14 Best Places to Visit in Galle

Travel guides love to recommend Colombo to tourists in Sri Lanka. But there is a small city that offers a unique, unrivalled perspective of the island. This city is Galle, the capital of Sri Lanka’s Southern Province. What Galle lacks in size, it more than makes up for in cultural landmarks, tropical beaches, and scenic views. This post is a guide on the best places to visit in Galle.

The city, which has existed since before the 13th century, was once a major seaport for Greeks, Romans, Indians, Chinese, Arabs, and other civilisations. It served as Sri Lanka’s chief port in the 16th century, during the time of Portuguese rule. After Dutch forces, through the Dutch East India Company, took over the fort of Galle in 1640, they proceeded to extend their rule across Sri Lanka from 1658 to 1796.

Let’s find out why it’s a must-visit destination. Join us as we explore a vibrant city with visible colonial heritage and countless outdoor attractions.

1. Galle Fort

Let’s start our tour from Galle Fort, the most important attraction in the area. This iconic fortress is a historical monument and architectural wonder that draws millions of tourists to Galle every year. It’s located on the edge of Sri Lanka’s southwest coast. The official name of the town is “Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications”, and in 1988, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Galle Fort was built on a rocky peninsula in 1584 by the Portuguese who settled next to the shoreline. After the Dutch seized control of the site in 1640, they began to fortify it, establishing a major stronghold on the island. Those fortifications included bastions and gates.

There is an urban area located within the fort that serves as a residential district for about a thousand people. This area has its own road network, churches, mosques, museums, stores, and government offices. Most of these buildings were built with Dutch-style architecture and are part of Galle Fort’s main attractions. We recommend that you see Groote Kerk, a Dutch Reformed Church erected by the colony in 1640 and remodelled several times since then. The Galle Lighthouse and Galle Clock Tower are also worthy of an extended visit. Other popular landmarks include the oldest breadfruit tree in Sri Lanka, an old Dutch government building, and the New Orient Hotel, which was once a residence of the Dutch governor.

2. Unawatuna Beach

Unawatuna Beach is arguably the most popular beach on the island of Sri Lanka. Spending a few minutes there will reveal why tourists love it so much. The beach sits on the shore of a coastal town called Unawatuna. This town transforms into a major resort during tourist season.

The golden sand and clear blue waters combined with the warm sunlight turn Unawatuna Beach into a tropical paradise. Because of its popularity, you’ll probably encounter a large crowd of tourists when you arrive. However, the area is spacious enough for you to relax without feeling overwhelmed.

The beach offers breathtaking views of the ocean and gigantic tropical trees. If you would like to be more active, there’s a lot to do. The coral reef surrounding the beach is perfect for snorkelling or diving when the waters are calm. You can also eat local and international cuisine at the nearby restaurants, cafes, and open-air bars.

3. Jungle Beach

Jungle Beach is only 30 minutes away from Unawatuna Beach on foot. It may be smaller than its famous counterpart, but Jungle Beach offers a distinct charm that’s hard to match. There is a small restaurant and bar close to the main entrance. Buy food or drinks and enjoy them on the nearby sunbeds. In terms of appearance, Jungle Beach looks clean, thanks to its golden sand and clear waters.

It’s normal to see a small crowd of people near the restaurant area. Take a walk down the beach to get away from them and you’ll find yourself in a largely secluded area. The scenic beauty and serene environment could do wonders for your mental health. You can even swim in its peaceful waters.

Fun fact for those wondering why it’s called “Jungle Beach.” The resort gets its name from the dense forest surrounding it.

4. Japanese Peace Pagoda

In 1947, Nichidatsu Fujii, a Buddhist monk from Japan, made a commitment to construct pagodas around the world. These pagodas were going to be symbols of peace wherever they were constructed. Today, 80 of these peace pagodas exist in the world. There are four of them in Sri Lanka, and you will find one in Galle. It’s located on Rumassala Hill, which is near top attractions like Unawatuna Beach, Jungle Beach, and Galle Fort.

The Peace Pagoda features a stupa, a Buddhist monument erected to inspire peace and unity in those who look upon it, irrespective of their background. Sri Lanka is a majority Buddhist nation. Hence, the pagoda is one of the most important monuments on the island.

Created in 2005, it consists of a dome-shaped stupa surrounded by a circular path and four golden statues of Buddha. The structure offers a serene environment for reflection and meditation. Also, its position on the hill allows visitors to enjoy stunning views of Unawatuna’s forest, Galle Fort, and the Indian Ocean.

5. Galle Lighthouse

Within the walls of Galle Fort sits one of the world’s most famous onshore lighthouses. Today, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority manages and operates Galle Lighthouse, but in the 20th century, it was under the control of the British colony.

The Galle Lighthouse was constructed in 1939 by the Brits to replace a previous lighthouse, which was destroyed in a fire. Made entirely of concrete and stone, this structure stands at a height of 26.5 metres. It offers a clear view of ships arriving at Galle Harbour.

The white-coloured lighthouse has undergone a few changes over the decades, particularly relating to its power source and operation. It now uses modern automation and an electrical power supply. Hence, authorities have found it much easier to maintain. Visit the site to experience life in a functioning lighthouse and get a glimpse of the old days.

6. National Maritime Museum

Earlier in this post, we mentioned how Galle Fort had museums in its urban area. The National Maritime Museum is one of them, and it’s by far the most iconic. The building is home to a wide variety of historic artefacts. Unfortunately, this museum should have a lot more to offer than it does today.

Also known as the National Maritime Archaeology Museum, this attraction opened in 1992. It continued to serve as a keeper of sea-related artefacts and models until disaster struck in 2004. The Asian tsunami of 2004 caused serious damage to the museum, destroying its UNESCO Maritime Archaeology Unit. As a result, the museum lost 80% of its 3600 archaeological objects.

Today, you can still see spectacular exhibitions. The museum helps to educate tourists about watercraft in Sri Lanka and the lifestyle of local fishing communities in Galle. You can also see cool artefacts that have been rescued from 800-year-old shipwrecks.

7. Rumassala Mountain & Ayurvedic Legends

Known as Buena Vista in the colonial era, Rumassala Mountain has long been a subject of interest in Sri Lanka. It’s a large hill located near Unawatuna’s main town. Many tourists travel between the mountain and Unawatuna Beach while fulfilling their itinerary.

In the past, Rumassala Mountain was a major source of rare herbs and fruits for the people living nearby. Today it’s an important tourist attraction. There are several myths and legends about the mountain, which only serve to increase its appeal to tourists.

The mountain has connections to Ayurvedic traditions and ancient Hindu legends, particularly the epic legend of Ramayana. According to this Sanskrit tale, Hanuman (a Hindu monkey god) was flying past Sri Lanka carrying a massive mountain containing all of the magical herbs on earth. A fragment of the mountain fell to the ground and became what we now know as Rumassala Hill.

The way to the top of this hill is littered with religious attractions, including Sri Vivekaramaya Temple, the statue of Hanuman, Samudragiri Viharaya Temple, and Japanese Peace Pagoda at the top.

8. Stilt Fishermen in Koggala

Koggala is a small town in Galle District located next to a lagoon. One of its main attractions is practitioners of an ancient fishing tradition. These practitioners are known as the Stilt Fishermen of Koggala. Stilt fishing is a special traditional method of fishing that originated from the southern coast of Sri Lanka. It involves sitting still for hours on a vertical pole stuck to the seabed. Using a combination of skill and balance, the fisherman waits patiently to catch unsuspecting fish.

Tourists love to gather around the stilt fishermen and take pictures of them. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can get on the stilt with the help of instructions from the friendly fishermen.

9. Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Museum

The coastal town of Koggala has more to offer. Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Museum is named after one of the greatest Sri Lankan writers of all time. It consists of two buildings: a museum that showcases folk heritage and the childhood home of Martin Wickramasinghe.

The folk museum features local art, artefacts, and literary works. There is a Samadiya on the grounds that houses the ashes of the late Martin Wickramasinghe and his wife. During his childhood, Martin spent a lot of time at the Koggala reef. Today, you’ll see a grassy mound from the reef beside the museum.

10. Galle International Cricket Stadium

If you’re a fan of cricket, you should definitely stop by Galle International Cricket Stadium. This is an international-standard sporting arena used for hosting cricket tournaments and exhibition games. The Sri Lankan national cricket team believes that they get a solid amount of good luck when they play at this stadium.

Catch a game at the stadium if you enjoy watching the sport. You can also visit simply to take pictures and bask in the surreal atmosphere.

11. Dalawella Beach

As one of the best beaches in the country, Dalawella Beach offers tranquillity and natural beauty. There are those who prefer it to all of the other beach resorts in Galle.

Dalawella Beach is located in Unawatuna. It offers many different attractions, including a popular rope swing hanging from a palm tree. Tourists spend a lot of time using the swing or taking photos of it. If you’re looking for more cool places to take photos, try Wijaya Rock. Turtles are another major attraction at the beach. You can watch them swim around through the clear waters or up close while snorkelling.

12. Hikkaduwa Beach

The most exciting features of Hikkaduwa Beach are its impressive coral reef and protected lagoon. The reef is one of the safest places to snorkel in Galle, and the lagoon is full of exotic sea creatures.

If you’re looking for a beach resort located away from Galle Fort and its surrounding attractions, Hikkaduwa Beach is your best option. Unfortunately, its water current is stronger than most of the others’, so it may not be the best place to swim. If you want to surf, you’ll find plenty of suitable reef breaks around the beach.

13. Amangalla Spa

There is a spectacular hotel in Galle Fort known as Amangalla. It contains a luxury spa where tourists can escape to. The Aman Spa features exciting facilities that focus exclusively on wellness and relaxation. These facilities include a swimming pool, nail salon, massage room, hydrotherapy suites, atmospheric treatment rooms, and yoga pavilion.

There is also an in-house physician specialising in Ayurveda treatment. Stop by the physician’s office for your nutrition plan and enrolment in a treatment programme. The grooming services available for both men and women will ensure that you leave the spa looking your best.

14. Galle Market

The Galle Fruit Market is a shopping district in the middle of the city. The area is also known as Old Dutch Market, and its colonial-period premises perfectly embody this name. Stop by after your trip to Galle Fort to shop for locally sourced fruits and vegetables.

The lively atmosphere in the market also adds to its appeal to tourists looking for a local shopping experience. We recommend that you buy unique fruits such as wood apple, mangosteen, durian, rambutan, and jackfruit.

Best Time to Visit Galle

The best time to visit Galle is from December to March. That period falls in the dry season, so there is little rainfall and ample sunshine. You will enjoy the ideal weather for exploring the many beaches and cultural landmarks in the city.

How to Get to Galle?

Galle is accessible via train, bus, and taxi or private transfer. The fastest way to move around the city is by tuk-tuk. Below is an overview of each transport option from Colombo.

• Train: Take a train from Colombo Fort Station heading to Galle. The trip takes 2 to 4 hours.
• Bus: There is an express bus service available to take you from Makumbura bus station in Colombo to Galle. You may buy tickets from the bus conductor. Standard bus services from Bastian Mawatha Bus Station in Colombo to Galle are cheaper but less comfortable.
• Private Taxi: Although expensive, a private taxi is the most convenient way to get to Galle from Colombo. You can book one in advance and get transport as soon as you arrive at the airport. The trip should take 2 to 3 hours.

Where to Stay in Galle?

There are affordable hotels in Galle Fort and the surrounding area. Accommodation is also provided at some of the beach resorts for those who can afford to pay a higher price. If you want cheaper options, look to guesthouses and hostels in the city.

Contact Wander Tropics to book Sri Lanka holiday packages.

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