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

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Fort Galle

While visiting Fort Galle, you might make a stop by sights like Galle Fort and Galle Lighthouse.

Fort Galle
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Cheena Kotuwa

If you're spending some time in Cheena Kotuwa, Galle International Cricket Stadium and Galle Fort are top sights worth seeing.

Cheena Kotuwa
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Richmond Kanda

Richmond Kanda might not have many top sights, but Galle International Cricket Stadium and Galle Fort 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 P5,385 per night from Sep 4 to Sep 5
P5,385
P7,054 total
Sep 4 - Sep 5
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! (223 reviews)
"I stayed at Radisson Blu Galle for 3 nights with mu family. We enjoyed the stay. Food was excellent and the staff is very friendly. I would recommend this hotel to anyone."

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Radisson Blu Resort Galle
Green Casa

Green Casa

3.5 out of 5
197/8, Bandaranayake Mawatha, Magalla, Galle
Stay at this 3.5-star spa B&B in Galle. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Unawatuna Beach and Galle Harbour are located ...
Excellent property in Galle
"Lovely homestay with such attention to detail in property. Good Sri Lankan breakfast. Quiet area except for some railway noise but not a problem for us. Half hour walk to fort( plenty of tuk-tuks if you want) Helpful & friendly host."

Reviewed on Mar 1, 2019

Green Casa
The Fort Printers

The Fort Printers

4.5 out of 5
39 Pedlar Street, Galle
The price is P6,068 per night from Aug 22 to Aug 23
P6,068
P7,949 total
Aug 22 - Aug 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Galle. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (167 reviews)
"It is a wonderful hotel, with fantastic staff, clean and in a perfect location. Gayan helped us on our arrival and breakfast time, he was so kind and made us feel really welcome. Also, breakfast is absolutely super delicious with lots of Sri Lankan fruits and options and lovely coffee."

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

The Fort Printers
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.
Jetwing Galle Heritage Home

Jetwing Galle Heritage Home

3 out of 5
Morris Rd, Galle, Southern Province
Stay at this 3-star villa in Galle. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and bathrobes. Popular attractions Galle Harbour and Sahana Beach are located nearby.
Jetwing Galle Heritage Home
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (23 reviews)
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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