Explore the Kapu Ela River by boat & Cycle through Rural Galle
Enjoy a scenic and immersive tour through the beautiful countryside surrounding Galle. Your journey will take you down the Kapu Ela River by boat and then by bike across the paddies, ending with a traditional Sri Lankan meal and a lesson in hopper making.
Area
South Coast
Type
Active
Wildlife & Nature
Grade
Standard
Who
Adults
Teens
Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
Half Day
The South Coast of Sri Lanka is a beautiful part of the island, filled with tropical greenery and with a tranquil and laid-back atmosphere. Although best known for its Fort and beaches, this 3-hour tour will show you a different side to Galle's jungle, glistening paddy fields, and quaint winding roads.
In just three hours, you will pass by small villages and witness everyday life for these rural communities. The journey begins by heading down the Kapu Ela River by boat. Accompanied by a local naturalist, learn about the flora and fauna that inhabits the river and its surrounding banks. Cruise gently along through canals, under bridges and passing local communities as they go about their everyday life.
Next, back on land and hop on the bicycle that will be waiting for you. A 9km scenic bike ride will take you through Galle's gently sloping pastures. Alternatively, you can also travel by tuk tuk. Pass through paddy fields and plenty of water buffalo, before finishing at a cool mud hut for some refreshing herbal tea.
After working up an appetite, here you will learn how to make traditional fresh hoppers on a clay stove before sitting down for a feast on this delicious delicacy. Afterwards choose to either ride back by bike or get a lift to where your driver will be waiting for you.
Tours Featuring This Experience
Be inspired by the itineraries below which include this experience and let our travel specialists craft a bespoke luxury holiday for you.
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View TourJust us: Sri Lanka
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View TourIconic Sri Lanka
Showcasing our most popular properties and a route that remains a firm favourite with our guests, this journey captures the very best of Sri Lanka in effortless style. From serene colonial gardens to the untouched wilderness of Wilpattu, you’ll experience immersive culture, meaningful encounters and refined luxury throughout. Explore ancient kingdoms by bike and on foot, journey through emerald tea hills, and unwind on the southern coast—this is Sri Lanka’s classic highlights.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationAmangalla
Amangalla is a stunning boutique hotel with just 29 individual styled rooms, chamers and suites. Set in the Galle Fort on Sri Lanka's southern coast, it is the perfect place from which to explore.
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View AccommodationKumu Beach
Kumu Beach is a chic, modern boutique hotel close to Balapitiya Beach on Sri Lanka's south west coast. A short distance from Galle and close to Bentota and Hikkaduwa, there are just ten rooms and suites here, making for a relaxing and stylish stay.
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View AccommodationGalle Fort Hotel
The renovation of Galle Fort Hotel is a triumph. The hotel evokes a subtle sense of colonial grandeur, skilfully updated for the modern age. This 12-roomed luxurious boutique hotel is an ideal base from which to explore Sri Lanka’s southern heritage.
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View AccommodationKahanda Kanda
Kahanda Kanda is a stylish boutique retreat on a private tea estate above Koggala Lake. Offering total seclusion with easy access to Galle and the south coast, it’s an elegant, design-led escape blending nature, privacy and understated luxury.
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View AccommodationAnantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort
Perched on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort is a secluded luxury escape where ocean views, lush palms and sophisticated design meet curated wellness, exceptional dining and endless coastal experiences.
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View AccommodationAmanwella
Overlooking pristine beaches and the Indian Ocean, situated on the southern tip of Sri Lanka, Amanwella is an all suite chic retreat on the breathtaking Sri Lankan coast. With its laid back atmosphere, it is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
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View AccommodationWhy House
Why House is a chic boutique hotel near to the beaches of Talpe and close to the historic Galle Fort. With a pool, tropical gardens and welcoming personal touches, this 10-room Sri Lankan hideaway sits somewhere between a villa and a boutique hotel.
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View AccommodationHaritha Villas & Spa
Revel in utter luxury at Haritha with outstanding villas and mansions all nestled in a hidden jungle paradise. Bespoke service customised to you with a resident Ayurvedic doctor along with unscripted dining and dazzling infinity pools.
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View AccommodationThe Villa Bentota
Villa Bentota is a beautifully restored Geoffrey Bawa-designed villa on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast. Blending heritage architecture with contemporary refinement, it offers a relaxed yet stylish beachfront escape just moments from the Indian Ocean.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceWhale and Dolphin Watching by Private Catamaran
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View ExperienceThe Arrack Tasting Experience
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View ExperienceCycling & Kayaking in Galle
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View ExperienceGalle Cooking Experience - Food for the Soul
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View ExperienceVisit a Cinnamon Plantation
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View ExperienceGalle Fort Treasure Hunt
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View ExperienceReflections with a monk
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View ExperienceExplore Galle Fort
While staying in the Galle Fort take the time to discover this fascinating colonial town, filled with history. Founded in 1588 by the Portuguese, the fort was subsequently occupied by the Dutch and the British, so there is plenty to explore.
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