Galle is the cultural and cosmopolitan heart of Sri Lanka’s south coast.
With a striking setting on the island’s southwestern tip, it’s framed by Indian Ocean beaches and forested hills rolling inland. Its iconic Dutch Fort — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is at the centre of a lively old town, home to boutique hotels, independent craft shops, and buzzing cafés. Over the centuries, Arab traders, Portuguese, Dutch and British settlers left their imprint here, creating a layered, colourful character still felt today.
Just outside Galle, Unawatuna still hums with its 1970s bohemian spirit, offering safe year-round swimming, relaxed beach bars and affordable places to stay. Further along the coast, Thalpe leans more upscale, dotted with elegant villas and boutique beach hotels. Though reef-protected swimming is limited here, the overall pace is tranquil and refined. Inland, you’ll find a softer, greener landscape of tea fields, peaceful lakes, saffron-robed monks and a handful of serene hotels ideal for privacy and downtime.
Visit in late January and you’ll catch the renowned Galle Literary Festival — a highlight on the global arts calendar. As Sri Lanka flourishes, so too does Galle: a magnetic, ever-evolving part of the island.
ETG Sample Itineraries in the Galle Region
Sri Lanka
Family Safari, Surf and Turf
This immersive and unusual itinerary is a brilliant option for adventurous families seeking something different in Sri Lanka. Avoiding the typical loop, it carves a path through verdant tea hills, remote beaches, and wildlife-rich landscapes, offering a vibrant mix of activity, culture, and relaxation.
Trek a scenic section of the Pekoe Trail, surf Sri Lanka’s east coast, and spot elephants in the wild before winding down in Galle’s historic fort. Each stay has been handpicked for comfort, charm, and a sense of place. This is a real adventure with no compromise on ease.
Highlights
The Pekoe Trail
Privately guided walk along a scenic stretch of the Pekoe Trail
Safari in Kumana National Park
Spot elephants, birds and sloth bears on safari in Kumana National Park
Surfing
Surf and unwind on the relaxed east coast at Arugam Bay
Guided walk
Explore Galle Fort with a local guide and enjoy tea in a historic Dutch home
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Sri Lanka
Digital Detox in Sri Lanka
This itinerary idea is perfect if you long to slow down, reconnect, and immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s beauty. You’ll also veer off the beaten track, staying in gorgeous eco-lodges and homely retreats. Leave life’s constant buzz behind and savour meaningful connections with your companions, locals, and the natural world.
Highlights
Gal Oya National Park
Boat safaris on Sri Lanka’s largest lake, spotting elephants and vibrant birdlife
Knuckles Mountains
Hike hidden trails and discovering a disappearing way of life
Historic Galle
Explore the charming fort and the vibrant local food scene here
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Sri Lanka
Relaxed Sri Lanka Holiday
This laid-back tour takes you to some of Sri Lanka’s most exceptional hotels without the need for rushing, while also allowing you to see a wealth of the country’s scenery and culture. Sri Lanka is so beautiful inland that it’s worth taking your time to explore and experience what makes it so unique. If you can spare extra time, we think this holiday could also combine well with The Maldives, do call us to discuss.
Highlights
Cultural Triangle
Explore the many beautiful ancient sites of the Cultural Triangle from the comfort of one of the best hotels in the region
Tea Plantations
Take in the tea-clad hills with time for gentle walks and local exploration
Private chauffeur-guide
All travel with your very own chauffeur-guide, giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace
Sri Lanka
Nature & Wildlife Explorer
Sri Lanka is extraordinary, with wildlife and nature all around. This holiday is ideal for casual nature and wildlife enthusiasts who want to see the island’s varied landscapes while getting a feel for day-to-day rural life and enjoying a relaxing time.
The hotels selected here are all small and intimate places where you might enjoy discussing wildlife with other guests, away from any of the principal tourist trails.
Highlights
Wildlife experiences
Enjoy some of the best wildlife experiences in the country. Joining expert guides to track elephants, leopards, and more
Knuckles Mountains
Spot rare birds while sipping local tea in the comfort of your villa near the Knuckles Mountains
The Mudhouse
Choose between early morning bird-watching walks, kayaking on the lake, learning to cook local food, or relaxing in a hammock at The Mudhouse.
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Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka for Families & Friends
Sri Lanka is a fantastic destination for groups of friends and family, whether it’s two families travelling together, a multigenerational group, or long-lost relatives reuniting from the UK and the Antipodes! The destination offers something for all ages, complemented by unique accommodations perfect for these gatherings, from private villas to boutique hotels and tea bungalows, small enough to book exclusively.
Villas in Sri Lanka are typically exquisitely designed and offer ample space to unwind and connect. With separate bedrooms, spacious living areas, and outdoor spaces, usually with private pools and lush gardens, they provide privacy and exclusivity, perfect for bonding without interruptions. Most villas also have dedicated staff, including chefs and housekeepers, ensuring tailored dining experiences and excellent service.
Highlights
Scenic train journeys
Travel through Sri Lanka’s lush highlands on one of the world’s most scenic train journeys from Kandy to Haputale.
Yala National Park
Enjoy a private safari in Yala National Park’s quieter Block 5, home to leopards, sloth bears, and crocodiles.
Kalukanda House
Spend several days at Kalukanda House, a private, peaceful retreat within a stone’s throw of an excellent little surf beach, ideal for family relaxation and adventure.
Colombo
Explore the cultural heart of Colombo with a private tuk-tuk tour and walking experience through its historic neighbourhoods.
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Sri Lanka
Slow Travel, Tea & Trains with Teardrop Hotels
Forget rushing around from one stop to another. This itinerary showcases the best of Sri Lanka – but slowly… travelling by rail and road.
We teamed up with Teardrop Hotels to create this exclusive trip – combining their glorious boutique properties (via the remarkable train journeys between them) and ETG’s classic experiences. It’s a winning recipe for an immersive and luxurious holiday.
Highlights
Scenic train journeys
The breathtaking views and sites on one of Asia’s most memorable train journeys
Heritage hotels
Exceptional heritage hotels that celebrate the island’s history, diversity and beauty
Immersive experiences
Curated and exclusive walks and experiences that bring out the magic of travel in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
South Coast Discovery
This holiday minimises travel compared to typical Sri Lanka tours, blending wildlife and adventure between two coastal stays in distinct areas of the south coast—each showcasing a different side of the island’s charm.
You’ll explore with your private chauffeur- guide, balancing immersive cultural experiences with plenty of beach relaxation—an easygoing way to discover Sri Lanka’s diversity. Designed to feature both popular highlights and hidden gems, the itinerary is carefully structured to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey without travel fatigue. Your adventure begins and concludes along the stunning southern coastline.
Highlights
Yala National Park
Encounter elusive leopards and sloth bears on a private safari in Yala National Park.
Pekoe Trail
Immerse yourself in local culture on a scenic walk along the Pekoe Trail, meeting tea pluckers along the way.
Udawalawe Elephant Sanctuary
Witness the incredible elephant feeding program at Udawalawe’s conservation sanctuary.
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Sri Lanka
Luxury with a Touch of Adventure
Explore Sri Lanka with immersive local experiences, wilderness adventures, and luxury hotel stays.
This itinerary is all about balancing our cultural and outdoor adventures with exceptional hotels. It is ideal for people who love luxury accommodation but don’t like to end up in could-be-anywhere hotels where they feel cut off from their destination. There is plenty of time to enjoy a range of carefully crafted experiences without missing out on the relaxation and quality that each unique hotel offers.
Highlights
Seaplane journey
A scenic seaplane journey into the Cultural Triangle to cut driving times, giving you more time to spend enjoying the area and your hotel
Ahaspokuna
Stay in a luxury tented camp in a rarely visited part of the Sri Lankan wilderness.
South Coast
Spend time relaxing in a boutique hotel on the south coast, spending a day cruising down the Kapu Ela river and exploring this remote area by tuk-tuk.
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