Galle: Best things to do

Intro

Sri Lanka’s 4th largest city Galle (Or Gawl) is a southern coastal city located in between another astonishing town Hikkaduwa and Mirissa.

Here are some of the best things to do in Galle town and its surroundings as far as its foreign and local visitors are concerned.

Galle is a city with mesmerising architecture. Said to have been built by the Dutch in the 1660s, the bay of Galle Galle Fort has been the major fort for Sri Lanka for over 2 centuries and was used as a major transportation venue between Asia and Europe.

Considering its historical, architectural and Archaeological heritage value, UNESCO named Galle as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.

The main town area of Galle is seen in two parts, old town and new town. The old town is the most peaceful and quieter part of the town which is near the Galle Fort previously known as the Dutch Quarter which is detached from the busy new town area.

This historic area is close to the fascinating sea views, Dutch-made villas, colonial-like architecture and the Museums that depict the colonial arrivals. Galle’s new town is which contributes to Galle’s busy day-to-day life. If you need to take transportation or shopping, this is the part of the town to do so.

Main town area of Galle is seen in two parts, old town and new town. Old town is the most peaceful and quieter part of the town which is in close proximity to the Galle Fort previously known as the Dutch quarter which is detached from the busy new town area.

This historic area is in approximately to the fascinating sea views, Dutch made villas, colonial alike architecture and the Museums that depicts the colonial arrivals. Galle new town is which contributes to galle’s busy day-today life.

If you are in need of taking transportation or shopping, this is the part of the town to do so.

Bit of History

The city clearly shows the signs of colonization existent past of Portuguese, Dutch and English. Portuguise said to have come in 1505, followed by the Dutch in 1640 then the British in 1796.

Served as the main harbour of Sri Lanka and contributed to the country’s commercial trade actively till the Colombo fort is made in early 19th century.

As a result of Dutch and Portuguise presense, a minority group called “Dutch Burghers” were created with the Dutch, Portuguise and Sri Lankan descent.
Galle is one of the cities which stroked by Tsunami hard. 

Statistics

Province: Southern
District: Galle
Population: approx. 100,000
mix of Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslims
Area: 16.5km2

Top 10 things to Do in Galle

1. Wander around the historic “Galle Fort”

Galle Fort
Galle Fort was first built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later fortified by the Dutch in the 17th century.

Said to be made by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later renovated extensively by the Dutch in 17th century, mighty galle fort is undoubtly the Galle’s most historical and picturous monument that is easily reachable from the main town area.

Considering the heritage value this historic fort has been served as a UNESCO Heritage site since 1988.
The huge wall of the Galle fort effectively protected the Galle town from the brutal tsunami wave in 2004.

2. Visit Maritime archaeological museum

Galle Maritime Museum
Galle Maritime Museum, Galle Fort

The museum has been built to evocate the principle means of livelihood of ancient sri Lankan dwellers who lives in coastal areas, which is fishing.

Opened in 2010 in a 16th century dutch made bulding, this museum has everything that has been used in traditional fishing in Sri Lanka.

More info: www.ccf.gov.lk

3. Stop by "The Lighthouse"

The Lighthouse Galle
The Lighthouse Galle

Galle lighthouse is one of the prominent attractions of Galle City. Situated inside the Galle Fort premises facing the sea, the lighthouse is considered the oldest lighthouse in Sri Lanka made by the British in 1848.

26.5 meters tall giant pillar beacons are said to have guided dozens of ships on the way to the port and equally saved thousands of lives. 

4. Game of Cricket at “Galle International Cricket Stadium”

Galle International Cricket Stadium
No. 800 to Murali

Galle International Cricket Stadium is one of the eight main cricket stadiums that can host international cricket matches.

Situated in the heart of the Galle centre and the walking distance of the main seaside, this cricket ground is considered to be one of the most astonishing Cricket grounds in the world.

Belongs to Richmond College this stadium housed many great international cricketers over the years and holds a few unbeaten records set by some of the greatest cricketers.

The condition of the ground usually favoured spin bowling, the legendary Sri Lankan spinner Murali has passed his 800 test wickets mark in 2010 to keep his world record as the highest wicket-taker in test cricket matches. 

5. Unwind yourself at “Unawatuna Beach”

Unawatuna Beach
Unawatuna Beach, Galle

Unawatuna is reachable by heading out about 5km southeast of Galle city. 

Unawatuna has its fame not only among one of the best Sri Lankan beaches but also in the whole of Asia due to the various activities that the visitors can try out such as Swimming, snorkeling, diving, and surfing.

The name ‘Unawatuna’ is made up of concatenating the two Sinhalese words ’Una + Watuna’ which means “Fall down”. This routes the epic South Asian story ‘Ramayana’.

6. Uncover the hidden beauties of “The Secret Beach”

The secret beach Unawatuna, Galle
The secret beach Unawatuna, Galle

This secret beachfront is located about 3km distance from Unawatuna’s main beach. It is possible to reach there by a tuk-tuk ride, car or motorbike.

However, the vehicles are not accessible in front of the beach going through small alleyways therefore only the hike is possible.

This beach is not popular among locals but popular among tourists who like to chill under the shades of trees and enjoy the sea waves while listening to music, and wine and dining at the only beach bar that exists here. 

7. Jungle Beach and "Rumassala": A blast from the past

Jungle beach and "Rumassala"
Jungle beach and "Rumassala"

Jungle Beach can be reached about 2-3 kilometres from the Unawatuna main beach area.

Jungle Beach is only reachable via the hike in a small alleyway path between the quiet jungle and no vehicles can be entered in this area. This is a nice and calm beach where people can enjoy activities like swimming and snorkelling.

Rumassala is a mountain jungle which is closely linked with the epic story ‘Ramayana’. There’s a myth that this mountain is full of herbs believed to have fallen from the arms of the demy-god monkey Hanumam who was trying to save the life of the severely injured prince ‘Lakshmana’ during the war.

Hike a bit more and reach the nice Japanese Buddhist temple which is located at the peak of the mountain. Hike a bit more and reach the nice Japanese Buddhist temple which is located at peak of the mountain.

8. Visit "Japanese peace pagoda" Buddhist Temple: Hiking worshippers

Japanese Peace Pagoda
Japanese Peace Pagoda Buddhist Temple

This Buddhist temple is located close to the Roomassala jungle preserve, on the top of the hills in a picturesque location. It offers continuous prayers during the day.

White Stupa is located on the hilltop, visitors can go around to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic sea views and the scenic views of the historic Roomassala jungle. 

Tip: If you make your way from Unawatuna Beach, be sure to dress appropriately as you’re to visit a sacred avenue. 

9. Explore nearby Surf spots

Surf spots in the south coast of Sri Lanka
Surf spots in the Sri Lankan south coast: Hikkaduwa, Midigama, Mirissa, Weligama, Hiriketiya

Southern provinces of Sri Lanka host some of the astonishing beach towns that also are some of the best surf spots in the country.

There are a few surf spots located on the south coast of Sri Lanka such as Hikkaduwa (20km), Weligama (30km), Mirissa (35km) and Hiriketiya (≈75km) in particular makes for those who wants to experience or even learn surfing during their holiday couldn’t be easier. 

Southern coastline of Sri Lanka receives its consistent waves especially during the months December to March makes this perfect high season for the surf enthusiasts who comes from every corner of the world. 

fAlso read: Best Surf spots in Sri Lanka 

Reaching there

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