The ancient fortified town of Galle has become a magnet for tourists in the past 20 years or so. Its pull has been so strong that chic hotels, cafes and boutique shops now fill its ancient streets, attracting a steady stream of families in holiday mood. The entire Galle Coast has been uplifted by the popularity of the Fort and the coastline can boast an impressive selection of upmarket hotels and villas.
Red Dot does not just specialise in the Galle Coast, we invented the term to capture the distinctive feel of a stretch of coastline that runs from the southern outskirts of Hikkaduwa on the West Coast to the surfing town of Weligama as the coast turns south.
Many families heading for the Galle Coast expect to find a range of intelligent activities that allow them to experience the real Sri Lanka and maintain a commitment to eco-friendly and sustainable travel. Among our most popular activities is the chance to cook with a local family – Sri Lanka curry and rice a speciality. This opportunity is carefully chosen so even if your children have no experience of cooking whatsoever, they will be able to try their luck in the sort of laid-back surroundings that Sri Lanka can deliver.
If you are still full of energy after walking the walls of Galle Fort, why not take in a cycle ride around the nearby villages. The roads quieten notably as soon as you move a few hundred metres inland and our cycling provider is highly regarded. You can even mix and match with a cycling and boating trip.
Galle Dutch Fort
Galle Fort, Galle Coast
Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site originally built by the Portuguese before it was further developed by the Dutch and British, covers nearly 4sqkm and houses a range of old colonial buildings.
Duration: 1 hour
Best time: Year-round
Sri Lankan Cooking Class with a Family
Galle, Galle Coast
Sensationally flavoursome rice and curry is a staple in Sri Lanka. A plate of rice and curry is comprised of various curries, cooked vegetables, sambols and steamed rice.
Duration: 3 hours
Best time: Year-round
Galle Boats and Bikes
Gal Oya, East Coast
Explore the rural villages around Galle, first by boat as you sail down the Kapu Ela, then by a scenic 9km bike ride through the surrounding paddy fields. Finish with hoppers and tea in a mud hut.
Duration: 2 hours
Best time: Year-round
Galle Guided Bicycle Trails
Galle, Galle Coast
Cycle through Galle’s beautiful countryside, passing paddy fields dotted with iconic white egrets and water buffalo, quiet villages, tea and rice fields. Choose from a range of routes.
Duration: 2 hours
Best time: Year-round
Kanneliya Rainforest
Kanneliya, Galle Coast
Trek through this forest area which lies just 35km from Galle. Accompanied by an experienced wildlife tracker, absorb the tranquil atmosphere whilst looking out for tropical birds and other animals.
Duration: 3 hours
Best time: Year-round
Mask-Making Workshop
Galle Fort, Galle Coast
A hands-on workshop which introduces you to the use of masks in Sri Lankan culture and demonstrates the stages of traditional mask carving from start to finish as you attempt to make one yourself.
Duration: 3 hours
Best time: Year-round
River Cruising
Island-wide
Slow down and travel silently by tiny boat up a Sri Lanka river to get a real sense of the beauty of this tropical land.
Duration: 2 hours
Best time: Year-round
