Top places to visit in Galle

• Galle Dutch Fort

  colonial-fort · 4.7 rating · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  A 17th-century Dutch-built fortified old town and UNESCO World Heritage Site — cobbled lanes, ramparts, churches and boutique cafes within sea walls.

• Unawatuna Beach

  bay-beach · 4.4 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate

  A sheltered, palm-fringed crescent bay with calm turquoise water — the south coast's most popular swimming and snorkelling beach.

• Galle Lighthouse

  lighthouse · 4.5 rating · about 0.3 h · check the fee at the gate

  Sri Lanka's oldest light station, an elegant 26.5 m white tower (1939) within the fort walls, framed by coconut palms above a rocky shore.

• Dalawella Beach (Rope Swing)

  palm-beach · 4.3 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  A photogenic palm-lined beach famous for its coconut-tree rope swing over turquoise water and a natural tidal swimming pool.

• Flag Rock Bastion

  rampart-viewpoint · 4.5 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  The fort's southernmost rampart point and prime sunset perch, where cliff jumpers leap into the sea and vendors sell spices and snacks.

• Jungle Beach

  cove · 4.2 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  A secluded little cove tucked below Rumassala's forest, reached by a short trail — calm shallow water ideal for snorkelling.

• Japanese Peace Pagoda

  stupa · 4.5 rating · about 0.7 h · check the fee at the gate

  A gleaming white Buddhist stupa on Rumassala hill built by Japanese monks, with sweeping views over Unawatuna bay and the Indian Ocean.

• Dutch Reformed Church (Groote Kerk)

  colonial-church · 4.4 rating · about 0.4 h · check the fee at the gate

  One of the oldest Protestant churches in Sri Lanka (1755), with a gravestone-paved floor, original organ and antique pulpit.

• Galle International Cricket Stadium

  cricket-stadium · 4.4 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  One of the most picturesque Test cricket grounds in the world, ringed by the ocean and the fort ramparts — best viewed on a match day.

• National Maritime Museum

  maritime-museum · 4.0 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate

  Maritime archaeology museum set in a 1671 Dutch warehouse on the ramparts, with shipwreck finds, traditional fishing craft and marine exhibits.

Things to do

• Madu River Boat Safari Nature · 2 h · from LKR 17,600 per person
• Kosgoda Sea Turtle Hatchery Visit Wildlife · 1 h · from LKR 7,000 per person
• Galle Fort Heritage Walking Tour Cultural · 2 h · from LKR 12,300 per person

Day trips and tours

• Galle Fort & South Coast Day Tour 8 h · from LKR 38,700

Where to stay in Galle

• Galle Fort about LKR 30,000 per night

  Live inside the UNESCO Dutch fort — boutique villas, cafes, ramparts and atmosphere at every turn.

• Unawatuna about LKR 15,000 per night

  Curved palm-lined bay 15 min from the fort — swimming beach, dive shops and beach bars.

Hotels

• Fort Bazaar 4-star · LKR 45,000 to LKR 80,000 per night
• Amangalla 5-star · LKR 90,000 to LKR 200,000 per night
• Jetwing Lighthouse 5-star · LKR 38,000 to LKR 75,000 per night
• Le Grand Galle 5-star · LKR 32,000 to LKR 62,000 per night
• Mango House Galle Fort 3-star · LKR 14,000 to LKR 28,000 per night
• Unawatuna Beach Bungalow 2-star · LKR 6,000 to LKR 14,000 per night

Where to eat

• Lucky Fort Restaurant Sri Lankan · about LKR 2,500 per person
• Wijaya Beach Pizza, International, Seafood · about LKR 3,000 per person
• Pedlar's Inn Cafe Cafe, Sri Lankan · about LKR 1,800 per person
• Poonie's Kitchen Sri Lankan, Healthy · about LKR 2,200 per person
• Church Street Social International, Sri Lankan · about LKR 4,500 per person

Getting to Galle

Nearest airport: Colombo (CMB), about 130 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.

How visitors arrive in Galle

• Coastal train from Colombo Fort By train from Colombo · common

  The coastal line from Colombo Fort runs along the sea to Galle; reserved seats can sell out well ahead in peak season. Source: thecommonwanderer.com

• Expressway bus from Makumbura By road from Colombo · common

  An expressway bus (EX1) leaves Makumbura station on Colombo's eastern outskirts; ordinary coastal buses leave Bastian Mawatha. Source: thecommonwanderer.com

• Taxi or private transfer via expressway By road from Colombo · possible

  Private cars take the Southern Expressway from Colombo or the airport. Source: thecommonwanderer.com

From the railway station to the centre

• Tuk-tuk to Galle Fort unconfirmed

  Tuk-tuks wait outside the station; agree the fare first. Source: thecommonwanderer.com

Getting around

• Car With Driver
• Tuktuk
• Walking

Safety and scams to avoid

• Inflated fort "guide" fees

  Galle Fort

  Unofficial guides quote a small fee then demand much more at the end, or latch on uninvited.

  How to avoid it: Agree the full price and scope in writing/clearly beforehand, or take a reputable booked walking tour.

Best time to visit Galle

• Jan 28°C
• Feb 29°C
• Mar 29°C
• Apr 29°C
• May rough
• Jun rough
• Jul rough
• Aug rough
• Sep rough
• Oct 28°C
• Nov 28°C
• Dec 28°C

More in Sri Lanka

• Sigiriya
• Kandy
• Ella
• Colombo
• Nuwara Eliya
• Polonnaruwa

Frequently asked questions about Galle

How many days do you need in Galle?

A typical trip to Galle is 2-3 days.

What are the top-rated places to visit in Galle?

The highest-rated places in our Galle guide are Galle Dutch Fort, Galle Lighthouse, Flag Rock Bastion, Japanese Peace Pagoda, Unawatuna Beach.

Where should I stay in Galle?

Our guide covers these areas to stay in Galle: Galle Fort, Unawatuna.

How do I get around Galle?

Ways to get around Galle covered in our guide: Car with driver, Tuk-tuk, Walking.

What scams should I watch out for in Galle?

Scams reported to us for Galle include Inflated fort "guide" fees. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.

What is the weather like in Galle?

Average daytime highs in Galle run from 28°C in Oct to 29°C in Mar.