2 days excursion to Galle and Udawalawa from Negombo

Itinerary

Day 1: Negombo - Galle

Stop At: Galle Fort, Church Street, Galle 80000 Sri Lanka
The Galle Fort is a visual metaphor for Sri Lankan history. Ancient Sri Lankan culture collides with colonial architecture in ways that can only be described as mystical. It is why this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a favorite among tourists coming to Sri Lanka, today and in days past. It was established in 1588 and subsequently controlled by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British. Today, it is a cultural melting pot that attracts artists, writers and other creatives as well as a diverse demographic of Muslims, Sinhalese, Portuguese, Dutch, English and German settlers. The fort boasts a vibrant culture that is unique to its confines and is the best-preserved site of colonial significance in Sri Lanka.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Galle National Museum, Church St, Galle 80000 Sri Lanka
The Galle National Museum, housed in one of the oldest buildings from the Dutch era in the Galle Fort, provides good insight into the traditional cultural heritage of the south with its wide range of anthropological artifacts. The south has long been a stronghold of folk drama, or “kolam”, and the museum has an excellent collection of masks which are an integral part of this performance. Good examples of now almost nonexistent traditional crafts such as tortoise shell jewelry and handmade crocheted lace, along with tools and implements used in their manufacture are also on display. Artifacts from the Portuguese and Dutch colonial period are prominently featured here and include ancient swords, firearms, an assortment of porcelain and earthenware and cooking implements.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Old Dutch Hospital, Hospital St, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka
An old historic building within the Galle Fort of southern Sri Lanka has been renovated as an exclusive modern shopping complex while preserving its old Dutch architecture. This hospital complex is said to have been one of the best facilities available, though there were no beds at the time Sri Lanka, the Patients were provided with the reed mats whilst the most influential and the critically ill were provided with straw mattresses, which were considered to have been a luxury at the time. The canal nearby the Hospital was filled with the British colonists after Sri Lanka was captured by the British.
Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight stay in a 3 star hotel in Galle

Day 2: Galle - Udawalawa - Negombo

Stop At: Udawalawa National Park, 7th Mile Post, Uva Province, Sri Lanka
The park was created as a place of safety for the wildlife displaced as a result of the building of the Udawalawe Reservoir on the Walawe River, which is now a part of the park and an important source of water for the animals living within it. If you desire to see the best of Elephants, then Udawalawe is where you should be heading for. It is considered as one of the best destinations to see herds of Asian Elephants, both adults and young, an estimated 500 elephants in herds of 100, as they roam through the park. A must visit destination before the actual park excursion is the Udawalawe Elephant transit home which is situated close to the Udawalawe Reservoir. The transit home takes care of abandoned baby elephants by providing them with food, water, and refuge in a totally natural environment until they can fend for themselves, after which they are released into the wilds.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: No accommodation provided on this day