A historical city located in Southwestern Sri Lanka is an Asian tourist haven today and many are flocking from around the world to this beautiful place! A stunning fort, Dutch colonial architecture and beaches; there is no shortage of places to visit in Galle and around. Whether you are an artist, a poet, a photographer or something else; you will fall in love with Sri Lanka!
So, if you are planning a visit to Galle, Sri Lanka this year, don’t worry about the best experiences, we have done that for you. Make sure you go through them to put ‘extra’ to your ‘ordinary’ experience at these bewitchingly beautiful places to visit in Galle.
16 Top Places To Visit In Galle
Galle is the perfect spot to relax and unwind on a trip to Sri Lanka and we have compiled a list of the 10 best places to visit in Galle to help you plan the perfect itinerary.
1. Galle Fort
Commonly referred to as the Dutch Fort, this is one of the most beautiful Galle attractions for being an extraordinary historical and archaeological site. Initially constructed by the Portuguese in the late 16th century, later it was fortified by the Dutch somewhere near 17th century. It brings together archaeology, architecture, and history with a buzzing ambience of shops, cafes, and stores luring tourists from around the world to visit this fort. One of the most highly rated places to visit in the Galle Fort is the Galle lighthouse and Mansion museum.
Location: Southern Sri Lankan Coast in the Bay of Galle
Timings: Open 24 hours a day
Entry fee: None
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2. Flag Rock
Most people want to end hectic days with some peace and maybe an added sunset on the horizon. Flag Rock offers tourists all this as well as the sound of seagulls and waves making it the perfect place to end a day in Galle. If you are wondering what to see in Galle, you should definitely add this erstwhile Portuguese bastion to your list.
Location: Galle, Sri Lanka
Timings: Open throughout the day
Entry fee: NA
3. National Museum of Galle
While Sri Lanka as it exists today is a relatively young nation, the civilization that inhabited this part of the world is centuries old. If you want an insight into this rich and vibrant past of Sri Lanka, one of the top places to visit in Galle town is the National Museum of Colombo. It offers the visitors to look into a cross-section of Sri Lanka's entire history, artwork and relics from the Anuradhapura Kingdom, dating back to the 4th century B.C.
Location: Church St, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka
Timings: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Entry fee: ₹35 adults and ₹20 for children
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4. Japanese Peace Pagoda
Located on top of Rumassala Hill offering splendid views of the entire ocean, the Japanese Peace Pagoda is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Galle, Sri Lanka. Constructed way back in 2004 and this massive white structure exudes purity and serenity. One can quite easily spot this structure from the beaches of Unawatuna and Galle and reach there by walking or driving through the hills. You should ideally visit this place at dusk if you want to witness a breathtaking sunset.
Location: Unawatuna, Sri Lanka
Timings: 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Entry fee: None
5. Unawatuna Beach
One of the best beaches in Galle, Unawatuna Beach could be your ultimate spot to relax and admit the natural beauty of Galle. While it is not ideal for surfing, it is a great location if you want to go swimming because of the calm waters. If you are interested in snorkelling or other water sports, you can head to Jungle Beach which is located only a short walk away. This is one of the day outing places in Galle where you can visit with your family.
Location: Suburb of Galle, Sri Lanka
Timings: Open throughout the day
Entry fee: None
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6. Dutch Reformed Church
One of the most popular places to visit in Galle is the Dutch Reformed Church. The church narrates tales from centuries ago and if you are a history lover you will fall in love with the place and won’t feel like leaving. Hire a guide if you really feel like it or just set out and explore the place on your own. The pulpit of the church is built with Malaysian wood and is also known as Groot Church.
Location: Galle 80000, Sri Lanka
Timings: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Entry fee: ₹120 for adults and ₹60 for Children
7. Historical Mansion Museum
Another exciting place to see in Galle is the Historical Mansion Museum. For all the history maniacs out there this place is Disneyland and for all those who wish to know more about Sri Lanka’s conflicted and controversial history this place is a paradise. Not just that, you can also buy souvenirs or collections from here.
Location: 31, 39 Leyn Baan St, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka
Timings: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Entry fee: None
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8. Galle Fort Clock Tower
Next on the list of places to visit in Galle is the Galle Fort Clock Tower. Built in the fond remembrance of the Humanitarian Doctor Peter Daniel Anthonisz, the tower stands as a memory of the doctor. The records say that the people of Galle pitched in money to build this tower and remarkable history is associated with the tower.
Location: Galle Fort Clock Tower, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry fee: None
9. Galle Lighthouse
Your Galle sightseeing tour won’t be complete without a visit to the popular Galle Lighthouse. Nestled within the Galle Fort, this lighthouse is gorgeous. The stunning design and architecture and the vibe it radiates are unforgettable. You can see the far off oceans which face the oldest lighthouse in Sri Lanka.
Location: Galle 80000, Sri Lanka
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: Free
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10. St Joseph’s Chapel
Image Courtesy: attractionsinsrilanka
One of the most well known Galle tourist attractions, St. Jopseph’s Chapel is where you can find inner peace. The tiny chapel located in Galle is a portrayal of the Roman Catholics from the times of the Portuguese and was later revived by the Dutch. There is a slight hint of Dutch architectural style in the St. Joseph’s Chapel.
Location: 48, Lighthouse Stree, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka
Timings: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Entry fee: None
6 Best Places To Visit Near Galle
That wasn’t all! The good news is there are some really amazing places to visit around Galle and we will tell you about them too, right here. Keep reading!
11. Independence Memorial Hall
Apart from being a stunning architectural building, the significance of the Independence Memorial Hall rises from its history. It was constructed in 1948, when the country achieved independence from their colonizers, Britain. It is a grand monument that should definitely be on your Galle sightseeing list.
Location: Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
Timings: 24 hours
Entry fee: None
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12. Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple
One of the most popular Galle tourist places is the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple which stands as testimony to the constant influence of Buddhism in this country. One might say that Sri Lankans have hopped from one faith to another and have transitioned a lot but one of the few things that have remained constant is their belief in Buddhism. This temple houses a sacred Bodhi tree apart from many beautiful images of Buddha in different sizes.
Location: 61 Sri Jinaratana Road, Galle, Sri Lanka
Timings: 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Entry fee: None
13. Beira Lake
We really doubt if it is possible to visit Galle and not visit Beira Lake! Yes, that is how massive and beautiful it is. A great idea would be to take a break here after visiting the Gangaramaya Temple and rest along its shores to reach your most peaceful state of being. After a heavy day of sightseeing, it is one of the most beautiful places in Galle to relax and rejuvenate yourself.
Location: 02 Colombo, Colombo 01200, Sri Lanka
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry fee: None
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14. Viharamahadevi Park
Located in proximity to Beira Lake is this park which is the only large-scale park in Colombo. There is no attraction that you can think of which is absent from this park ranging from a mini zoo or a play area to a huge Buddha statue. It is one of the most recommended places to go in Galle for families since there is something to do for everyone here.
Location: Galle, Sri Lanka
Timings: 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Entry fee: None
15. Sinharaja Forest Reserve
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this forest reserve is a must-visit place for those who love nature and wildlife. It is the home to a great number of endemic species of Sri Lankan birds and animals lovers. Approximately 95% of these birds and 50% of these mammals inhabit this Forest Reserve. Make sure you go on a Safari when you visit this place.
Location: Southern Province, a two-hour drive from Galle through the Galle-Deniyaya-Madampe Highway
Timings: 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 .m.
Entry fee: ₹300 to ₹600
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16. Sithuvili Gallery
One of the best places to visit in Galle, Sri Lanka, Sithuvili Gallery is a World Heritage Site listed by UNESCO. The gallery is a major hub for art lovers as it showcases some impeccable local crafts, artworks, and antiquities. Interestingly, every item in this gallery is eco-friendly and recyclable. The locally-produced items are majorly made with coconut shells and husks.
Location: 60 Leyn Baan St, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka
Timings: 09.00 a.m. to 07.00 p.m.
Entry fee: None
If you can’t hold your excitement anymore and are all set to check out these exciting places to visit in Galle, then pack your bags and head to this paradise city. But before that don’t forget to plan for a Sri Lanka trip and escape to a memorable vacation!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Galle
What is Galle famous for?
Galle is famous for its Portuguese architectural buildings and the Galle Fort which is a world heritage site and the many amazing places to visit in Galle.
How far is Galle from Unawatuna?
Galle is just 5.8 kilometers away from Unawatuna and it will hardly take you 20 minutes to travel from one place to the other.
How far is Galle from Bentota?
Galle is 72 kilometers away from Bentota and you can take a train, taxi or a bus to commute between the two.
How far is Hikkaduwa from Galle?
Hikkaduwa is 21 kilometers away from Galle and it will take you around 40-45 minutes to commute between the two.
Is Sri Lanka a safe place to visit?
Yes, absolutely! Sri Lanka is a safe place to visit. However, it is advised that you must be cautious and vigilant enough and take some precautions while you are there.
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