How to Plan Your Private Day Trip to Handungoda and Galle from Weligama

If you’re visiting Weligama and want to explore the beautiful surroundings, why not take a day trip to Handungoda and Galle? This private tour will take you to some of the most picturesque spots in the region, including the stunning Handungoda Tea Plantation and the charming Galle Fort.

Overview of the Private Day Trip

The Private Day Trip to Handungoda and Galle from Weligama is an 8-hour tour that starts at 9:00 AM. On this tour, you will be picked up from your hotel in Weligama and transported by a private vehicle to Handungoda Tea Plantation, where you can enjoy a 1.5-hour tour of the tea estate. Afterward, you will continue your journey to Galle Fort, where you can explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site for 2 hours. Finally, the tour will end back at the meeting point.

What’s Included

The private tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, private transportation by a comfortable vehicle, the service of an English-speaking chauffeur guide, and admission tickets to Handungoda Tea Plantation and Galle Fort. However, meals and gratuities are not included in the package.

Meeting and Pickup Details

The meeting point for the tour is Weligama, and you can either head directly to the meeting point or request a hotel pickup. The tour starts promptly at 9:00 AM, and the end point is back at the meeting point. If you opt for a hotel pickup, the driver will pick you up from your hotel in Weligama.

What to Expect on the Private Day Trip

Handungoda Tea Plantation

The tour starts with a visit to Handungoda Tea Plantation, which is located between Ahangama and Galle towns. This small tea plantation is known for producing the most expensive tea in the world: Virgin White Tea. During the 1.5-hour tour of the plantation, your guide will take you through the entire process involved in tea production, from the picking of the buds to the packaging of the tea leaves. You will also have the opportunity to sample some of the fine teas produced at the estate and purchase some as souvenirs.

Galle Fort

After touring Handungoda Tea Plantation, the tour proceeds to Galle Fort, which is located about 15 km away. Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the best-preserved examples of a fortified city built by European colonizers in Southeast Asia. The fort was built in the 16th century by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch. Your chauffeur guide can provide you with a wealth of information on the fort’s history and show you around the various landmarks within the fort, including the Dutch Reformed Church, the Clock Tower, and the Maritime Museum.

Additional Info and Cancellation Policy

It’s important to note that the tour is not wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for people with limited mobility. However, it’s accessible by public transportation, and most travelers can participate in the tour. This private tour is operated by Lakpura LLC, and confirmation of your booking will be received upon booking. If you need to cancel your booking, you can do so up to 24 hours before the scheduled tour time for a full refund.

Book Your Private Day Trip to Handungoda and Galle Today!

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the beauty of Handungoda and Galle with this Private Day Trip from Weligama. Book the tour here and enjoy a fun-filled day exploring some of the best sites in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions about Galle

If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, Galle is a must-visit destination on your itinerary. This historic city offers a unique blend of Dutch colonial architecture, pristine beaches, and mouth-watering local cuisine. However, as with any travel destination, you likely have a few questions about Galle before you travel there. So, we’ve compiled this FAQ to help answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Galle.

1. What is Galle?

Galle is a city located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, roughly 119 kilometers south of the capital Colombo. It is the capital of the Southern Province of Sri Lanka and is best known for its historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. What is there to do in Galle?

Galle offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy, including:

• Exploring the historic Galle Fort
• Relaxing on the beaches of Unawatuna or Mirissa
• Visiting the Galle Lighthouse
• Taking a boat ride along the Madu River
• Learning about local culture at the Maritime Museum
• Shopping for souvenirs at the Galle Fort Market

3. When is the best time to visit Galle?

The best time to visit Galle is between November and April, which is the dry season in Sri Lanka. During this time, you can expect plenty of sunshine and warm weather. May to September is also a good time to visit Galle, but be aware that this is the monsoon season, so there may be occasional heavy rainfalls.

4. How do I get to Galle?

You can reach Galle by both air and land transportation. The nearest airport is the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, which is about a three-hour drive from Galle. Alternatively, you can take a train from Colombo to Galle, which takes about two and a half hours and offers some of the best views of the Sri Lankan coastline.

5. What currency is used in Galle?

The official currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Many hotels and restaurants in Galle accept credit cards, but it’s always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases.

6. Is it safe to travel to Galle?

Galle is a relatively safe destination for travelers. However, as with any travel destination, it’s always a good idea to take precautions to ensure your safety. Avoid traveling alone at night and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.

7. What language do they speak in Galle?

The official languages of Sri Lanka are Sinhala and Tamil, but many people in Galle also speak English, particularly those in the tourism industry.

8. What should I wear in Galle?

Sri Lanka is a conservative country, and it’s important to dress modestly when visiting Galle. Women should avoid wearing shorts, sleeveless tops, or anything too revealing. Men should also avoid wearing shorts in public places. It’s also a good idea to wear comfortable shoes and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.

9. What are some local dishes to try in Galle?

Galle is known for its delicious cuisine, which is a blend of Sri Lankan, Dutch, and Portuguese influences. Some dishes to try include:

• Hoppers – a type of pancake made with fermented rice flour
• Kottu roti – a spicy dish made with shredded roti bread, vegetables, and meat or eggs
• String hoppers – thin, noodle-like steamed rice flour cakes
• Lamprais – a Dutch-influenced dish made with rice, meat, and vegetables steamed in a banana leaf
• Fish curry – a spicy curry made with a variety of Sri Lankan fish

10. What souvenirs should I buy in Galle?

Galle offers a wide range of souvenirs for visitors to bring home, including handmade crafts, textiles, and spices. Some popular souvenirs include:

• Ayurvedic oils and herbs
• Batik textiles
• Handmade jewelry
• Spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom

Book Your Tour Now

Galle is a unique travel destination that offers plenty to see and do. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or simply enjoying the sun and sea, Galle has something for everyone. With this FAQ, you should now be well equipped to plan your trip to Galle and make the most of your time there. Enjoy!

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Galle

Galle is a southern coastal city of Sri Lanka that is known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and colonial architecture. There are plenty of things to do and see in Galle that can keep you busy for days. In this post, we will guide you on how you can spend your time in Galle like a true tourist.

1. Explore The Galle Fort

The Galle Fort, also known as the Dutch Fort, is an iconic landmark and a UNESCO heritage site that is a must-visit place in Galle. It was established by the Portuguese in the 16th century and was later fortified by the Dutch. It is a mixed architecture of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influence. Walking around the Galle Fort is an excellent way to explore the city’s rich history, and there are plenty of things to see and do on your way. Some of the most famous attractions inside the fort are the Dutch Reformed Church, the Galle Lighthouse, and the Maritime Archaeology Museum.

2. Take a Stroll at the Galle Face Green

The Galle Face Green is a long strip of open space facing the Indian Ocean. It offers a perfect view of the sunset and an excellent place to have a picnic or walk with your loved ones. On weekends, it is a hotspot for locals to come and unwind. There are plenty of street vendors selling local snacks such as Isso wade and Kottu that you can try. Don’t miss out on experiencing the local food culture in Galle.

3. Visit the Unawatuna Beach

The Unawatuna Beach is the most popular beach in Galle, and for a good reason. It offers crystal clear waters and soft sand, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. There are plenty of water activities to try on this beach such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and jet skiing. You can also find many beach bars and restaurants around the beach where you can enjoy the local seafood and drinks.

4. Go Surfing at Weligama Bay

Weligama Bay is a surfer’s paradise and home to some of the best surf schools in Sri Lanka. If you are interested in learning to surf, this is the perfect place to start. Weligama Bay offers waves suitable for beginners and experienced surfers, and there are plenty of surf shops around the area where you can rent surfboards and get lessons.

5. Take a Whale Watching Tour

If you are a nature lover, don’t miss out on taking a whale watching tour in Mirissa. Mirissa is a small coastal town located just a short drive away from Galle, and it is the perfect place to see whales and dolphins up close. There are plenty of tour operators providing whale watching tours in Mirissa, and it is best to book your tour beforehand to avoid disappointment.

6. Shop for Souvenirs at the Galle Market

The Galle Market is a great place to buy souvenirs for your loved ones back home. You can find plenty of local crafts, tea, and spices at the market, and there is always some room for bargaining. The Market is located inside the Galle Fort, and it is open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. Make sure you have some spare time in your itinerary to explore the market and find some unique gifts.

7. Experience the Local Food Culture

Sri Lankan cuisine is known for its use of spices and flavors, and Galle is no exception. There are plenty of local food joints and restaurants in Galle that offer delicious meals at an affordable price. If you are a vegetarian, don’t worry, as there are plenty of vegetarian options available as well. Make sure you try some of the local delicacies such as Rice and Curry, Hoppers, and Kottu while you are in Galle.

Book Your Tour Now

Galle has plenty of things to offer for tourists, and we hope this guide helped you plan your trip accordingly. Remember to explore the Galle Fort, take a stroll in the Galle Face Green, visit the Unawatuna Beach, go surfing at Weligama Bay, take a whale watching tour, shop for souvenirs at the Galle Market, and experience the local food culture. Don’t forget to bring your sunscreen, camera, and an open mind to have the best experience in Galle.