sri lanka
8 exciting things to do in galle
Galle, the heart of southern Sri Lanka, is one of the top destinations in Sri Lanka that you can’t afford to miss during your Sri Lanka holiday. The beachfront town with a rich history, culture, cuisine and colonial architecture is truly a delight to explore. Things to do in Galle are endless, and the city will keep you busy no matter what type of a traveller you are.
Whether you are looking for an exciting holiday with a lot of happening or like to sit back and relax soaking in the sea breeze, Galle won’t disappoint you. In this article, we share top 8 exciting things to do in Galle.
1. Discover the beauty of nearby beaches
Located in the beautiful southern coastal belt of Sri Lanka, Galle is very close to several beach spots that will blow your mind. You can easily reach those beaches with a 10-20 minutes tuk-tuk ride. Unawatuna, Jungle beach, Hikkaduwa are some of the top beaches to relax and enjoy an unforgettable tropical beach escape. These beaches are known for watersports such as surfing, diving, snorkeling, boat rides, sea kayaking and much more. So, if you are a watersport lover you will have plenty of things to experience.
2. Stroll around the Dutch fort
Galle is a city ideal to explore by foot as the area has so many happenings that you don’t want to miss out on if you are to experience the essence of the city. So spend an evening just strolling around the town enjoying the local lives, daily activities of the area enjoying a warm cup of tea or a coffee in a fancy coffee shop in the old fort.
3. Madu River Boat Safari
If you are visiting Galle, Madu river safari is one of the top activities you can’t afford to miss. Taking you along the beautiful Madu river, the boat ride will show you the best of the mangrove ecosystem while offering you the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in nature.
To find out more about the Madu River Safari and to book a tour, please click the button.
4. Galle Lighthouse
If you are visiting Galle, you can’t leave the city without a photo of Galle lighthouse. This iconic landmark of the city that dates back to 1848 offers you postcard-perfect travel photos. Standing on the walls of the ancient Galle Fort, the lighthouse is still in use, guiding the safe passage of ships into Galle Harbour. Visit the place in the evening so you can capture your photos in the golden hours.
5. Walk on the Ramparts
Take a walk along the ramparts of the dutch fort in Galle in the evening. Enjoy the colours of the sinking sun as you savour a juicy mango with chilli powder sprinkled on top. The fort which was built by the Dutch in the 17th century is today a UNESCO world heritage site. The walls of the fort are 20 inches thick making it very easy to walk along. The Indian ocean with the lighthouse, clock tower and old prison at distance will offer you amazing views during the sunset.
6. Explore the Dutch architecture
Impressive colonial architecture is a common sight no matter where you go in the city of Galle. You can still easily go back in time to the Dutch colonial era with a simple walk around the town as old colonial buildings that are still in good shape are at every corner of the city. The Maritime Archaeology Museum, Groote Kerk and the Amangalla Hotel are some of the few famous buildings colonial architecture lovers fall in love with.
7. Go shopping in boutique shops
Galle has so many boutique stores that sell traditional handicrafts, ornaments, clothes, artwork, small souvenirs and much more. Make sure to discover these beautiful shops with passionate small business owners and buy something to bring back home as memories of your travels and share with your family and friends.
8. Pay a visit to the Galle museum
History is an essential aspect that will give you deep insight into any area. If you are interested in digging deep into the history and the culture of Galle, make sure to pay a visit to the Galle museum. The historical artifacts and archaeological and anthropological objects that showcase the history of the area before the colonial period and after the colonial influence are well displayed in an old Dutch building. If you are a history buff, this should be on the top of your things-to-do list in Galle.
Traveling to Galle
Located 130 Km away from Colombo on the southern coast, the best way to reach Galle is to use the Southern Expressway – E01.
You can take the Expressway Buses or take a car or a van which you can easily hire from a car rental service.
Where to Stay
There are plenty of accommodations in Galle and below are our recommendations.
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