20 Best Things to Do in Galle, Sri Lanka / Best 20 Place to Visit Galle

20 Best Things to Do in Galle, Sri Lanka

written by Lasi

The historic city of Galle, which is one of Sri Lanka's most well-liked tourist sites, is situated along the country's picturesque coastline, and it is simple to understand why. The city is a fantastic place to explore, with many different cultural influences and historical tourist attractions. It is full of fascinating historical sights and cultural landmarks that date to Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule.

The historic Dutch Fort, which is located in a stunning location at the harbor's entrance, is at the center of most of city activities. Not only will you find amazing mosques, cathedrals, and colonial-era structures here, but you'll also find charming tiny cafés and eateries, and the area always has a bustling atmosphere.

There are also plenty of gorgeous beaches and wildlife preserves around for you to explore in Galle. Galle, in Sri Lanka's Southern Province, is without a doubt the highlight of any tour since it offers the ideal fusion of history, culture, and nature.

01.Dutch Fort Galle

The Galle Dutch Fort was constructed a number of years ago on a sizable plot of land, and the Portuguese used it before the Dutch acquired control of it. With extensive rebuilding and refurbishment, the British eventually declared the fort to be their own. The distinctive blendings that contributed to the standing of this imposing structure are now recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, earning them a prominent spot on the list of Galle tourist attractions.

Because of how stunning the region is, many couples choose it for their pre-wedding photo session.

Church Street in Bay of Galle is the location.

Visit Time: Always available.

Entry Fee: Free

02.Pagoda of Peace in Japan

The Japanese Peace Pagoda is a destination for anyone seeking solitude and some time for reflection. This serene building, which was recently constructed, is positioned atop Rumassala Hill, from where you can see the vast ocean and the dense jungles. Attend the daily ritual that they carry out every evening at 05:30 p.m. to sink deeper into this calm.

People standing on Unawatuna Beach and Galle Beach can see the building because it is tall enough to be seen from those locations. The atmosphere at dusk is mesmerizing and transports one to another beautiful realm.

Location: Unawatuna

Visit Time: from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Entry Fee: Free

 03.Lighthouse in Galle

The Galle Lighthouse is an imperial beauty that is tucked away on the grounds of the Galle Dutch Fort. Even the most advanced cameras can't fully capture the mesmerizing architecture, tall buildings, and reverberating breeze of these amazing sights. The lighthouse, which is actually the oldest in the nation, faces the far waters. For ancient sailors, it was a sign of relief, and for tourists today, it is a breathtaking sight.

Galle 80000, Sri Lanka is the location.

Visit Time: Always available.

Entry Fee: Free

04.Jungle Beach

The Jungle Beach is a tranquil, out-of-the-way beach where you may get all the peace and quiet you need while on vacation. This Beach is one of the calmest and least crowded of all the tourist destinations in Galle, and it is situated just in front of the Japanese Peace Pagoda.

You can swim in the crystal-clear waters, which seem to be mirror images of the earth below, or relax on the sandy beach and obtain a flawless tan. If you enjoy aquatic life, you might want to go snorkeling in Galle to experience the diverse marine life for yourself.

Location: Rumassala, close to Unawatuna Beach and Galle

Visit Time: Available 24 hours a day

Entry Fee: Free

05.Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Sinharaja Forest Reserve, also known as the "Kingdom of the Lion," is a haven for those who enjoy the outdoors and wildlife. UNESCO has designated it a World Heritage Site. Many of Sri Lanka's indigenous bird and mammal species can be found there. This Forest Reserve is home to more than 50% of Sri Lanka's indigenous mammals and almost 95% of its endemic birds.

The forest is always shrouded in a thick layer of rain clouds. It is a well-known destination in Galle. You may take in the splendor of vast, lush, and abundant evergreen rainforests as well as the tranquil pace of wildlife.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve is the location.

Visit Time: All Days 8.00am to 6.30pm

Entry fee: The range is about between INR 260 and INR 460. (664 LKR to 1160 LKR)

06.St. Mary's Cathedral, Galle

One of the top tourist attractions in Galle is this cathedral, which serves the local Roman Catholic Diocese. The Bishops responded to the need for a location for the diocese to worship in 1983 as a result of the expansion of other religions in the area. Catholics from the southern region of Sri Lanka frequent this church, which offers prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The city's landmark is undoubtedly St. Mary's Cathedral.

Location: 8000 Galle

Visit Time: From morning until evening; the ideal time to visit is between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m.

Entry Fee: Free

07.National Museum of Galle

The National Museum of Galle is "the" destination for you if the study of world history is your life's work. It is one of the tourist destinations in Galle that lets you research Sri Lanka's past beginning in the fourth century.

This educational structure preserves everything from architectural designs, antiques and masks, shells, wooden carvings, and the Beeralu Collection to other archaeological artefacts that lead you deep into this nation. The guns and vessels on display, among other objects, provide evidence of the Dutch influence in Sri Lanka.

Church Street, Galle

Visit Time: from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Adult admission is 35 LKR (USD 0.20), while child admission is 20 LKR (USD 0.11);

08.Dutch Reformed Church, Galle

The Dutch Reformed Church, another magnificent building at the Galle Dutch Fort grounds, tells tales from long past. If you hire a guide to pace you around with relevant happenings, you will be able to enjoy a stroll through history. This church's door is a product of an 18th-century artisan. This church, also known as Groot Church, has several tombs on the floor, and the pulpit was made of Malaysian wood.

Church Street, inside the walls of Galle Fort

Visit Time: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Entry fee: 150 LKR (USD 0.85) for kids and 300 LKR (USDK 1.70) for adults

09.Historical Mansion Museum

Here is another location for history buffs who want to purchase some historical artifacts for their personal collections in addition to simply viewing them. Several Dutch-era antiques, including typewriters, jewelry, cameras, lamps, and other items, are on display on the priceless shelves of this private museum.

Visits to the gem house are amazing opportunities to see live embroidery being done as well as the cutting and shape of sapphire. The Dutch-era well is not just a beautiful artifact to observe; it's also a fantastic location for photos.

The address is Leyn Baan Street.

Visit Time: from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Entry Fee: Free

 10.Maritime Museum

Seaport Museum

It is well known that Sri Lanka and the harbor at Galle are recognized for their maritime trade. The Maritime Museum is one of the tourist attractions in Galle that takes you back to the trading routes and artifacts of the Dutch East India Trading Company. Understanding Sri Lanka's history and the assaults it endured is made easy by visiting this location. In this priceless storehouse, you may observe some marine products, boat models, etc.

Location: Galle Dutch Fort, Queens Street

Visit Time: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (08.00 a.m. on Saturday)

Admission is 20 LKR (USD 0.11) for adults and 10 LKR (USD 0.057) for children. For adults, the cost is 300 LKR (USD 1.70) and for children, it is 150 LKR (USD 0.85).

11.Sea Turtles Hatchery

The Sea Turtle Hatchery is maintained by a family whose members have committed their lives to caring for marine wildlife. Everyone in the group is committed to aiding sea turtles who are ill or pregnant or who need medical attention.

In reality, they aid in sea turtle reproduction by giving them a secure place in which to deposit their eggs and by taking care of the hatchlings. It is one of the greatest sites to visit in Galle since, with a quick diversion to this turtle sanctuary, you may see all of that at once.

Located in Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka, at Sea Turtle Hatchery & Rescue Center A2.

Visit Time :  7: 30 a.m. to 6: 00 p.m.

Payment: 2 Dollars

12.St. Joseph Chapel 

Every every inch of this modest chapel has been soaked with tranquility to give it to guests seeking inner peace. A representation of Roman Catholics from Portuguese times, St. Joseph's Chapel was afterwards recreated by the Dutch. This small chapel exhibits a hint of Dutch architectural design. Spending time in this revered structure brings about a lot of tranquility.

Location: Galle Dutch Fort, Lighthouse Street

Visit Time: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Entry Fee: Free

13.Mahamodara Sea Turtle Hatchery Center

The Mahamodara Sea Turtle Hatchery in Galle is a ground-breaking idea where volunteers fight to conserve sea turtles, which are certain to go extinct if not cared for. If you go there, you'll see that there are many sea turtles of all sizes that are being looked for and kept in their natural habitats by keeping their region free of trash to aid in the development of their young. It is both a really enlightening and adorable visit.

Location: Galle Colombo - Galle Main Road, Galle, Sri Lanka, Mahamodara Sea Turtle Hatchery Center

Hours: from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Entry Fee: 2 Dollars

14. Meeran Jumma Mosque

The Meeran Jumma Mosque is another building that begs for an enticing visit while strolling around the Galle Fort alleyways because it was logically constructed facing the direction of Mecca. This mosque is on the "must-see" list of places to see in Galle because of the interior's exquisite splendor, which includes well-done Italian flooring, captivating chandeliers, artistic glasses, and spacious hallways.

Devotees spend some time on the lawn outside admiring the mosque's beauty. Even women are welcome to enter the mosque as long as they are appropriately suited. The most recent renovations also included the addition of a separate prayer space for ladies alone.

Address: Galle Fort

Visit Time: Always available.

Entry Fee: Free

15.Galle Fort Clock Tower

The Humanitarian Doctor Peter Daniel Anthonisz, who was well renowned for being quite a people person, was honored by having the Galle Fort Clock Tower erected in his honor. According to the records, the residents of Galle contributed to the funds needed to construct this tower on the Galle Fort Campus.

During your tour to the Galle Fort, a local guide will want to tell you about the fascinating history of this Clock Tower. The building has a view of the former guard room, which was known as Moon Bastion.

Location: Within the walls of Galle Fort

Visit Time: Always available.

Entry Fee: Free

16.Galle Harbour

One of the top tourist attractions in Galle is this natural harbor, which has existed for more than 2000 years. This port sees a lot of activity and acts as Sri Lanka's regional port. Since it has been named one of the top locations to do so by the International Yacht Societies, Galle Harbour is one of the very few locations that supports people who want to spend time on their yachts.

Observing people at work and the inscription in three languages left by a Chinese man many years ago are both popular attractions on the Galle Harbour.

Location: Sri Lanka's south-western coast

Visit Time: Open 24 hours a day

Entry Fee: Free

17.Old Fort  Entrance Galle

Another remnant of the British during their time in Galle is the Old Gate. This Old Gate, which has an artistic carving of a coat of arms on top, is located on one of the Galle Fort's exterior areas. Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie is abbreviated as VOC on the two lion sculptures that form the border between them. On this patch, the year 1699 is also carved as a reminder of when it was made.

Location: Outside of Galle Fort

Visit time: 24 hours

Entry Fee: Free

 18.Koggala Beach

Due to its breathtaking views of the coastline, Koggala Beach has emerged as a hidden tourist favorite among Sri Lanka's other beaches. It's a great place to relax and recharge while listening to the waves kiss the sand every few seconds. It's also a blast to take surfing lessons there and take a stroll to Koggala Lake.

Many people prefer to stay at one of the beach hotels or resorts since the beach is so gorgeous. When you take a break from relaxing, you should eat some local cuisine!

12 kilometers away from Unawatuna Bay

Visit time: 24 hours (Surfing timing is limited)

Entry Fee: Free

19.Unawatuna Beach

A beach in Galle with golden sand that matches the crystal-clear ocean waves is undoubtedly one of the spots to see while there. Unawatuna Beach, which is located in Sri Lanka's southern region, is one of the most well-known locations for travelers to swim, stroll, and unwind.

Another option is to rent some loungers and spend the day doing nothing but watching the wide ocean. Numerous restaurants line this shore, providing a perfect way to end a day well spent. On this beach, canoeing is a fantastic activity.

Approximately an hour's drive from Colombo

visit time: Open 24 hours a day

Entry Fee: Free

20.Sahana Beach

If you want to learn how to surf while on vacation and spend time honing your skills, Sahana Beach is the ideal location. On this beach, there are a number of surf instructors that assist beginners in learning the skill of using a surfboard to balance on the waves.

Address: Matara Road

visit time: Open 24 hours a day

Entry Fee: Free

 People likewise query Galle

Which Galle attractions are ideal for couples?

One of the best places to visit in Galle for couples is the Galle Dutch Fort. You can take a romantic stroll through the Galle Fort's streets, where you can find a number of gift shops. The couples can also treat themselves to spa services to unwind and restore their bodies, minds, and spirits.

1. Jungle Beach- The Jungle Beach in Galle is a treasure trove of peace and quiet that you need for the ideal romantic getaway. You can relax on the beach while getting the ideal tan, or you can go swimming with your significant other. One of the nicest things to do in Jungle Beach is snorkeling if you and your partner enjoy aquatic life.

2. Galle Harbour - Galle Harbour is another location that is ideal for romantic getaways. On the yacht trip, guests can spend quality time with their loved ones. The picturesque surroundings enhance the location's romantic ambiance.