About Galle

Galle's main attraction is a 17th-century Dutch fort, one of the most extensive monuments left by European colonialists. Walking along the top of the walls at dusk, you'll see dozens of cricket games, an old lighthouse, and beautiful views of the town's harbour. Within the fort, visit any of several old churches or simply stroll the narrow streets to get a good look at the old buildings. Unawatuna, only 5 kilometres South of Galle, has a pretty cover - protected beach, good snorkelling and a hilltop dagoba.

Why visit Galle

Best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in south and south-east Asia.
Unawatuna beach popular for swimming, and an accessible, reasonably well-preserved coral reef for snorkelling.

Galle has retained much of its colonial atmosphere, it is more than a beach destination. It is a whole different culture and atmosphere bundled into a package, which includes some of the country's best sea bathing- Unawatuna Bay. The single story, tiled buildings inside the Galle fort have been preserved through three centuries. Several private museums display a grand array of old crockery, utensils, items salvaged from ship wrecks, jewellery and gem stones.

Unawatuna Bay, a wide arc of calm aquamarine south of Galle offers quite a choice in places to stay and eat out. Galle and its environs offer quieter, charming guesthouses run by locals, some in old buildings - often such hideaways turn to be the more pleasant alternative.