Galle
Traveling to Galle, Sri Lanka offers a unique blend of stunning beaches, colonial history evident in its well-preserved Dutch fort, and a vibrant local culture that welcomes visitors with open arms.
Galle is a historic city located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. It is the capital of the Galle District and is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, vibrant culture, and beautiful beaches. Galle has a rich history and has been influenced by various civilizations throughout the centuries.
One of the most prominent landmarks in Galle is the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later fortified by the Dutch, the fort is a testament to the city's colonial past. Within the fort walls, visitors can explore narrow streets lined with Dutch-style buildings, charming cafes, boutique shops, art galleries, and museums.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Galle, Sri Lanka, is generally during the dry season, which falls between December and April. During this period, the weather is typically sunny and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploration, especially within the Galle Fort or along the beautiful beaches. However, the city is pretty much a year-round destination, as even during the monsoon season, rainfall tends to be heavy but brief, and there can still be plenty of sunshine.
How to Get There
There are several ways to get to Galle from various locations in Sri Lanka:
From Colombo:
By Car/Taxi: The journey takes approximately 2 to 3 hours depending on traffic conditions. The Southern Expressway (E01) is the fastest route.
By Train: The coastal train journey from Colombo to Galle is very scenic and highly recommended. It takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
By Bus: Regular public buses run from Colombo to Galle and the journey typically takes about 3-4 hours. There are also express buses that run along the Southern Expressway.
From Bandaranaike International Airport:
By Car/Taxi: The journey from the airport to Galle can take around 2.5 to 3 hours via the Southern Expressway (E01).
By Bus: There's a bus service from the airport to Colombo's main bus station (Colombo Central Bus Stand), where you can get another bus to Galle.
From Other Parts of Sri Lanka:
Train and bus services are available from many parts of Sri Lanka to Galle, including from cities like Kandy and Ella. Journey times can vary depending on the distance and type of transport.
How to get Around
Getting around in Galle, especially within the Galle Fort area, is relatively straightforward:
Walking: The Galle Fort area is compact and easy to explore on foot. This is the best way to see the historic fort, with its Dutch colonial architecture, narrow streets, and various landmarks.
Tuk-Tuks: For longer distances, or when you want to save energy, tuk-tuks (three-wheelers) are readily available. They are a quick and convenient way to get around, though you should always negotiate the price before starting your journey.
Bicycles: Renting a bicycle can be a fun way to get around, especially if you want to explore areas outside of Galle Fort.
Buses: Local buses can take you to other parts of Galle and nearby towns. They are very affordable, though they can be crowded at times.
Taxis: For a more comfortable ride or if you're travelling with a group, taxis are also available, though they are more expensive than tuk-tuks or buses.
Car Rentals: If you're comfortable driving in Sri Lanka, you could also consider renting a car. This can give you the most flexibility, especially if you plan on exploring more of the southern coast.
Most Popular Attractions and Activities to See and Do in Galle, Sri Lanka
Top 10 Attractions in Galle
Galle, particularly known for its historical Galle Fort area, has numerous attractions that capture the essence of its rich past and vibrant culture. Here are some of the top attractions you should consider visiting:
Galle Fort: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Galle Fort is a historical, archaeological, and architectural heritage monument that reflects more than 423 years of continuous use by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. Walking along its narrow streets, you'll find well-preserved buildings, churches, mosques, and museums.
Dutch Reformed Church: Also known as Groote Kerk, it is one of the oldest Protestant churches still in use in Sri Lanka, dating back to 1755. Inside, you'll find an impressive organ and a floor paved with gravestones from Dutch cemeteries.
National Maritime Museum: Located within the fort, this museum showcases Sri Lanka's rich maritime history with exhibits ranging from maps and naval craft to marine artifacts recovered from shipwrecks.
Galle Lighthouse: This onshore Lighthouse is Sri Lanka's oldest light station dating back to 1848. It's located within the walls of the Galle Fort, making for some great photos.
Old Dutch Hospital: One of the oldest buildings in the fort area, it has now been converted into a shopping and dining precinct. It's a good place to enjoy a meal or buy some souvenirs.
Galle International Stadium: This is considered one of the most picturesque cricket grounds in the world. If you're a cricket fan and there's a match on, it's well worth a visit.
Japanese Peace Pagoda: Situated outside the fort but still in Galle, this beautiful white stupa offers great views of the city and ocean. It's especially beautiful at sunset.
Unawatuna Beach: Just a few kilometers southeast of Galle, Unawatuna is a crescent-shaped beach known for its golden sands, clear waters, and palm-lined shore. It's a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
Jungle Beach: Another lovely beach close to Galle, it's a bit hidden and tends to be less crowded than Unawatuna. It offers a more peaceful and natural environment.
Koggala Lake: A short drive from Galle, this is a lovely place for a boat ride, with its tranquil waters and diverse array of birdlife. There are several small islands within the lake, some with their own interesting features like a small Buddhist temple or a cinnamon plantation.
Top 10 Activities to do in Galle
Galle, with its rich history, scenic beauty, and vibrant culture, offers a variety of activities for visitors. Here are some of the top activities you might consider:
Explore Galle Fort: Take a leisurely walk around Galle Fort to admire the well-preserved colonial architecture, visit the historic sites, and soak in the atmosphere. A guided tour can provide insights into the fort's fascinating history.
Visit the Beaches: Relax, sunbathe, or swim at one of the nearby beaches like Unawatuna or Jungle Beach. Water sports such as snorkeling and diving are also available.
Whale Watching: Head to nearby Mirissa for a whale-watching tour, especially between November and April. Sightings may include blue whales, sperm whales, and dolphins.
Visit a Turtle Hatchery: Learn about conservation efforts at a turtle hatchery and, depending on the timing, you might even be able to release baby turtles into the sea.
Enjoy the Local Cuisine: Try some traditional Sri Lankan dishes at local eateries, and consider taking a cooking class to learn how to make them yourself.
Visit Local Art Galleries: Galle is home to a vibrant arts scene. Visit local galleries to see works by Sri Lankan artists, and perhaps buy a piece to take home.
Boat Ride on Koggala Lake: Take a serene boat ride on Koggala Lake, enjoying the beautiful scenery and observing the diverse birdlife.
Visit Local Markets and Shops: Explore local markets for fresh produce, spices, and local handicrafts. The shops in the Old Dutch Hospital are a good place to look for souvenirs.
Yoga Classes: With its serene settings, Galle is a great place for yoga. There are several places in and around Galle where you can join yoga classes.
Tea Plantation Visit: Sri Lanka is famous for its tea. Take a day trip to a nearby tea plantation to learn about the tea-making process and sample some fresh brews.
Best Shopping
Shopping in Galle offers a mix of traditional crafts, gemstones, spices, tea, and contemporary Sri Lankan design products. Here are some of the best places to go shopping in Galle:
Galle Fort: Walking around the streets of the Fort, you'll find numerous boutiques and shops selling a variety of items, from clothes and jewelry to homeware and souvenirs.
Old Dutch Hospital: This colonial-era building, now a shopping complex, houses a range of shops where you can find designer clothing, handicrafts, gemstones, and more. There are also several dining options available here.
Laksala State Gift and Souvenir Boutique: This is a government-run store where you can buy a wide range of high-quality traditional handicrafts, jewelry, tea, and other souvenirs. It's a good place to shop for gifts as prices are fixed and the quality is assured.
Mimi Mango: A beautiful boutique store in the Fort, they sell unique clothing and accessories, many of which feature traditional Sri Lankan design elements.
Barefoot: This shop sells brightly colored handwoven fabrics, clothes, toys, and homeware. It's a great place to find unique and high-quality souvenirs.
Stick No Bills Poster Gallery: Here you can find vintage and contemporary travel and film posters, postcards, and prints. It's a great place to find a unique and easy-to-carry souvenir.
Spice Markets: Galle is a great place to buy high-quality spices. Visit local markets and shops to buy fresh spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and turmeric.
Tea Shops: Sri Lanka is famous for its tea, and Galle is no exception. Visit local tea shops to buy some of the best Ceylon tea.
Remember to bargain when shopping in markets and smaller stores, as it is a common practice in Sri Lanka. However, prices in the boutiques and larger stores within the Galle Fort area are generally fixed. Also, if you're buying gemstones, make sure to do so from a reputable dealer to ensure authenticity.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Galle is not traditionally known for its nightlife compared to other cities like Colombo, but it does offer a few options for those looking for evening entertainment:
Dining Out: Galle has a number of excellent restaurants and cafes, many of which are located within the Galle Fort area. You can enjoy a variety of cuisines including traditional Sri Lankan, seafood, Italian, and more.
Bars: There are a few bars and pubs within Galle Fort where you can enjoy a drink in the evening. These include places like the Taphouse by RnR, which offers a range of beers, wines, and spirits, as well as Fortaleza, which often hosts live music.
Beach Parties: While Galle itself is quiet at night, nearby beach towns like Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa often have beach parties, especially during the peak tourist season.
Night Markets: Occasionally, night markets are set up in Galle where you can shop for local crafts, try street food, and enjoy live music.
Cultural Shows: Some hotels and restaurants in Galle organize traditional Sri Lankan dance and music performances. It's worth checking with your accommodation to see if there are any shows happening during your visit.
Stargazing: With less light pollution than bigger cities, Galle can be a good place to gaze at the stars on a clear night. Some hotels may even offer telescopes for their guests.
Local Cuisine
Sri Lankan cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors, rich spices, and unique dishes, and Galle is a fantastic place to sample it. The city's coastal location also means that seafood features prominently on local menus. Here are some of the local dishes you should try when visiting Galle:
Rice and Curry: This is the staple dish in Sri Lanka, typically served for both lunch and dinner. It includes rice accompanied by several curries made from vegetables, fish, chicken, or beef, along with "mallum" (a salad made from shredded leaves and coconut) and pickles or chutneys.
Seafood: Given Galle's location on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, fresh seafood is plentiful. Try local preparations of fish, prawns, crab, and squid, either in a curry or grilled.
Hoppers (Appa): These are a type of pancake made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk. They're often served with a fried egg in the center (known as an egg hopper) and accompanied by a selection of sambols and chutneys.
Kottu Roti: This popular street food dish is made by stir-frying shredded pieces of roti (a type of flatbread) with vegetables, spices, and often meat or cheese. The distinctive sound of the metal spatulas chopping the kottu on the griddle is a common sound in the evening in Sri Lanka.
Pol Sambol (Coconut Sambol): This is a spicy condiment made from ground coconut, chili peppers, lime juice, and salt. It's a common accompaniment to many Sri Lankan dishes.
Watalappan: A delicious dessert made from jaggery (cane sugar), coconut milk, and a variety of spices. This custard-like dish is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Sri Lankan Fruits: Sri Lanka boasts a wide array of tropical fruits. Try the local bananas, papaya, mango, durian, rambutan, and the king coconut, which is especially refreshing.
When dining in Galle, you can find these dishes at local markets, street food stalls, and sit-down restaurants. If you're interested in learning how to make Sri Lankan cuisine, you might consider taking a local cooking class.
Accommodations
When deciding where to stay in Galle, you'll want to consider your preferences for proximity to attractions, access to amenities, and the type of accommodation you desire. Here are a few areas to consider:
Galle Fort: This historic district is the heart of Galle and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll be within walking distance of most of the city's main attractions, including the fort walls, lighthouse, museums, and several restaurants and shops. Accommodation within the fort tends to be boutique hotels set in colonial-era buildings, which add to the area's charm.
Unawatuna: Located about 6 kilometers southeast of Galle city, Unawatuna is a popular beach resort area. You'll find a range of accommodation options here, from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. Unawatuna has a relaxed vibe, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and water sports facilities. If you're planning to spend a lot of time at the beach, this could be the area for you.
Thalpe: This is a quieter beach area located between Galle and Unawatuna. It offers a range of luxury boutique hotels and private villas, making it a great choice if you're looking for a more secluded, tranquil experience.
Hikkaduwa: This beach town is a bit further away (around 20 kilometers north of Galle), but it's another popular place to stay, especially for surfers and those looking for a vibrant nightlife scene. Accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels.
Choosing the right area to stay in Galle really depends on what kind of experience you're looking for. If you want to be right in the heart of the historic city, Galle Fort is an excellent choice. If you're looking for a beach getaway, consider Unawatuna or Thalpe. And if you're looking for a more lively beach town atmosphere, Hikkaduwa might be the perfect fit.
