12 x Things to do in Galle, Sri Lanka

The historical and colonial town of Galle, with its Colonial architecture and Dutch architectural influences, is located on Sri Lanka's southern coast, a walled town overlooking the sandy shoreline, fantastic ocean vistas, and streets lined with bright and trendy cafes, boutiques, and restaurants. Galle is, without a doubt, the pride of the south.

Photo by Matthijs Idema on Unsplash

Galle is a historic city best known for the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and still the most significant stronghold in Asia. This city boasts the enticing architectural styles of the Portuguese and Dutch. While strolling around Galle's busy and vibrant streets, you will come across the natural harbor, originally the principal port of Sri Lanka during ancient times, as well as different religious sites, museums, and other spectacular and magnificent spots and buildings.

Rummasala, according to the 'Ramayana' (an Indian epic poem), is part of the Himalayan Mountain range in India and is yet another celestial wonder. You will be rewarded with a bird's-eye view of the southern shore once you reach the summit of this peak.

The Galle International Stadium is another significant landmark since it is regarded as one of the most picturesque cricket fields in Sri Lanka and the entire globe. It is undoubtedly the place to be if you want to enjoy a friendly game of test cricket. Galle, with its colonial architecture and ageless attractions, is undoubtedly one of the most engaging and enthralling sites in Sri Lanka.

1. The Galle Fort Experience

2. The Galle Harbour

3. Habaraduwa Turtle Hatchery

4. Galle Lighthouse

The Galle Lighthouse, which dates back to the mid-nineteenth century and is located within the walls of the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is Sri Lanka's oldest light station. The first Galle Beacon was built by the British in 1848 and was the area's first onshore lighthouse, towering 24.5 meters tall with a full view of Galle Harbour.

A severe fire destroyed the ancient lighthouse in 1934. This resulted in the construction of the present lighthouse in 1939, which is taller than the original at 26.5 meters. It is located around 100 meters away from its predecessor.

5. Koggala

6. Kanneliya Rainforest

7. Dutch Hospital

The Dutch Hospital is a two-story colonial building on the eastern side of the ancient Galle Fort in Galle, which is now a famous retail and dining district. The building, located on the appropriately called Hospital Road, was erected in the 17th century as a hospital to care for the health of the personnel who served the Dutch East India Company and was built on the site of the Portuguese mint. 

You can see two central courtyards, long colonnaded verandas that run the length of each wing, and massive teak beams that contrast magnificently against the structure's broad white walls. Inside, several restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and souvenir shops are distributed on both floors, as well as beautiful ocean views.

8. Unawatuna

9. Sinharaja Forest Reserve

10. Hikkaduwa

11. Whale and Dolphin Watching in Mirissa

12. Explore Local Markets

The atmosphere in a local market is sometimes unrivaled in terms of authenticity and is ideal for becoming familiarized with a country's culture. This is undeniably true in the bustling Galle Markets. Outside Galle Fort, you'll find many local markets selling a wide range of local food, including delectable tropical fruits, the freshest vegetables, freshly caught fish, and high-quality spices and herbs.

A trip through Galle's markets is ideal for expanding your spice collection or stocking up on fruits to fuel your explorations in the fort - it's also the most excellent way to see the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life in Sri Lanka.