Travel Guide of Galle in Sri Lanka by Influencers and Travelers
Galle is a major city in Sri Lanka, situated on the southwestern tip, 119 km from Colombo. Galle is the provincial capital and largest city of Southern Province, Sri Lanka and is the capital of Galle District.
The Best Things to Do and Visit in Galle
TRAVELERS TOP 10 :
1 - Negombo
10 km away
Negombo is a major city in Sri Lanka, situated on the west coast and at the mouth of the Negombo Lagoon, in Western Province, 38 km from Colombo via Colombo - Katunayake Expressway.
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2 - Henarathgoda
14 km away
Gampaha Botanical Garden, also known as Henarathgoda Botanical Garden is situated in the suburb of Gampaha. It was established in 1876 by the British to conduct experiments on exotic economic plants such as Rubber, and explore plant wealth and development of economy in the colony.
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3 - Sightseeing | Negombo
10 km away
Explore different seaside attractions with a ride through the Dutch Canal, Negombo lagoon and Muthurajawela wetland. You will see the Negombo town and surrounding areas and witness the fishermen in the lagoon and do a memorable bird watching tour.
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4 - Pettah
21 km away
The Pettah Market also called Manning Market is an open market in the suburb of Pettah in the city of Colombo, Sri Lanka. The entrance to the Pettah Market is marked formally by a tall monument in the centre of a roundabout, known as the Khan Clock Tower which was built by the family of Framjee Bhickajee Khan, an eminent Parsi family from Bombay who used to have substantial business interests in the country and who also owned the Colombo Oil Mills.
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5 - Red Masjid
21 km away
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6 - River rafting | Colombo
22 km away
Experience the thrill of white water rafting on the Kelani River in Kitulgala. Enjoy a private transfer from Colombo and a comprehensive safety briefing before you start your adventure.
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7 - Colombo
22 km away
Colombo is the commercial capital and largest city of Sri Lanka by population. According to the Brookings Institution, Colombo metropolitan area has a population of 5.6 million, and 752,993 in the city proper.
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8 - Galle Face
22 km away
One Galle Face is a mixed-use complex of buildings currently being built near the Galle Face Green in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is also Sri Lanka's first internationally and developed and managed mixed use project and was officially opened on 8 November 2019.
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9 - Birdwatching | Colombo
22 km away
Discover Sri Lanka's wildlife on this 2-day trip from Colombo. Visit the Udawalawe National Park on a safari, trek through the jungle, and ride the iconic blue train from Ella to Nuwara Eliya.
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10 - World Trade Center
22 km away
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11 - Kollupitiya
25 km away
Kollupitiya, also known as Colpetty is a major neighbourhood of Colombo, Sri Lanka. The name Kollupitiya comes from the name of a chief from Kandy who had unsuccessfully attempted to dethrone the last king of Kandy.
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12 - Mount Lavinia
31 km away
Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, population 245,974 is the largest suburb of the City of Colombo, and covers an extent of 2109 hectares.
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13 - Pinnawala
36 km away
Pinnawala is a village in Kegalle District of Sri Lanka and is around 90 km from the capital, Colombo. It is well known for its elephant orphanage.
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14 - Padukka
38 km away
Padukka is a town in the district of Colombo in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. It has a population of roughly 8,000. Elevation 44feet.
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Pictures and Stories of Galle from Influencers
10 pictures of Galle from Prabash Livera, Fredrik Öhlander, Archie Fantom and other travelers
- The light tower of Galle, built by the Dutch during the colonial age, in Mirissa, Sri Lanka ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Youhana Nassif | ©Unsplash
- Lighthouse in Galle, Sri Lanka ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Ivan Theodoulou | ©Unsplash
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Why should you visit Galle ?
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🏖️ Beach 🏖️ Shore 🗼 LandmarkHow to visit Galle ?
Galle, a charming coastal city in Sri Lanka, is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique blend of history, culture, and stunning beaches. The UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, Dutch colonial architecture, and vibrant local markets offer an unforgettable experience for anyone who ventures to this enchanting city.
To reach Galle, you can choose between several transportation options. The most scenic and popular choice is the train journey from Colombo, which takes about 2-3 hours and offers breathtaking views of the coastline. Alternatively, you can take a bus or hire a private taxi for a faster trip.
When planning your visit to Galle, it's essential to book certain experiences in advance. To truly immerse yourself in the city's history, consider booking a guided tour of Galle Fort, which will provide fascinating insights into its past. Additionally, if you're interested in taking a whale watching tour or trying your hand at scuba diving, it's best to make reservations with a reputable tour operator beforehand.
The costs of visiting Galle can vary depending on your preferences. Budget travelers can expect to spend around $30-40 per day, while mid-range and luxury travelers might spend $60-100 or more per day. Entrance fees to attractions, such as the Maritime Museum and the Galle Fort, are generally quite affordable.
Some of the best things to do in Galle include exploring the historic Galle Fort, visiting the National Maritime Museum, and strolling through the colorful markets. Additionally, make sure to spend some time relaxing on the stunning beaches, such as Unawatuna and Jungle Beach.
For a memorable dining experience in Galle, there are several excellent restaurants to choose from. The Fort Printers is an upscale option offering an eclectic mix of Sri Lankan and Mediterranean cuisine. For a more casual experience, try Lucky Fort Restaurant, known for its delicious and affordable local dishes. If you're craving seafood, head to Indian Hut, which offers a variety of fresh and flavorful options.
When it comes to accommodation, Galle offers a range of options catering to all budgets. For a luxurious stay, consider booking a room at Amangalla, a beautiful colonial-style hotel located within the Galle Fort. For mid-range travelers, the Galle Fort Hotel is an excellent choice, offering comfortable rooms and a convenient location. Budget travelers will find affordable options at the likes of Antic Guesthouse or Pedlar's Inn Hostel.
Off the beaten path:
For travelers seeking a unique experience in Galle, head to the Handunugoda Tea Estate, located about 30 minutes from the city. Here, you can take a guided tour of the plantation, learn about the tea-making process, and sample some of the world's finest teas, including the rare Virgin White Tea. This excursion offers a glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich tea culture and allows you to enjoy the lush greenery of the countryside.
Learn More about Galle
Galle, on the south coast of Sri Lanka, is the typical example of a charming city, as if frozen in time. Galle is a walled city, surrounded by ramparts, on the sea.
Windy beaches and sloping palms surround this colonial gem, a fort built in the 16th century by the Portuguese, while the rest of the city is dotted with Dutch-style houses, quirky stores, whitewashed mansions, and heritage museums. When you enter Galle, you pass through an enclosure, you physically pass into another space. This physical barrier accentuates this cut between the colonial city and the rest of the country, making Galle an atypical city.
The main and almost exclusive activity in Galle? Simply strolling through the streets and alleys. Walk around the ramparts, sit in a café, and admire its many historical buildings, mainly from the Dutch occupation. Like the lighthouse, the Methodist church, or the fort. But it is the whole of its buildings which gives so much charm to the city.
You can go to the foot of the old clock that you should see on your right when you enter. To finish with the must-sees of Galle Fort, don't hesitate to go to the south of the fort to admire the beautiful Lighthouse, which is the oldest in Sri Lanka!
The old town of Galle is a magical place; there is only one rule: stroll through the quiet streets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will be surprised by the old mansions skillfully renovated, with welcoming patios. The locals are very friendly and open, the restaurants are diverse, and there is no shortage of chic stores. It's a must-see place that leaves no one indifferent. From the top of the city walls, you can admire a beautiful view of the sea.
You can also take advantage of your stay to go swimming, Pitiwella Beach, Unuwatuna, or Jungle Beach are good options in the area to have dreamy scenery and activity options.
Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Galle
Galle has a beautiful fort, if you want to soak up the special historical atmosphere, don't hesitate to book accommodation inside the fort. The Fort Bazaar is a great place to stay!
The best months to visit Galle is from December to April, as there is little rain and the weather is dry. The rest of the year, avoid the monsoons, which will make your stay not pleasant.
The Galle Fort can be visited in half a day, but to visit the beaches of Galle and other sites to visit, we recommend you to spend at least 2 days, do not hesitate to sleep in the fortress of the city, you will be conquered by the special atmosphere that prevails.
Where to Stay in Galle
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More Travel spots to explore around Galle
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🏖️ Beach spots 🗼 Landmark spots 🏞️ National park spots 🌊 Ocean spots 🏖️ Shore spots 🏘️ Town spots 🌴 Tropics spots 🐾 Wildlife spots 🏖️ Headland spotsTravel map of Galle
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