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Galle is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular and recognizable destinations. While its iconic lighthouse is probably what first comes to mind, there’s actually a nice mix of things to do in Galle.
What sets Galle apart from somewhere like Kandy is that while both are historical and cultural destinations in Sri Lanka, Galle’s focus is on colonial history. You won’t find anywhere else quite like Galle in the country, so here’s why you should visit and what to do when you get there.
Getting to Galle
Galle is one of Sri Lanka’s biggest cities and lies on a convenient part of the coast to reach from the country’s best beaches.
This means you have plenty of ways of getting to Galle.
One of the most common is to take the train from Colombo or the South Coast, enjoying wonderful coastal scenery along the way. Colombo to Galle is roughly 2.5 hours, while Mirissa is around an hour away.
Buses also run to Galle from cities and coastal towns. These may be quicker in some instances, but they also have challenges, such as the distance from Colombo to its Makumbura Highway Station.
The most comfortable and convenient option is a private transfer or tour. You can find private taxis here and transfer packages here, while this is a popular type of day trip tour from Colombo.
Also look at the PickMe rideshare app to see what it quotes for a transfer, as that may prove to be cheaper.
Where to stay in Galle
When visiting Galle, most people’s focus is on exploring Galle Fort, the city’s old town. This makes Galle Fort the most common area to look at when seeking somewhere to stay in Galle.
While you can stay in the wider city, I don’t see a reason to pass up sleeping within the walls of Galle Fort. From boutique hotels to guesthouses, this compact area has lots of range.
My stay in Galle was spent at Fort Thari Inn, a nice and quiet family-run hotel down a fort side street. A short walk and I was on the fortress walls or wandering down Lighthouse St.
Other well-rated places to stay in Galle include:
How long do you need in Galle?
Something that’s worth thinking about is how long you want to visit Galle.
There’s no doubt that Galle is worth visiting and adding to your Sri Lanka itinerary, but it’s more about how long you have.
Ideally, 1-2 days in Galle is about right. A day trip is ok, but you may miss some stuff, while two days gives you more than enough time.
The longer stay also allows you to explore beyond Galle Fort and head out to Unawatuna. Your interest in that will depend on whether you visit before or after spending time at South Coast beaches such as Dikwella.
Staying more than two days in Galle might not be the best use of your time. Yes, you could travel along the coast to see other beaches — Weligama, Ahangama, Mirissa, etc. But these places deserve longer too if you have.
Things to do in Galle
The only way to really know how long you need in Galle is to work out what to do there.
If you start with these important things to do in Galle, I think cover most of the local highlights. They also take you around different areas, which will make it much easier to explore beyond these recommendations.
This is what to do in Galle, whether you’re on your own or using a guided walking tour of Galle Fort.
Galle Fort streets
An easy place to start with sightseeing in Galle is to take a walk around the streets of Galle Fort.
This is the compact, old town of the city, developed during Portuguese and Dutch colonization. It’s a UNESCO-listed attraction, full of colonial architecture that now serves the local community.
Galle Fort is just wonderful to wander around, and I don’t think you’ll find this experience anywhere else in Sri Lanka. The closest comparison I can think of is Penang in Malaysia.
Two of the most important local streets are Lighthouse Street and Pedlar Street, but you’ll no doubt explore these at some point. Make sure to check out the other narrow streets and lanes within the fort, as they’re lined with plenty of interesting shopping boutiques, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants.
Because of its colonial past, there are quite a few churches here. But you’ll also find a mosque and one main Buddhist temple here, reflecting modern Sri Lanka’s diversity.
Galle Lighthouse
Explore Galle Fort long enough, and you’ll see the city’s most recognizable landmark, Galle Lighthouse.
It may not be a huge lighthouse, but it dates from 1848 and is certainly one of Galle’s most photogenic spots. The lighthouse stands at the deepest point of the fort area among palm trees and overlooks a small beach popular with domestic tourists.
You can’t climb the lighthouse to see its view, but the views from atop the nearby walls make do.
Below the lighthouse is the old Gunpowder Magazine, an 18th-century storage space used by the Dutch. But you can’t go inside it either.
Hopefully, this makes it clear that while the lighthouse is a popular place for photos, it mostly gets a quick stop.
Fortress wall viewpoints
Fortress walls almost completely enclose the historical area of Galle, with ramps and stairs providing access to most parts.
The busiest section of the Galle Fort walls is around the lighthouse, but you can easily escape the crowds if you explore. Bastions sit at strategic spots around Galle Fort and often have the best views because they jut out.
Flag Rock Bastion and Neptune Bastion are two of the best spots for views of Galle Fort, while you can watch the sunset from the Aeolus Bastion.
Not all of the fortress walls face out to sea. Head to the clock tower and you’ll find views of the Galle International Cricket Stadium, the Galle landmark many Australians probably best recognize.
While it’s nice to do a lap of the walls, many sections of the trail along the walls are uneven or require many stairs, as is the case with the Star Bastion.
Uncovering the history of the walls is hard on your own. I think they’re a landmark you’d get more out of with a guide.
Local cafes
Spend some time in Galle, and you’re going to want a break at some point.
I’m pleased to say that I tried several good cafes around Galle Fort, each with its own appeal.
Take KiXi Fort Galle, for example, which is not much past the fort’s main entrance. This modern, multistory cafe feels clever and trendy, winning me over easily with its frozen teddy bear in your iced coffee.
Somewhere completely different is Rams Cafe at the Art’o’San Gallery. It’s a simple, small place on the gallery’s street balcony, but it’s relaxed and lets you look at the artwork inside.
Another art gallery/cafe several doors down is Lanka Living Gallery, but again, it feels very different. With a big courtyard and a cool, effortless charm, it offered a nice space to take things easy.
While we’re at it, my food recommendations include: Imals Restaurant, Secret Garden, and Dumplings Cafe.
Maritime Archaeology Museum
You normally want to visit a museum to get your history straight in a place like Galle.
I went with the Maritime Museum, across from the Dutch Reformed Church, and it seemed a good choice.
The museum does a good job of explaining the various maritime influences that shaped Galle. Sometimes its displays get a little too academic and wordy, but on the whole, it does its job. An hour here is plenty.
Not only do you learn which colonizers came when, but you also learn how much or how little they affected the local culture. Some might think the entry fee is too high, but in a different country, you’d barely notice.
Other local museums you can look at are the National Museum of Galle, just up the street, and the Historical Mansion Museum.
Rumassala Japanese Peace Pagoda
Look east from Galle Lighthouse, and you’ll see a gleaming white monument within a forest across the water.
That is the Japanese Peace Pagoda in Rumassala, one of many built by Japanese monks around the world. Take a tuk-tuk from Galle Fort, and you can see this modern shrine up close.
Monks completed the pagoda in 2005 in a spot with fantastic views across the coast. Look back at Galle Fort, and it’s amazing how small it seems from even this far away.
Walk a clockwise lap around the pagoda to see its elephant carvings, golden Buddhas, and upper terrace views. After that, you can step into the temple or just enjoy the tranquil gardens.
Unawatuna Beaches
You won’t find the South Coast’s beautiful beaches immediately around Galle Fort.
If you want to go to the beach in Galle, it’s best to look just down the coast at Unawatuna. Even on the way to Unawatuna, you pass your first good option, Dewata Beach, a popular surfing spot.
Another option is Jungle Beach in Rumassala, just below the Peace Pagoda. Follow the track down from the pagoda, and you find this gorgeous sheltered beach, with a simple restaurant under its palm trees.
Unawatuna Beach, farther down the coast, is the most famous beach near Galle. You need only look at photos to see how incredible it is.
All of these beaches are best reached by tuk-tuk. That is, unless you choose to stay at Unawatuna instead of Galle Fort.
But there are many places in Sri Lanka with good beaches, and only one with a place like Galle Fort.
