Sri Lanka, a country in South Asia, is blessed with scenic beauty and a diverse culture. There are many captivating sites to visit in this beautiful nation. One such place is Galle. Galle lies along the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka.
Here are 10 places to visit in Galle if Sri Lanka is on your travel list.
If you want to explore Sri Lanka finely, we have detailed guides to places. All you need to do is explore our website first. Read about all the amazing places that you must visit in Sri Lanka.
Coming back to Galle, it has had a deep-rooted history over the years. Galle was an important port even before the foreign rulers acquired it. It was in 1502, when Galle was under Portuguese rule. But in 1640, the Dutch acquired the Galle port from the former.
In 1796, Galle finally fell to the British as the administrative centre. There’s a lot more to this place, which you will read ahead.
Galle Dutch Fort
The limelight of the Galle trip belongs to this iconic fort- the Galle Dutch Fort. This fort is a voice for its past. This fort is proof of its history. Though constructed by the Portuguese, it was fortified by the Dutch.
It is more than 400 years old and, in 1988, received a UNESCO World Heritage Site tag. Even if preserved well, you will come across rampant parts of this fort. The Galle Fort has a mix of Portuguese, Dutch, English, and South Asian architecture.
The Galle Fort is open 24 hours a day, and you may need around 2-3 hours to roam around. There are shops inside the fort that open at around 10 a.m. and close by 8 p.m. You will find Sri Lankan items in these shops that are worth buying.
Dutch Reformed Church
Now that you are visiting Galle Dutch Fort, here’s another place in its vicinity that you should not miss. The Dutch Reformed Church was built in 1755. The arched windows speak of typical colonial architecture.
The interior includes wooden décor. This church tells us about the religious aspect of Galle. The Groote Kerk, or Dutch Reformed Church, opens at 6 a.m. and closes at 9 p.m. This one is situated right next to the entrance of the Galle Fort.
If you are a history and architecture enthusiast, the Galle Fort Church is going to be of interest to you. It belongs to the style of doric architecture. You can count it in later Roman but ancient Greek type.
Maritime Museum
Countries that lie on the ocean often offer maritime experiences. The Galle Maritime Museum showcases many artifacts. We now know that Galle was an important port. That importance is visible here in the Galle Maritime Heritage Museum.
It is inside a Dutch warehouse. You will get to see numerous ship models, instruments of navigation, and watercraft. It shows maritime anthropological aspects of the coastal region. Opening hours of the maritime museum are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Public visits began at the museum in 1992. The tsunami of 2004 destroyed the museum. But the governments of Sri Lanka and the Netherlands together redeveloped the museum.You will have to buy a ticket to visit the maritime museum. You can book the tickets at the counter or online.
Japanese Peace Pagoda – Rumassala
Buddhism is prominent in many countries, including Sri Lanka. You will find many Buddhist stupas here. The Japanese Peace Pagoda on Rumassala Hills symbolizes harmony and peace. The view from the pagoda is serene. Greenery and ocean views give calm and relief.
The Japanese peace pagoda was built in 2005 by monks of Mahayana Buddhism. To reach the pagoda, you will have to hike for about 20 minutes. The hike will take you to the freshness of nature among trees.
The pagoda is open 24 hours a day, but we suggest you go there either during sunrise or sunset. You will get to see a mesmerizing view of nature. The in-charge person will provide you with a sarong to wear.
National Museum Galle
If you want to dive deep into the history and culture of Galle, visit the National Museum of Galle. The setup is inside a mansion that dates back to the colonial era. Here you will find historical records, dresses and costumes, and even material remains.
This museum educates visitors on Galle’s stories of the past. Apart from historical aspects, you will also come across cultural aspects. The museum showcases collections that belong to Portuguese, Dutch, and English.
You will see weaving, jewelry making, and weaponry, too. Mondays are off. Visiting hours for the rest of the week are- 9 a.m. to 4:45 a.m.
Jungle Beach
If you feel tired after visiting museums and want to relax, go to Jungle Beach. It is distant from the hustle-bustle of the city. The calmness and sounds of the water will give you tranquility.
If you are a swimmer, spend some time swimming here. Coral reefs are the main attraction at Jungle Beach. Don’t forget to try snorkeling here.
Imagine spending time here away from your chaotic life. The sunrise or sunset views are going to be breath-taking.
Galle International Cricket Stadium
As much as Galle City has its past, it has moved ahead with time. Galle International Cricket Stadium is an ode to its modernity. It is an iconic place in the country. In the backdrop of the stadium lies the Galle Fort.
The stadium shares its boundaries with the Indian Ocean on two sides. The stadium grounds were actually built in 1876 as a race course. It is open to the public from Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. On Saturday, the timing is 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. It does not open on Sundays.
Sea Turtle Hatchery Centre
Sea turtles are an attraction on the ocean coast. Sri Lanka is popular for its sea turtles. For these endangered species, Galle has a conservation centre.
After visiting, you will experience how turtles hatch. You can also release baby turtles into the water. That would be heartwarming to hold a baby turtle and let it swim in the ocean, right? You will also learn about different species of sea turtles.
The conservation centre treats sick sea turtles. Once they recover, they are released back into the ocean.It is open across the week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Make sure you buy an entry ticket to the Sea Turtle Hatchery Centre.
Mary’s Cathedral, Galle
Another place to cover in the Galle Fort is St. Mary’s Cathedral. It belongs to the British colonial era. It is a prime example of Gothic Revival architecture. If you are a fan of minute details of buildings and designs, visit this one.
Visiting times are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. But mass timings differ according to the days. Mass timings for Monday, Thursday, and Friday are 7 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday mass times are 5 p.m. The cathedral hosts masses twice a day, on Saturday and Sunday.
Galle Harbour
As discussed already, Galle has a history of being an important port in the past. Even today, it holds the same importance. Once you visit Galle Harbour, you will notice the business of this port. It is a hub of activities showing local life.
Loading and unloading of ships and cargo is a daily task. Fishermen are often on duty. It also has a historic lighthouse. It is recognized as the best yatching attraction internationally.
There’s an underwater museum here for those interested in marine archaeology. You can do certain 2-hour to 1-day courses here. Note that the best time to visit this underwater museum is between November and April.
Galle is a go-to place in Sri Lanka. It makes you aware of the ancient past and natural scenic views of this beautiful nation. Include these 10 best places to visit in Galle when you plan to visit Sri Lanka.
Enjoy the cultural diversity and shop for authentic items. Have a memorable trip ahead!
Editorial Staff at Ceylon Empire Travels are Specialist in Sri Lanka Travel.
