Excursions near Maliga Kanda

We define a ‘day trip’ as a long drive but not so long that you need to stay overnight. Whether you want to be at one with nature or to discover Sri Lankan architecture and the islands main produce, we have listed a few below that we think are well worth a visit.

Galle Fort

Time 20 minutes by Tuk Tuk

Stroll around the coastal ramparts and atmospheric streets of the UNESCO World heritage Site, Galle Fort. Originally constructed by Portuguese in the 16th century and later enhanced by the Dutch, it is the best preserved colonial Fort in South Asia!

The cobbled streets are lined with colonial houses, hotels, designer boutiques, and some of the best restaurants on the island. The ramparts are a beautiful place for a dawn or sunset walk. Take a hat! At the weekend or public holidays it may be crowded with local tourists from all over the country. Home to an international cricket ground, the ramparts come alive when there is a match on which is such a fabulous spectacle to witness.

For those who need a little more information we can arrange a guided walking tour. If you’re in the mood for some retail therapy Galle Fort is the place having some beautiful shops and boutiques to explore and indulge yourself in. Or enjoy a high tea on the terrace of Amangalla Hotel.

Galle Fort

Geoffrey Bawa Lunuganga Estate, Bentota

Distance 72 km . Time 70 mins

Geoffrey Bawa is one of Sri Lanka’s iconic figures and is regarded as having been one of the most important and influential Asian architects of the 20th Century. The Lunuganga Estate was his country home and the gardens were his muse and experimental laboratory for new ideas. The house is now a hotel and the gardens are open at certains times of the day so calling ahead is essential. A beautiful and fascinating place to while away an afternoon.

Geoffrey Bawa Lunuganga Estate

Tea Plantation

Distance 16km. Time 30 minutes.

Can you really come to Sri Lanka and not visit a tea estate? Close to Galle is the world famous virgin white tea plantation, Handunugoda Tea Estate.

Handunugoda Tea Estate

Cinnamon Plantation

Distance 16km. Time 30 minutes.

First discovered by the Portuguese, Sri Lanka produces 90% of the world’s supply of true cinnamon and it remains one of the country’s primary exports.

A few kilometres inland from Weligama is a British run Estate where the owners offer tours demonstrating cinnamon leaf bundling; the entire process of cinnamon leaf oil steam-extraction, as well as uses of this very special essential oil. This is an eco-friendly and perfectly self-sustaining farming process, with every part of the plant used or recycled, and a completely natural and health-giving result.

The tour is designed to teach all about cinnamon farming as well as give an impression of the life of an expatriate farmer in Sri Lanka.

The cinnamon experience

Idle Bikes – Guided Cycling Tours

Distance 15 minutes.

Idle Bikes have been exploring the lush countryside around Galle since 2004. Unrivalled bike routes take you on a magical mystery tour through the ever smiling vibrant local village life. You can choose the length of trip you do from one of their well mapped out trails. Their office is just 15 minutes from the house and close by for Wijaya Beach.

Idle Bikes