Overview

The historic coastal city of Galle is one of the most beautiful destinations in Sri Lanka. Perched on the southwest coast, this historic gem wears its heart and history on its sleeve. It possesses golden beaches, Dutch colonial architecture, ancient mosques, and heritage museums. At the center of it all is the spectacular showpiece and its most famous landmark, the UNESCO World Heritag-listed 16th-century fortified Portuguese Galle Fort and Old Town. The cobblestone streets are trimmed with trendy cafes, quirky shops, local boutiques, and grand whitewashed mansions all set against the stunning backdrop of the bright blue Indian Ocean. Galle is a picturesque, postcard-worthy historical port city boasting stunning views and a warm local culture and spirit.

Things to see and do

Check out the Old Galle Fort and Old Town, the city’s most famous landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 16th-century Portuguese fortifications encase the well-preserved old town and its narrow cobblestoned streets, decorated with Dutch colonial architecture and historic buildings that now house hotels, shops, and restaurants. The Old Dutch Hospital and the Lighthouse are the pinnacle of the Old Fort, and walking the perimeter of the walls offers spectacular views over the Indian Ocean and the town below. 

Explore every corner of Galle Fort and its outer walls on the ‘Fort Walk’, which begins at the Clock Tower, then moves over to the Main Gate and heads south to the interior of the Fort, passing the Dutch Reform Church towards the western section where the Dutch Hospital resides. The walk continues south towards the famous lighthouse, and along the walls to the Meeran Mosque, Flag Rock, and Triton Bastion, it ends at Star Bastion. The walk is just over 1.24 miles in length and will pass by many of the historic buildings and sights in the Old Town. 

See the Clock Tower, a prominent landmark on the north fort wall that overlooks the moon bastion. Constructed in 1883 on top of the former guard’s room. The clock tower offers an excellent vantage point to watch the sunset. Flag Rock Bastion and Triton Bastion are two other great spots for sunset watching. 

The iconic Galle Lighthouse stands atop the old fort walls, a picture-perfect image framed by swaying palm trees. It sits on the southern wall of the fort and rises 85 feet above sea level. The tall white lighthouse is a very prominent feature in Galle, and it is the oldest and most famous lighthouse in Sri Lanka. 

Visit some of Galle’s magnificent museums to discover the city’s deep history. The Historical Mansion Museum, Maritime Museum, and National Museum of Galle are all great examples filled with history and artefacts from the colonial days. The National Maritime Museum is housed in a historic 1671 building that was once a Dutch warehouse. It offers visitors a glimpse into the maritime heritage of Sri Lanka. The museum boasts a collection of marine artifacts, models of ancient boats, and displays on marine biodiversity, and offers an intriguing look at the island’s relationship with the sea. 

The Sea Turtle Hatchery Center is home to several species of sea turtles and plays a crucial role in protecting these magnificent marine creatures. Visitors will get an inspiring and educational experience with insights into the efforts made to save and rehabilitate injured turtles and protect the nests from predators and poachers. 

Go whale watching off the coast of Galle! The Indian Ocean is a playground for migrating whales and dolphins between December and March. There are boat tours that provide opportunities to see Blue whales, Bryde’s whales, sperm whales, and dolphins.

Shopping

Shopping in the city of Galle can be enjoyed at many busy marketplaces, vibrant art galleries, local shops, small shopping centers and malls, and unique fancy boutiques. Galle’s vibrant market scene can be quite hectic, especially the Main Road Market bazaar that lines the street with brightly colored stalls and roadside stores spilling onto the busy street. Pedlar Street is the epicenter of shopping action found inside the iconic Galle Fort walls. The charming cobblestone streets are lined with hundreds of beautiful boutiques, art galleries, spice shops, and gem stores. It is the perfect place to shop for the finest handicrafts, beautiful gemstone jewelry, and unique souvenirs. Many wonderful shops can now be found housed in old restored houses selling exquisite pieces of jewelry, sparkling gemstones, and more. Wander the streets inside the Old Fort of Galle and pop into the graceful shops and petite stalls selling all kinds of goods. See their incredible collection of things to offer, walk the winding maze of narrow avenues, and smell the aromas of the lane of restaurants nearby.

Dining

The coastal seaside city of Galle does not disappoint when it comes to food. The city’s multicultural history allows visitors to enjoy a very diverse array of culinary delights. From fresh fish and seafood that are brought in daily by local fishermen, you can expect to enjoy delicious fresh crabs, prawns, mussels, clams, and squid. There are also some restaurants that will cook up your fresh catch of the day. You can purchase fresh fish or seafood at the local fish market, and take it to certain restaurants, and they will cook it to your liking. Many traditional restaurants offer Sri Lankan cuisine with delicious, flavorful curries and rice, as well as other popular local dishes. Diners can also expect to find plenty of opportunities to eat unique street food like kotthu roti, Ambul Thiyal, Kiribath, Watalappan, and Isso Vadai. Traditional Western restaurants are available, offering diners pasta, pizza, salads, and more. Many restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options.

Beaches

Due to its sparkling southern coastal location, Galle is home to several beautiful beaches that are great for relaxing and soaking up the sunshine, swimming, snorkeling, and other water sports and activities.

Unawatuna Beachis a horseshoe-shaped bay and one of the most popular family-friendly beaches in Galle. It boasts calm waters and a lively atmosphere. The mesmerizing translucent waters here are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and various water sports. The seaside town features a good collection of guesthouses, shops, restaurants, and nightlife offerings.

Unawatuna is also home to Jungle Beach, which offers a nice stretch of soft white sand and a more secluded experience backed by the verdant jungle. It's a good beach for surfing; the warm, crystal clear waters here are also great for swimming and snorkeling. Jungle Beach is set in a very attractive cove with laid-back vibes and one beach bar.

Dalawella Beach is a spectacular stretch of beach with unique colored sand and crystal clear waters. It's quite picturesque. It is known for its iconic beach rope swing and some pretty memorable sunsets. There are some beachfront restaurants and bars here, too.

Mirissa Beach is famous for its moon-shaped bay and whale watching opportunities. The beach offers some great waves for surfing, and the town boasts a vibrant nightlife.