Galle’s complex history as a trading port makes it a must-see destination in Sri Lanka. Founded by the Portuguese in the 16th century, this fortified city on the southwest coast later fell under Dutch rule and saw expansion.
With the British takeover and rivalry between European powers like the French, English, Danish, Spanish, and Portuguese in the 17th century, Galle changed hands frequently. This diverse past created a fascinating architectural blend of styles and influences, making the city an ideal place to soak in Sri Lanka’s rich cultural legacy.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle’s Old Town and fort offers delightful exploration on foot. Strolling along the fort’s thick ramparts provides unobstructed ocean and harbor views, glimpses of the old prison, the Galle Lighthouse on the fort’s southeastern tip, and the 18th-century Dutch Reformed Church.
Galle offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for strolling and soaking in the sights. Dozens of charming restaurants, cozy cafes, and shady spots provide places to dine and drink. Poonie’s Kitchen, tucked in a traditional Dutch-style courtyard house, is a peaceful haven with Western fare made from Sri Lanka’s freshest ingredients. Fortaleza Restaurant, located in a boutique hotel on Church Cross Street, is another gem. With a lovely veranda and bar overlooking a central courtyard, the restaurant features original walls over 200 years old. Fortaleza is known for delicious fresh seafood and signature table barbecues.
We also suggest visiting the fort in the late afternoon with a third-generation resident as your guide. Brimming with local history and anecdotes that breathe life into this historic place, they can help you discover what it’s truly like to live within these ancient walls. Your guide can even lead you to a wonderful hidden art-and-crafts shop tucked away in this storied locale.
In this workshop, you will learn about the history and cultural significance of mask making in Sri Lanka before creating your own mask using traditional, sustainable materials like recycled paper, treacle, cinnamon, clay, broken tiles, beeswax, and cow dung.
Beyond Galle’s famous fort, the surrounding countryside offers many enticing activities. Visitors can explore the region’s scenic landscape of rice paddies, villages, spice plantations – especially cinnamon – and low-altitude tea estates. To fully experience the area, travelers can venture off the beaten path by boat or bicycle, gaining an intimate glimpse into rural life.
The historic Galle International Stadium is a must-see destination for cricket fans. Originally built as a racecourse by British colonials, this picturesque ground overlooking the ocean has hosted many memorable cricket matches since 1998.
The beaches near Galle feature palm-lined shores and turquoise waters perfect for relaxation. We visited Wijaya Beach, where we relaxed with fresh coconuts in the tranquil setting. For visitors interested in surfing, private lessons can be arranged. The coast offers abundant seafood, including prawns, mahi-mahi, seer, tuna, and cuttlefish. Outside the city walls, locals barter for the freshest catch at seaside fish stalls.
Contact us today to find out how you can invest in your dream holiday apartment in Galle.
