About two hours drive from Colombo airport is the colonial city of Galle, which is located in the southwest of Sri Lanka. The old Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the main attraction, but this tropical paradise offers much more to see and do. And among all of them, adventures take a special place! How to plan a vacation filled with adventures in Galle, Sri Lanka? Let's find out!

Galle - Image via Flickr

A lot of companies around Galle provide hiking tours, but you can also go it alone. You can travel alone in Galle without fear; it's a safe place to explore! Don't expect extreme hiking experiences here in Galle, but there are places where you can go on a decent hike, with friends or alone.

Galle boasts some of the world's most breathtaking scenery. So, why not try out a camping experience near a beach in Galle? This will be an amazing experience, and you get to reconnect with the magic of Nature after some time. You may also do stargazing if the weather is fine for that.

Cycling / Biking

There are bike tours available all over the city for sightseeing, but you can also opt to go off-road with a tour guide who is aware of the safety precautions and can recommend the appropriate type of bike for this kind of riding. Both cycles and bikes (scooters) are great to try out when in Galle.

Remember..., your safety is important. Wear a helmet every time you ride a cycle /bike. You are not in a race, so make sure you limit your pace. Road conditions in Galle can sometimes be not so great, so take extra care when you ride.

The majority of snorkel tours will take you to Jungle Beach, a more secluded beach in Galle where you can stay in the water for as long as you'd like. The visibility is excellent here. It's enjoyable to use an underwater camera, such as a GoPro, to take pictures of aquatic life because the water is so clear.

If this is your first time snorkelling, make sure you follow the instructions given by the guide. As long as you follow the instructions, there is nothing to fear about!

Did you know that Galle offers some great surfing spots as well? The waves here are ideal for beginners, and there are plenty of surfing schools to teach you the basics. Before leaving, always make sure to ask the locals about any breaks that may be a little more intense. Inquire as to the location of the rips as well.

In Galle, you can dive like a pro. Since the waters are very clear, the visibility is also great. Not just the underwater animal species and plants, you also get the chance to explore shipwrecks when you scuba dive in Galle beaches. If you want to get yourself the PADI certification, you can surely get it easily here- because there are good instructors, and their fees are very affordable.

Right after an adventurous activity, it's always a great idea to sit back and relax. Choose to enjoy the beauty of Nature while you relax. In Galle, Sri Lanka, luxury beach resorts offer several rejuvenation activities, and you may use them to make your vacation more memorable. Properties such as The Fortress Resort & Spa have great spa services, and foreign travellers often find it amazing as they use Ayurvedic ingredients and spa techniques. There are also some other activities at hotels that you can try out such as Yoga.