The Galle Fort is the highlight of the city, featuring cobblestone streets, charming cafes, and historic buildings. Visitors can also explore the National Maritime Museum and enjoy the scenic views from the fort walls overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Galle Fort
Overview: Galle Fort is a historical, archaeological and architectural heritage site that dates back to the 16th century…Read More
It was first built by the Portuguese in 1588 and later heavily fortified by the Dutch in 1649. The fort has withstood the test of time and still maintains its polished appearance thanks to the restoration efforts by the Sri Lankan Archaeological Department.
Location: Galle Fort is located in the Bay of Galle on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, approximately 119 km from Colombo.
How to Get There: You can reach Galle Fort by car, taxi or public transport from Colombo. The journey takes around 3 hours by highway or 1 hour by expressway.
What Can See: Inside the fort, you can explore the well-preserved colonial structures, the Dutch Reformed Church with its manual pipe organ, the Galle Lighthouse on the Point Utrecht bastion, and the Maritime Museum showcasing the city’s maritime history.
What Can Do: Take a leisurely stroll along the ramparts of the fort, visit the museums and churches, or simply soak in the old-world charm of the place.
Conclusion: Galle Fort is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture or simply exploring a well-preserved colonial town.
Unawatuna Beach
Overview: Unawatuna is a popular beach town located just 5 km from Galle. It is known for its beautiful beach,..Read More
coral reefs and laid-back atmosphere. The town attracts tourists from all over the world who come to enjoy the sun, sand and surf.
Location: Unawatuna Beach is situated in the Galle district, a short drive from the city center.
How to Get There: You can reach Unawatuna Beach by car, taxi or public transport from Galle. The journey takes around 20 minutes.
What Can See: The crescent-shaped beach with its golden sand and clear blue waters is the main attraction. Visitors can also explore the nearby coral reefs and spot a variety of marine life.
What Can Do: Swim, sunbathe, snorkel, scuba dive, or simply relax on the beach. The town also offers a range of dining and shopping options.
Conclusion: Unawatuna Beach is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Sri Lanka’s southern coast.
Galle Lighthouse
Overview: The Galle Lighthouse, also known as the Pointe de Galle Light, is the oldest lighthouse in Galle. It was established in 1848 and stands tall at 26.5 meters on the shore of the city…Read More
Location: The lighthouse is located at the end of the Galle Fort, offering stunning views of the bay and the surrounding area.
How to Get There: You can easily walk to the lighthouse from within the Galle Fort, as it is located at the end of the ramparts.
What Can See: The bright white lighthouse stands out against the backdrop of the blue skies, turquoise waters, golden sand, and lush green paddy fields, making for a picturesque view.
What Can Do: Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views of the city and the ocean.
Conclusion: The Galle Lighthouse is a popular spot for photographers and offers a unique perspective of the city’s historic fort and the surrounding natural beauty.
Maritime Archaeology Museum
Overview: The Maritime Archaeology Museum is located in Galle and houses a collection of models of boats, ships, and century-old items retrieved from shipwrecks…Read More
The museum provides insights into Sri Lanka’s rich maritime history and the evolution of seafaring in the region.
Location: The museum is situated within the Galle Fort, making it easily accessible to visitors.
How to Get There: You can reach the museum on foot by exploring the Galle Fort.
What Can See: The museum showcases a variety of artifacts, including models of traditional Sri Lankan boats, ancient navigational instruments, and items recovered from shipwrecks.
What Can Do: Visitors can learn about the history of maritime trade in Sri Lanka, the evolution of seafaring technology, and the challenges faced by sailors in the past.
Conclusion: The Maritime Archaeology Museum is a fascinating place for those interested in history, archaeology, and the sea.
Rumassala Sanctuary
Overview: The Rumassala Sanctuary is a protected area located near Unawatuna Beach. It is home to a diverse collection of wild exotic plants,..Read More
medicinal herbs, and lovely shrubs. The sanctuary also boasts a variety of bird species and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Location: The sanctuary is situated along the Jungle Beach Road, which runs parallel to the coas.
How to Get There: You can reach the sanctuary by car, taxi or public transport from Galle. The journey takes around 20 minutes.
What Can See: The sanctuary features a variety of plant species, including many rare and endangered ones. Visitors can also spot a range of bird species in their natural habitat.
What Can Do: Visitors can explore the sanctuary on foot, taking in the sights and sounds of the lush vegetation and the nearby ocean.
Conclusion: The Rumassala Sanctuary is a hidden gem that offers a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity and the beauty of its natural landscapes.
