Located in south-western Sri Lanka, Galle is a historically rich city graced with serene pagodas, dazzling beaches, cozy cafes, interesting museums and tranquil settings. In addition to the plethora of attractions, day trips from Hale are another element that travelers can include in their trip. From the exotic wildlife of Yala National Park to the spectacular beaches of Bentota to the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Colombo, Galle has a lot to offer. A few hours’ drive from the city, experience the vibrant colors of Sri Lanka and collect memories to last a lifetime. Here is a comprehensive list of some of the best day trips from Galle that you can enjoy.
7 Day Trips from Galle
When visiting Galle, don’t limit yourself to just one city as there are many other places to see the best of Sri Lanka. The following are some interesting places to visit to make the most of your day trip from Galle:
1. Colombo
Located on the west coast of the island and south of the Kelani River, Colombo is a major port on the Indian Ocean. From serene temples to pleasant weather to pristine beaches and much more, Colombo never fails to mesmerize visitors. With attractions like National Museum of Colombo, Seema Malakaya, Dutch Period Museum, Independence Memorial Park, etc., this destination makes it one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka. With a short drive of about 2 hours, you can reach Colombo from Galle.
Distance from Galle: 125.3 km
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2. Never
Located on the southern coast of the island nation, Weligama is an ideal place to indulge in snorkeling, kayaking, surging, fishing and other water activities. Apart from water activities, visiting Handunugoda Tea Estate and enjoying invigorating spa therapy at famous spa centers are some of the other things to do in Weligama. Furthermore, its sandy beaches, breathtaking views and sparkling rivers make it an ideal destination for nature lovers. The road from Galle to Weligama Drive is quite scenic and you can reach this place within just 45 minutes. For travelers looking for a secluded place with less crowds and abundance of nature, Weligama is the perfect place.
Distance from Galle: 35.6 km
3. Bentota
Located in the Galle District of the Southern Province, Bentota is an ideal place to indulge in a range of water activities. Whether you are a beginner or a professional swimmer, you have many options to choose from such as snorkeling, canoeing, diving, surfing and more. Furthermore, other elements of the city including the lagoon, beaches, delightful weather and estuary also make Bentota an ideal choice to visit on a day trip from Galle. For tourists looking to get away from the crowded areas on holiday, Bentota is a place where they can find all the peace they desire.
Distance from Galle: 71 km
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4. Yala National Park
Designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900, Yala is widely famous for the Yala National Park, which is home to many animals, including rare and endangered species. Enjoy your trip by hiring a jeep to explore the forests of the sanctuary. Sri Lankan elephant, wild water buffalo, painted stork, Sri Lankan leopard, black-headed ibis etc. are some of the animals that you can see here. So, if you are a wildlife enthusiast or a nature lover, then Yala is the place for you. It is noteworthy that you can complete the journey from Galle to Yala National Park in just two hours.
Distance from Galle: 147 km
5. Ella
Located right in the middle of the gorgeous countryside, Ella is considered a hiker’s paradise due to its numerous trekking trails that are suitable for beginners as well as professional trekkers/hikers. To enjoy such an experience, you can enjoy trekking at attractions like Little Adams Peak and Ella Rock. Apart from this, taking a dip in Ravana Falls, enjoying a tour of Ceylon Tea Factory and taking attractive vows from Lipton Seat are some of the experiences worth enjoying in a day.
Distance from Galle: 198.6 km
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6. In Mirissa
Mirissa is a crescent-shaped beach village that offers a heavenly abode for beach lovers and peace seekers. From soaking in the tranquility of Mirissa Beach to strolling through palm tree forests to beachcombing, there are many things to do in Mirissa. To make the most of your day trip from Galle, you can also experience Mirissa’s vibrant nightlife while visiting some of the best clubs. Apart from this, Mirissa Beach, Polahena Beach, Unawatuna Town, Galle Fort, Dewamini Roti Shop etc. are some of the major attractions that can be covered in a day.
Distance from Galle: 35.1 km
7. Negombo
Known for white sandy beaches and an old fishing industry, Negombo is a great destination to enjoy on a day trip from Galle. A less explored destination that is only a 2.5-hour drive from Galle, Negom is located on the west coast of Sri Lanka. From strolling through small fishing villages to exploring attractions on a guided canal boat ride to enjoying a meal on a catamaran, you can enjoy a ton of experiences in the city. To enjoy a city tour, make sure to include major attractions like the Fishing Village, Dutch Fort, St. Mary’s Church, Negombo Beach, Kelaniya Buddhist Temple and Hamilton Canal in your itinerary.
Distance from Galle: 157.0 km
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Now that you have all the necessary information about the best day trips from Galle, plan a trip to Sri Lanka with your loved ones right away. With places like Colombo, Kandy, Bentota, Dambulla, you have many options to add to your itinerary. So, wait no longer and choose from customizable packages at TourTravelHotels. happy vacation!
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FAQs about day trips from Galle
What are the best day trips from Galle?
Colombo, Mirissa, Bentota, Negombo, Dambulla, Kandy, Ratnapura, Unawatuna and Sigiriya are some of the places that offer you the best day trips from Galle. All destinations are easily accessible by train, bus and car.
When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?
December is the best month to visit Sri Lanka due to calm seas, pleasant temperatures and low rainfall. While the skies are clear on the beaches, the climate in Sri Lanka (which is mostly humid) is perfect for exploring hill stations and coffee plantations.
What are the best attractions in Colombo?
Some of the best places you can visit in Colombo are Galle Face Green, Gangaramaya Temple, Viharamahadevi Park, Independence Memorial Hall, National Museum of Colombo, Beira Lake, Cima Malakaya, Old Parliament House, Pettah Floating Market and Paradise Road.
What is the distance between Galle and Yala National Park?
Yala National Park is located about 147 km from Galle.
How many days are enough to visit Galle?
A visit of 2-3 days would be enough to explore the best of Galle. However, if you want to add day trips from Galle to your itinerary, you will need to allow at least 6-7 days.
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