6 things to do when in Galle, Sri Lanka

Galle is known as the most beautiful and charming seaside port of Sri Lanka. This romantic resort town, located only 120 kilometers from the capital of Colombo, is on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka by the Indian Ocean. Anyone enthused by ancient cities, history and a plethora of tourist attractions – Galle will not disappoint you. We have six plans for you at this port city that will leave you mesmerized.

1. Getting to know Galle

Galle is an important port and a coastal city with a diverse history and culture. The atmosphere within the city zone is filled with the aura of a fortified city in the colonial past of the Portuguese, Dutch and British. Galle reached its height of development in the 19th century, during the Dutch colonial period. Groote Kerk, also known as the Dutch Reformed Church, is the oldest Protestant church still in use in the fortified city of Galle.

Groote Kerk, the oldest Protestant church in Sri Lanka (Photo Credit: Anya C.)

Colonial buildings in the old city zone of Galle (Photo Credit: Anya C.)

2. Visit ancient fortress

The fortress of Galle (Galle Fort) was originally built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. It featured an earthen wall and wooden fence by the cliff. Later, when the Dutch took over, fortifications were changed to a strong granite wall. Also, from the original three towers, it increased to 14 and expanded along the ocean around the city, enabling tourists to walk and take in the beautiful views. Today, it is the largest remaining fort in Asia and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Galle Fort is the oldest fort remaining in Asia and an important destination worth visiting upon arrival to Galle. (Photo Credit: iStockphoto)

3. Stroll around the old city zone

If you want to experience Galle up close, a city walk is highly recommended. Mornings are preferable when the weather is not too hot – or perhaps in the late afternoon. Old buildings look beautiful in their colonial splendor as they bath in golden orange sunlight. It is as if you are wandering around in Europe. City planning here is in the form of a square grid, which makes walking around quite easy. Along the way, there are churches, museums, cafés, and restaurants for visitors to stop. The recommended walk routes are zones bustling with shops, such as the Galle Lighthouse area. You can also take a rickshaw or a tuk tuk to see the city in a different way.

Rickshaw or tuk tuk in Galle waiting for tourists (Photo Credit: iStockphoto)

4. Stay at hotels converted from ancient buildings

Experience colonial architecture by staying at hotels converted from ancient buildings, such as the five-star Amangalla hotel which was formerly a Dutch military headquarters built in the 17th century. It later became the first Aman hotel in Sri Lanka. Another luxurious hotel that has been beautifully renovated is The Fort Printers, formerly a printing house transformed into a boutique hotel.

Amangalla Hotel (Photo Credit: Amangalla)

5. Eat and shop!

Galle is a seaside city; therefore, it is mandatory that you enjoy fresh seafood amongst a large variety of local cuisine to choose from. Try the Sri Lankan-style breakfast called the hopper. Hoppers look like pancakes but are made from fermented rice flour. Add an egg in the middle and eat it with a curry or chutney. Also, do not forget to sip on Ceylon tea, Sri Lanka’s finest tea. Shopaholics should visit Spa Ceylon, a shop selling beauty products with natural ingredients. Popular item is the organic coconut oil body scrub. Another shop is Barefoot which has a collection of cool craftwork such as brightly colored fabrics and clothing.

Hopper and Chutney (Photo Credit: iStockphoto)

Rickshaw selling hot baked bread, a scene often seen in Galle (Photo Credit: iStockphoto)

6. See Blue Whales in Mirissa

Whales and dolphins watching in Mirissa is one of the most exciting water activities (Mirissa is located only 35 kilometers from Galle). The boat usually departs at 7:00-8:00 when the sun is not too hot. Sail out into the middle of the ocean for about two hours and if luck is on your side, you will get to meet whales and dolphins. Otherwise, it still is a beautiful day to enjoy the spectacular scenery and a fun-filled boat ride. On the way back, you will see local fishermen from Koggala village, as they demonstrate how to fish on stilts (stilt fishing), a unique sight indeed.