Galle

Galle is magical: the most perfectly preserved colonial town in Sri Lanka, and an atmospheric piece of time-warped island history. Galle, the fifth largest city in Sri Lanka, is an abode of temples, beautiful churches and unimaginable beauty.

Visit the Seenigama temple and get lucky. Legend has it that if you make donation and say your prayers here, you will be blessed with good luck. A photographer’s delight, the Galle Lighthouse is nestled within the walls of the ancient Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which offers breathtaking vistas of this tropical haven.

What to see in Galle

1. Galle Fort

Galle Fort, an 18th-century Dutch walled town lying alongside modern Galle, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On its narrow streets are crumbling, ochre-washed buildings that were once administrative headquarters and homes for the Dutch admiralty. There are also tumbledown colonial houses with eaves and pillared frontages. The fort is enfolded by impossibly thick granite ramparts which kept the tsunami waves at bay.

2. Dutch Reformed Church

One of the most popular places to visit in Galle is the Dutch Reformed Church. The church narrates tales from centuries ago and if you are a history lover you will fall in love with the place and won’t feel like leaving. Hire a guide if you really feel like it or just set out and explore the place on your own. The pulpit of the church is built with Malaysian wood and is also known as Groot Church.

3. Flag Rock

Most people want to end hectic days with some peace and maybe an added sunset on the horizon! Flag Rock offers tourists all this as well as the sound of seagulls and waves making it the perfect place to end a day in Galle! If you are wondering what to see in Galle, you should definitely add this erstwhile Portuguese bastion to your list!

4. Japanese Peace Pagoda

Located on top of the Rumassala Hill offering splendid views of the entire ocean, the Japanese Peace Pagoda is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Galle, Sri Lanka. Constructed way back in 2004 and this massive white structure exude purity and serenity. One can quite easily spot this structure from the beaches of Unawatuna and Galle and reach there by walking or driving through the hills. You should ideally visit this place at dusk if you want to witness a breathtaking sunset.

5. Unawatuna

The default beach for those visiting Galle is Unawatuna, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and one of the most beautiful places to visit in Galle. While it is not ideal for surfing, it is a great location if you want to go swimming because of the calm waters. If you are interested in snorkeling or other water sports, you can head to Jungle Beach which is located only a short walk away. This is one of the day outing places in Galle.

6. National Museum of Galle

While Sri Lanka as it exists today is a relatively young nation, the civilization that inhabited this part of the world is centuries old. If you want an insight into this rich and vibrant past of Sri Lanka, one of the top places to visit in Galle town is the National Museum of Colombo. It offers the visitors to look into a cross section of Sri Lankas entire history, artwork and relics from the Anuradhapura Kingdom, dating back to 4th century B.C.

What to eat in Galle

The city of Galle is a great place to experience the burgeoning food culture taking over the main cities of Sri Lanka. While you can certainly enjoy some great Sri Lankan fare at many hotels and restaurants in Galle, you can also treat yourself to a variety of different types of cuisine such as Italian, Japanese, Indian, Chinese and American.

Scattered across the cobblestone streets of the Galle Fort are many interesting cafés, bars and restaurants housed in old colonial era buildings. Want to try some Sri Lankan string hoppers and potato curry? The Galle Fort Hotel on Church Street offers an authentic Sri Lankan breakfast, in addition to many other delightful dishes. Head over to Amangalla or Fort Bazaar if you want to dine in style and enjoy some delectable international cuisine.

Where to Shop and What to Buy in Galle

Antiques, art and lace are the primary souvenirs that you can pick up at little shops and stalls at Galle. At the Galle Fort you can pick up semiprecious stone jewellery set in silver at a number of Gem Shops in Church Street. Local lace is also equally easy to pick up. At some places you may actually see the lace being made.

When to Visit Galle

The best time to visit Galle is in the spring, from February to April. There is low rainfall and pleasant temperatures that hover around 73.

How to reach Galle

Plane

Koggala Airport (KCT), while close, is only host to military planes and domestic flights. The closest international hub is Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport (CMB) in Colombo. From here, take a bus or train to get further to Galle.

Train

Using the train from Colombo to Galle is one of the most comfortable and economical options. You'll leave Maradana Station so use a tuk tuk for LKR200 to get from downtown Colombo to here. Then, take the train for LKR180 to get to Galle. Or, you can take the Rajdhani Express and pre-book a first-class air-conditioned seat for LKR1, 100.

Car

Driving from Colombo to Galle, take the E01 southwards.

Bus

Take a Southern Express Buses leaving Maharagama to get to Galle for LKR375 - LKR390. There are non-AC and AC-buses available. Do note: drivers may not take you if you have too much luggage.