A coastal town with a well-preserved Dutch fort, winding streets, and long beaches. Explore colonial architecture, relax in cafes, or hike nearby trails.
Galle, a coastal city in southwestern Sri Lanka, is home to a 17th-century Dutch fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The fort covers 52 hectares and includes colonial-era buildings and seaside ramparts. Beyond the fort, you'll find beaches like Unawatuna and Jungle Beach, a natural harbor, and the Galle International Stadium. Galle's past as a colonial port and its location on the Indian Ocean coast make it an appealing destination for travelers interested in history and seaside relaxation.
Discovering Galle Fort
Galle Fort, built by the Dutch in the 17th century, is at the heart of the city. As you walk through the fort's gates, you'll see buildings from the colonial period along narrow streets. The fort walls stretch over 3 kilometers and offer views of the Indian Ocean. You can walk on these ramparts throughout the day, but many people gather here at sunset to watch the sun sink into the water.
Historical Landmarks in Galle
The fort contains several historical sites. At the southeastern corner stands the Galle Lighthouse, constructed in 1848. The Dutch Reformed Church, built in 1640, is one of the oldest Protestant churches in Sri Lanka. The National Maritime Museum, housed in a former Dutch warehouse, displays artifacts related to Galle's seafaring history.
Local Food and Restaurants
Galle offers a range of dining options, from street food stalls to restaurants in restored colonial buildings. You can taste Sri Lankan dishes such as rice and curry, hoppers (a type of pancake), or kottu roti (chopped flatbread stir-fried with vegetables and meat). Restaurants like Fortaleza and The Fort Printers serve both local and international cuisine in historic settings.
Shopping in Galle Fort
Pedlar Street is the main shopping area in the fort. Here, you'll find shops selling local handicrafts, jewelry, and spices. Many stores offer Ceylon tea, cinnamon, and gemstones - all important Sri Lankan exports. The street also has art galleries featuring work by local artists.
Beaches Near Galle
Several beaches are located close to Galle. Unawatuna, about 6 kilometers from the city, has calm waters for swimming and sandy shores for sunbathing. Jungle Beach, a small cove near Unawatuna, tends to be less crowded. Hikkaduwa, further north, has waves for surfing and coral reefs for snorkeling.
How to Get to Galle
Galle is located 119 kilometers south of Colombo, Sri Lanka's capital. You can reach Galle by train, bus, or car. The train journey from Colombo takes about 2.5 hours and follows the coastline. If you prefer to drive, the Southern Expressway connects Colombo to Galle, and the trip takes about an hour.
When to Visit Galle
The weather in Galle is dry and sunny from December to April, making it a good time to visit. However, Galle has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, averaging around 26°C (79°F). If you don't mind occasional rain, you can visit from May to November when there are fewer tourists and accommodation prices are often lower.
Where to Stay in Galle
Galle Fort has various accommodation options. Many hotels are in restored colonial buildings. The Galle Fort Hotel and Amangalla are two luxury options within the fort. For those on a tighter budget, there are guesthouses and hostels both inside the fort and in the newer part of town outside the fort walls.
