Galle

Travel Guide

Galle showing general coastal views
Galle which includes a sunset, general coastal views and waves
Galle showing general coastal views as well as children
Galle showing motorcycle riding, general coastal views and street scenes
Galle which includes a sunset, general coastal views and surf

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 Fort and Galle International Cricket Stadium are top sights worth seeing.

Cheena Kotuwa
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Richmond Kanda

Richmond Kanda might not have many top sights, but Galle Fort and Mahamodara Beach 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 P5,324 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
P5,324
P6,974 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
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! (217 reviews)
Excellent
"Amazing"

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

Radisson Blu Resort Galle
Villa White Queen
Villa White Queen
3.5 out of 5
NO 27, Dangedara, Steel Road, Galle
The price is P4,648 per night from Jul 2 to Jul 3
P4,648
P5,112 total
Jul 2 - Jul 3
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Galle. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Galle International Cricket Stadium and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (37 reviews)
"The staff are super nice and we book the villa is big . overall is excellent and they really try to provide excellent service . I gave high mark because they provide service from their heart and sense. They restaurant should have airconditon but not so I did gave full mark . Anyway I recommend this ..."

Reviewed on Jun 4, 2025

Villa White Queen
Jetwing Lighthouse, A Luxury Reserve
Jetwing Lighthouse, A Luxury Reserve
5 out of 5
433 A, Dadella, Galle
The price is P11,029 per night from Jul 2 to Jul 3
P11,029
P14,316 total
Jul 2 - Jul 3
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Galle. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Mahamodara Beach and Galle Clock Tower are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (148 reviews)
"Stylish, well maintained property with friendly and helpful staff."

Reviewed on Mar 30, 2025

Jetwing Lighthouse, A Luxury Reserve
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.
Dream Villa
Dream Villa
2.5 out of 5
66, Church Street, Galle Fort, Galle
Book a stay at this beach villa in Galle. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Galle Lighthouse and Historical Mansion are ...
"The hotel has character but it is very basic. Breakfast is not available. There is no restaurant. The wifi mostly did not work. There was a complex device for showers that did not work properly and flooded the bathroom. The towels had seen better days. There was no TV. The room was not serviced in ..."

Reviewed on Jan 3, 2025

Dream Villa
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 Mar 27, 2025

Oceanfront Galle by ICC
Villa Upper Dickson
Villa Upper Dickson
3 out of 5
7, Upper Dickson Road, Galle
Stay at this 3-star villa in Galle. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Galle International Cricket Stadium and Mahendra Amarasooriya ...
Comfortable and well-located
"It's a well-located about 10 minutes walk from Galle Fort and less than 5 minutes walk from the railway station. The rooms are clean and comfortable, with good air-con and a fridge. The breakfast is good and the staff are helpful. The pool is also nice. The only downside is that the wi-fi was strong ..."

Reviewed on Apr 27, 2025

Villa Upper Dickson
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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