Galle

Galle, a major port city of the bygone era; invaded by the Portuguese, fortified by the Dutch and later colonized by the British, is a fragrant potpourri of history & culture. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Galle is a favorite with tourist for its exotic beaches, old marketplaces and charming heritage buildings.

Major Attractions in Galle

Galle Fort & Light house

The largest fortress in Asia built by Europeans, Galle Fort bears the hallmark of Portuguese, Dutch and British architecture. Originally built by the Portuguese, the fortress was completely rebuilt after the Dutch invasion. The present structure dates back to 1663 AD and is actually a living heritage city. Walk in its towering gates to the old town bustling with cafes, boutique shops, galleries and even a courthouse! The lofty sun bastion, originally named Sao Lago by the Portuguese offers splendid views of the ocean. The British influence is reflected in the form of coat-of -arms at the gates and the 18 meters high lighthouse built in 1939 and operational since then.

Japanese Peace Pagoda

Sama Ceitya or the Peace Pagoda perched on Rumassala hilltop was built in 2004 by Japanese Buddhist monks of the Mahayana Sect. The beautiful edifice erected as a part of an initiative to bring peace in conflicted regions, is a major tourist attraction. Take the steep 20 minutes hike or drive up its narrow, winding road to reach the top to witness majestic ocean views and splendid sunsets.

Dutch Reformed Church

One of the oldest Protestant Churches in the country, Groote Kerk or the Dutch Reformed Church, was initially built in 1640 AD. The current structure, starkly-adorned & crucifix shaped, dates back to 1755 AD. The church floor is paved with old gravestones, the church organ is from 1760 AD and the remarkable pulpit is carved from Malaysian calamander wood.

Flag Rock

The Flag Rock Bastion, where the submerged rocks have claimed scores of ships over the centuries, is now a popular spot for watching sunset in Galle. Perch right there and watch the plucky youngsters leaping from the high rock into the choppy waters of Galle.

Mirissa Beach

Mirissa is surely the sun & sand paradise! Warm waters, good surf and beachside cafes make it a great place to relax. Its blue waters are home to over 26 species of whales and dolphins from December to April and you are pretty sure to sight a sperm whale or a bottle-nose dolphin within a few nautical miles from the coast.

Unawatuna & Jungle Beach

A beautiful stretch of pinkish-golden sand kissing warm turquoise waters and tiny beachfront cafes serving delicious sea-fare set the tone for Unawatuna! Make sure you go for lagoon canoeing in the beautiful rivulets and watch the marshy mangroves come alive with colorful plants & birds. Looking for some more fun? Then a short tuk-tuk ride takes you to the pristine Jungle Beach where you can enjoy snorkeling & scuba diving.

Hikkaduwa Beach

High surf, pretty coves, stunning reefs and luxurious beach resorts have placed Hikkaduwa high on the map of Sri Lanka. A fabulous place for surfing, scuba diving & snorkeling, Hikkaduwa is also home to giant marine turtles that inhabit the nearby reefs.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve

The largest lowland rainforest in the country, this UNESCO- listed forest is only accessible by foot. Accompany a ranger guide to check out its rich wildlife that includes many endemic birds like fearless Sri Lanka Crested Drongo, the noisy orange-billed babbler, the elusive Red-faced Malkoha, Green-billed Coucal and Sri Lanka Blue magpie. Purple-faced langur, giant squirrels, torque macaque and green pit vipers can also be spotted in the reserve.

Other Attractions in Galle

• National Maritime Museum
• All Saints Church
• Kalutara Temple
• Seenigama Temple
• Marine Archaeological Museum
• The National Museum of Galle

Best Time to Visit Galle

The dry season in Galle, from December to April, is the best time to visit the city.

How to Reach Galle

By Air- The nearest airport is Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo, around 150 kilometers from Galle.

By Rail- Coastal Railway Line of Sri Lankan Railways connects Galle with major cities in the country.

By Road- Galle is connected by well-maintained highways & roads to various parts of the country. Buses & hired taxis are easily available for travel.