A fortified city with a wealth of attractions, Sri Lanka’s most charming city is a tourist hub and one that you can’t afford to miss. There are so many fun things to do in Galle not the least of which is visiting the iconic Galle Fort and seeing the treasures it contains.
Galle is one of those destinations that you’ll instantly feel comfortable in with its beautiful locales that you can spend hours admiring and exploring. Beaches that are everything you imagine them to be, quaint streets and trendy cafes, serene pagodas and museums – take a look at what to do in Galle the next time you visit.
10 Best Things To Do In Galle
1. Visit Galle Fort
One of the first things to do is to make your way to Galle Fort. The Portuguese and Dutch fortification dates back hundreds of years to the 16th century and is heavy with history. There are other things to do in Galle Fort besides exploring it too. You can visit the museum, have a bite at one of the cafes, find souvenirs at the jewelry shop and even stay at the luxurious Amangalla Hotel set in the forts ramparts.
Suggested Read: 10 Best Hotels In Galle For An Exotic Tropical Nirvana
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2. Go surfing and scuba diving
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Sri Lanka is an island which means its coastline provides endless adventures including surfing and scuba diving. You can head about half an hour outside Galle to Hikkaduwa, which was once a fishing village and is now a popular surf town. Unawatuna, meanwhile, offers terrific scuba diving opportunities. You can approach the Unawatuna Diving Center, which is a PADI 5 Star IDC Dive resort.
3. Spend time at Flag Rock
Owing to its strategic location, Flag Rock was once used to signal incoming ships. Today, the huge rock at the end of Galle Fort is the perfect place to watch the sun set into the horizon. Its a popular activity and as you make your way there, youll notice locals and tourists doing the same. Carry a camera to photograph the play of colors across the sky and the rock itself which rises out of the sea.
4. Explore the Maritime Archeology Museum
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One of the top things to do in Galle is to visit the Maritime Archeology Museum. It showcases artifacts of maritime life such as models of boats, artillery and relics and features other attractions like statues and video presentations. Although damaged in the 2004 tsunami, the museum was restored and later reopened to the public.
Suggested Read: 9 Awesome Places To Visit In Ella To Make The Most Of Your Sri Lankan Vacation
5. Get a spa treatment
No vacation is complete without a luxurious spa treatment and Sri Lanka offers travellers numerous choices. One of the best things to do around Galle is to head to the spa in Galle Fort. You can get a facial, a full body massage or choose a combo treatment that includes a scrub, massage and facial. If theres a special occasion like a birthday, hen party or a wedding, you can opt for a treatment to make you feel extra pampered.
6. Spend time at Unawatuna Beach
Unawatuna Beach is quite possibly one of Sri Lankas best. Palm trees and vegetation border one side while the sand and sea stretch out on the other. Spending the day here is one of the best things to do in Galle Sri Lanka especially when you want to take a break from sightseeing. Nearby, a small hill with a big Buddha statue provides lovely views of the area.
7. Visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda
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Back in 2005 when Sri Lanka was in the midst of war, Japanese Buddhist monks built a peace pagoda on a hillside in Rumassala, Unawatuna. Today, it continues to stand as an important symbol of peace. A visit to this haven is one of the popular things to do in Galle Sri Lanka. You can drive or walk although the latter is a better option as you get to enjoy the scenery better and really take in the beauty.
Suggested Read: Sri Lanka Travel Tips: 21 Dos And Don’ts For A Memorable Vacation
8. Explore Rumassala Sanctuary
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Once called Buono Vista owing to its terrific views, Rumassala is now a sanctuary and rightly so. Its rich in biodiversity including coral reefs and purple-faced langurs, which are endemic to the country. While here, visit the jungle beaches where lush vegetation provides welcome shade and creates an idyllic environment for relaxation. The best way to explore Rumassala is to walk as you get to see it up close and interact with friendly residents.
9. Enjoy the serenity at Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya
Ancient and peaceful, Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya is a beautiful Buddhist rock temple with walls covered in murals in the Kandyan style. The complex also features a dramatic rock cavern and an old bodhi tree. Its rarely crowded as it can be difficult finding taxis to take you here. However, that only makes it more alluring and if you want t spend time alone with your thoughts, a visit here is one of the best things to do near Galle.
10. Visit the Historical Mansion Museum
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The Historical Mansion Museum is a quaint restored Dutch house inside Galle Fort thats filled with artifacts from the past. Cupboards and shelves are lined with jewelry, antique typewriters and pottery to name a few. You can also see people demonstrating gemstone polishing and lace-making. The best part- A lot of the items you see are on sale! Shopping for the best souvenirs should definitely be on your Galle what to do list.
Suggested Read: Trekking In Kandy Is An Ultimate Date With Untouched Nature Of Sri Lanka
Now that you know all about the best things to do in Galle, we surely hope your holiday would be fun filled and awesome. But if you want to make it even better and get rid of all the planning hassles, then we suggest you book a Sri Lanka Tour Package from TravelTriangle and enjoy a personalized holiday.
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