Galle Lighthouse In Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka’s Galle, a beautiful coastal city, history, culture, and natural beauty all come together in a way that is hard to resist. With its colonial history, beautiful beaches, and lively arts scene, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is located on the southwest tip of the island. Folks who like history, people who like to try new things, and people who just want to relax can all enjoy Galle. Learn about the city’s past, its best sights, and how to get the most out of your trip with these tips.

Galle Has a Long and Interesting History

As a major port used by traders from Persia, India, and the Arab world, Galle has a past that goes back hundreds of years. Europe started to have an effect when the Portuguese came to the area in the 1600s. In the 1600s, the Dutch added to the basic defences that they had built. With elements from Portugal, the Netherlands, and Great Britain, Galle Fort and Lighthouse, a well-preserved example of colonial architecture.

Even though Colombo became more important as a port during British rule, Galle continued to do well as a trade hub. In spite of these changes, the city has carefully kept its colonial beauty, which makes it a popular place for history buffs to visit.

Favourite Things to Do in Galle

  •  Fort Galle

Galle Fort is without a question the city’s crown jewel. You can see the Indian Ocean from this historic spot, which is surrounded by huge walls. There are charming cafés, art galleries, and small hotels inside its walls, as well as tiny streets with cobblestones. If people want to fully experience the fort’s unique atmosphere, they should walk around it.

  • Church of the Dutch Reformed

After being built in 1755, the Dutch Reformed Church is one of the oldest Protestant churches in Sri Lanka. A look into Galle’s colonial past is given by its simple but beautiful building, which includes wooden pews and an old organ.

  • Lighthouse at Galle

As a famous symbol, the lighthouse stands at the southernmost point of Galle Fort. These beautiful views of the coast were made by the British in 1939, and they make it a great place to take pictures.

  • The Galle National Museum

The National Museum is inside Galle Fort and has a great collection of items from Sri Lanka’s colonial era, such as shields, jewellery, and masks. People who come here can learn more about the history of the area.

  • Beach at Unawatuna

A tropical paradise known for its golden beach and clear water, Unawatuna Beach is only a short drive from Galle. You can swim, fish, and dive there without hesitation. There are many restaurants and bars along the beach, which makes it a great spot to unwind after a day of discovery.

  • Beach in the jungle

Escape to Jungle Beach if you want to find a quiet place to relax. This quiet beach is just outside of Galle and Unawatuna. It has calm water and lots of plants, making it a great place to relax.

  • Peace Pagoda in Japan

The white stupa Japanese Peace Pagoda was made by Buddhist monks and is only a short walk from Jungle Beach. This place is perfect for meditation and thought because it is quiet and has beautiful views of the coast.

8. Coral Reef Park in Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary is a great place to see sea life. It’s about 20 km from Galle. Glass-bottom boats or snorkelling are two ways to see the coral reefs, which are full of life and home to many kinds of fish.

  • How Delicious Gallean Food Is

There is a mix of native Sri Lankan food and flavours from around the world in Galle, making it a delight for foodies. These foods are must-tries:

  1. Curry with seafood is a tasty dish made with coconut milk, spices, and fish, shrimp, or crab that was just caught.
  2. Chop roti, add vegetables, egg, and meat to make kottu roti, a famous street food.
  3. Often served with a fried egg and spicy sambal, hoppers are a Sri Lankan treat that looks like a pancake.
  4. If you grate coconut, add chilli and lime to make coconut sambal. This side dish will give any meal a flavour boost.

For a great dining experience, many of the places in Galle Fort serve a mix of traditional and modern dishes.

The art scene and shopping

Folk art and craft are very popular in Galle. People who come can look at:

  1. Places That Sell Handmade Jewelry—Stores like Laksala sell beautiful jewellery that was made by hand and is great for gifts.
  2. Gallery of Local Art: The Stick No Bills Poster Gallery and other galleries show both old and new art.
  3. Small shops called boutiques sell one-of-a-kind clothes, home decor, and organic goods. Examples include Barefoot and Orchid House.

Outside activities and adventures

Looking for exciting things to do? Galle has a lot to offer:

  • Surfing: Weligama and Hikkaduwa, two nearby beaches, are great places for both new and expert surfers to find waves.
  • Seeing whales: Blue whales and dolphins can often be seen in Mirissa, which is about 30 minutes from Galle.
  • Tours that take you on bicycles through the countryside are a great way to get to know the people who live there. You can see beautiful rice fields and cute towns along the way.

When to Go to Galle

Between December and April is the best time to go to Galle because the weather is dry and warm, making it a great time for travelling and relaxing on the beach. May through September is rainy season, which means it rains a lot. However, the city’s charm stays the same, making the experience calmer and more peaceful.

Getting to Galle

The trip from Colombo to Galle is easy:

  • From Colombo to Galle, you can take a lovely train ride that takes about 2.5 hours and has beautiful views of the coast.
  • If you want to save money on your trip, you can take a regular bus between Colombo and Galle.
  • You can make the trip more comfy and flexible by renting a car or taking a taxi.

Possible Places to Stay

There are many places to stay in Galle, with prices to fit all means:

  • There are high-end places to stay in Galle Fort, like Amangalla and The Fort Bazaar.
  • Cheap to moderately priced hotels: The Heritage Galle and the Mango House are both nice places to stay with lots of useful features.
  • Pilgrim’s Hostel and Galle Fort Hostel are two options for tourists and other travellers on a budget.

The End

History, nature, and modern conveniences all work well together in Galle. You will have an amazing time in Galle, whether you explore the old fort, relax on the beautiful beaches, eat delicious food, or learn about the local culture. Coastal gem continues to charm people from all over the world with its rich history and beautiful scenery.