, the Sacred Quadrangle, Gal Vihara, and Rankot Vihara. Next up, the Lion Rock of Sigiriya awaits your attention. Located 50 kms from Polonnaruwa, the ancient kingdom located atop the hill is a testament of the bygone era. The magnificent ruins of the citadel, frescoes, and mirror wall are a thing of wonder, and the walk up the stone steps is equally enchanting. This also marks the end of the Cultural Triangle road trip.

3. The Northern Limits

Perhaps the most diverse road trip Sri Lanka has to offer, exploring the northern end of the country will take you through the commercial hubs, cultural centers, and hill towns. Start your journey at Colombo by exploring the colonial architecture, ancient temples, and the war memorial. The Dutch canals of Negombo are a popular draw nearby.

Bid adieu to city life on your drive towards Anuradhapura. Located 200 km from the capital, this ancient city is home to the famous Bodhi Tree Temple. 50 minutes from town is the Wilpattu National Park. Home to natural lakes, wildlife safaris, and jungle trails, the rich biodiversity of the oldest National Park in the nation is a sight to behold!

Next in line is the colonial town of Mannar. When in town, do not forget to visit the Ketheeswaram Temple and the forts constructed by the Portuguese. Spend some time by the beach before driving to Jaffna, the largest city on the northern tip of Sri Lanka. Your trip concludes with a visit to the Jaffna Fort, Jaffna Palace, and the public library!

About Merganser Holidays

Merganser Holidays is among the leading local travel companies in Sri Lanka. Proficient in organizing bespoke Sri Lanka holiday packages. We specialize in crafting travel itineraries based on client recommendations. Visit our website to browse our Sri Lanka tour package catalogue and the best deals on online bookings.

Explore the Sri Lankan Coastline on an Epic Coast to Coast Road Trip

If you have taken a road trip before, you know how addictive it can be. If you are yet to take one, there is no better place than Sri Lanka. The Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is known for its tropical beaches, tranquil hill towns, quaint tea estates, and culture centers. Keeping that in mind, here is the ideal itinerary for a coast to coast road trip through the Southern edge of Sri Lanka.

Getting Started

Famous for its range of stunning beaches and watersport activities, the drive along the southern coastline has some of the best views on the island. You can start exploring from Mount Lavinia near Colombo, which is famous for its delicious seafood and the palm-lined coastal road. Located 40km from Colombo, Kalutara is your first destination. The drive along Calido beach is a popular attraction here. Next stop is the vacation town of HIkkaduwa, which is around 70km from Kalutara. Some of the popular attractions here include snorkeling, surfing, or renting a boat to explore the Indian Ocean. Tourist can also explore the nearby Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary, which is a popular draw.

Barely 30 minutes from Hikkaduwa, Galle city is next on the list. This ancient port town is famous for its architecture, which is inspired by the Dutch, Portuguese, and British. Two of the popular beaches in town include Unawatuna and Bentota. You can visit the turtle hatcheries here or explore the nearby coral reef. 35km away is the Weligama beach that is famous for stilt fishing. The fishermen here will gladly put on a display in exchange for a tip.

Next in line is the commercial fishing town of Matara. Also famous for its ancient architecture, do not forget to visit the Polhena beach and the Parey Dewa temple located on an island off shore. For a change in scenery, head to Yala National Park, which is located approximately 120km away. Explore the wildlife here before driving down to Kirinda, a small beach town renowned for its white sand beaches and opulent resorts. Take a break amidst Mother Nature here before driving down to the final destination of the trip, Arugam Bay. Located 165km from Kirinda, Arugam Bay is home to some of the best surfs on Earth. The beach is lined with seafood restaurants serving fresh catch, sunbathing tourists, and the constant crash of waves.

About Merganser Holidays

Merganser Holidays is a local travel operator proficient in organizing bespoke holiday experiences throughout Sri Lanka. Our service portfolio includes customizable tour packages based on client recommendations, tailored adventures designed exclusively for guests from the ground up, day tours, jungle safari, car hire Sri Lanka, and airport transfer.

There is no better way to exploring Sri Lanka than taking a road trip through the heart of the country. With the advent of global tourism, self-drive car rentals have become popular over the years. However, if you prefer taking a back seat, we recommend Sri Lanka driver hire. Your driver doubles as the local guide, and is in charge of safety.

At Merganser Holidays, client security is our primary concern. Our entire team is trained to handle customer requirements and complaints with the highest level of proficiency. Visit our website for details on travel packages and to craft a bespoke vacation. You can also follow us on Facebook for the latest deals and group concessions!