Galle

Travel Guide

Galle
Galle
Galle
Galle
Galle
This charming seaside town in southern Sri Lanka welcomes visitors with its colonial old town, pristine beaches and world class diving.

Spend your days admiring the centuries-old landmarks, poking around artsy boutiques and getting blissed out at tropical beaches in Galle. Biblical legend states that from this coastal town King Solomon acquired gold, spices and other valuable commodities. Galle went on to become an important Asian seaport before passing through the hands of Portuguese, Dutch and British colonists. Today, an air of the colonial years still permeates the town’s sleepy streets.

Start your tour in Galle Fort, the Dutch-built walled Old Town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the town’s peninsula. Stroll around the ramparts, where locals gather to chat, fly kites, play cricket and watch the sunset. Visit major landmarks such as Galle Lighthouse, the 17th-century Dutch Reformed Church and Flagrock Bastion.

Find art galleries, cafés, quirky boutiques and hotels housed in the old buildings. Don’t miss the collection of shops set in the arcaded Old Dutch Hospital. Delve into maritime and trading history at the Galle National Museum and National Maritime Museum. Browse a diverse collection of antiques, such as ceramics, typewriters and kitchen utensils, at the Historical Mansion Museum.

Go for a stroll along the waterfront Marine Walk, which leads north around the bay from the Galle Fort. Watch teams of fishermen haul in the day’s catch on huge nets. Another popular town activity is to watch the Sri Lankan national cricket team play at Galle International Cricket Stadium.

Be sure to take advantage of Galle’s many beaches. Join the locals for a swim at Lighthouse Beach, located below Galle Fort. About 3 miles (5 kilometers) to the east is the beautiful palm-fringed Unawatuna Beach. Surf in rolling waves, snorkel with hundreds of tropical fish and dive at shipwrecks. Hike to the hilltop Japanese Peace Pagoda and then continue to the secluded Jungle Beach.

Galle is about a 2-hour drive south of ColomboOpens in a new window. A great way to get here is via a picturesque coastal train journey from Colombo Fort station. Spring brings warm temperatures and dry days while May to September is the wet season.

Where to stay in Galle

The lighthouse at Galle Fort

Fort Galle

While visiting Fort Galle, you might make a stop by sights like Galle Fort and Galle Lighthouse.

Fort Galle
Galle International Cricket Stadium

Cheena Kotuwa

If you're spending some time in Cheena Kotuwa, Galle International Cricket Stadium and Galle Fort are top sights worth seeing.

Cheena Kotuwa
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Richmond Kanda

Richmond Kanda might not have many top sights, but Galle International Cricket Stadium and Galle Fort are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Richmond Kanda
Radisson Blu Resort Galle

Radisson Blu Resort Galle

5 out of 5
523C Galle Road, Ginthota, Galle
The price is NT$2,835 per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
NT$2,835
NT$3,713 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Galle. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Mahamodara Beach and Pitiwella Beach are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (222 reviews)
"Wonderful, friendly and attentive staff. Beautiful, well-laid out rooms. Excellent food at the Fusion restaurant. Pool was one of the best we’ve experienced at any resort. We would highly recommend to all and look forward to returning again soon."

Reviewed on 2025/7/8

Radisson Blu Resort Galle
Green Casa

Green Casa

3.5 out of 5
197/8, Bandaranayake Mawatha, Magalla, Galle
Stay at this 3.5-star spa B&B in Galle. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Unawatuna Beach and Galle Harbour are located ...
Excellent property in Galle
"Lovely homestay with such attention to detail in property. Good Sri Lankan breakfast. Quiet area except for some railway noise but not a problem for us. Half hour walk to fort( plenty of tuk-tuks if you want) Helpful & friendly host."

Reviewed on 2019/3/1

Green Casa
The Fort Printers

The Fort Printers

4.5 out of 5
39 Pedlar Street, Galle
The price is NT$3,194 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
NT$3,194
NT$4,184 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Galle. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (167 reviews)
"We really loved staying here. It was quiet and relaxing. The meals were great and the staff were really friendly and accommodating."

Reviewed on 2025/7/13

The Fort Printers
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Jetwing Galle Heritage Home

Jetwing Galle Heritage Home

3 out of 5
Morris Rd, Galle, Southern Province
Stay at this 3-star villa in Galle. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and bathrobes. Popular attractions Galle Harbour and Sahana Beach are located nearby.
Jetwing Galle Heritage Home
Oceanfront Galle by ICC

Oceanfront Galle by ICC

4.5 out of 5
463 Colombo - Galle Main Rd, Galle, SP
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury apartment in Galle. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Mahamodara Beach and Galle Clock Tower ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Great Location
"Great location. It's a great beach that almost feels like a private beach. very spacious condos, plenty of space for the entire family. Full kitchen. 5 minutes drive to Galle town."

Reviewed on 2025/3/27

Oceanfront Galle by ICC
Writer's Lodge By Ishq

Writer's Lodge By Ishq

3.5 out of 5
4 Small Modara Bay St, Galle, SP
Stay at this 3.5-star vacation home in Galle. Enjoy free WiFi, premium bedding, and bathrobes. Popular attractions Galle Tennis Club and Mahendra Amarasooriya ...
Writer's Lodge By Ishq
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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