Places To Visit in Galle

Galle is a rare tourism jewel of Sri Lanka. Located just 119 kms from the capital city of Colombo set on the west coast of the island, it is one of the major cities of Sri Lanka and also the administrative capital of the Southern Province. The city is one of the most prominent sites of colonial history of the country. It has made a mark on the tourism map owing to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the beautifully-preserved Galle Fort. One of its kind, it is the largest, existing sea fortress in South Asia built by the European occupiers in this part of the world. Keeping its past intact with many offering for visitors, the entire city is a merge of classic Portuguese architecture, Sri Lankan traditions, and delights of a tropical vacation.

Blessed with copious amounts of serenity and interesting sights, it is fun to explore on foot. Relive history with walks though the city, past churches, villas and other reminders of the Dutch era. Besides the major attraction, Galle Fort, there are many other sites that includes the National Maritime Museum, the natural harbor, St. Mary's Cathedral, Shiva Temple, etc. A visit to the turtle hatchery is a must as is shopping for gems and antiques. A sunset visit to Galle Fort is also a wonderful experience.

Wildlife enthusiasts in Galle are in for a treat as the Kanneliya Rainforest Reserve, which harbours numerous endemic flora and fauna. Tourists can marvel at and buy antiquities at the Historical Mansion Museum, owned and operated by a local family. The city also hosts an annual international literary festival known as the Galle Literary Festival.

Excursions to neighbouring coastal towns of Mirissa, Unawatuna, and Thalpe are also suggested. Undoubtedly, no tour of Sri Lanka is complete without a trip to Galle—a city synonymous with the country’s utterly fascinating colonial-era history.

Unawatuna Beach

Golden-sand beach with lots of water activities.

Galle Fort

Galle Fort, in the Bay of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards. It is a historical, archaeological and architectural heritage monument, which even after more than 432 years maintains a polished appearance, due to extensive reconstruction work done by Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka. The fort has a colourful history, and today has a multi-ethnic and multi-religious population. The Sri Lankan government and many Dutch people who still own some of the properties inside the fort are looking at making this one of the modern wonders of the world. The heritage value of the fort has been recognized by the UNESCO and the site has been inscribed as a cultural heritage UNESCO World Heritage Site under criteria iv, for its unique exposition of "an urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries." The Galle Fort, also known as the Dutch Fort or the "Ramparts of Galle", withstood the Boxing Day tsunami which damaged part of coastal area Galle town.

Galle Fort - Dutch Reformed Church

The Groote Kerk or Dutch Reformed Church is located within the Galle fort in Galle, Sri Lanka and is situated near the entrance to the fort. The church was built by the Dutch in 1755 and is one of the oldest Protestant churches still in use in the country.

Galle National Museum

The National Museum of Galle is one of the national museums of Sri Lanka. It is located in the oldest remaining Dutch building in the Galle fort, Galle, a single storey colonnaded Dutch building built in 1656 as the commissariat store for the Dutch garrison at the fort. It subsequently served as a billiards room for the adjoining New Oriental Hotel. The building was renovated by the Department of National Museums and opened on 31 March 1986. The museum houses a limited collection of exhibits from the Portuguese, Dutch and British periods. It has three main galleries, the first contains collections relating to the area's cottage industries, primarily turtle shell jewellery manufacturing, Beeralu lace weaving and traditional wooden mask carving. The second contains a collection of Dutch period furniture and weaponry. The final gallery, the 'Sri Lanka China Friendship Gallery', was opened on 10 September 2013. It is dedicated to the historical and archeological evidence of trade relations between China and Sri Lanka, with displays on the Chinese Buddhist monk Faxian and the 14th Century Fleet Admiral Zheng He