Galle , Southern Province
About Galle
Galle is an immense unmissable destination in the south. In Galle, classic construction bonds with a dramatic sultry setting to generate a reality that is incessantly fascinating. Spices, salty winds, and the amazing compilation of Dutch-colonial buildings, make its eternally striking. Built by the Dutch, starting in 1663, the 36-hectare Fort absorbs most of a headland that is enclosed on three sides by the ocean. Just traveling through the old walls and boulevards at random yields one architectural revelation after another as you discover the amazing set of structures dating back throughout the centuries. Their splendors have produced the Fort status as a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Today this remarkable Fort area is stuffed full of little boutique shops, cafes and hotels possessed by local and foreign artists, writers, photographers, designers and poets – a third of the residences are owned by foreigners. During the stopover, the Kalutara temple is a place you should not miss. Galle is effortlessly reached as a day trip from Colombo and is a swift drive from the close by beach towns of Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna, but to really relish the place, hang out inside the atmospheric walls of the Fort.
Location & Places to Visit on Galle Map
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Top 10 Places to Visit in Galle
National Maritime Museum, Galle, Southern Province
3.4 km from Galle - See map
The Maritime Museum in Galle is located on the Old Dutch warehouse of the fort of Galle. This is the only museum which showcases the marine...
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Black Fort, Galle, Southern Province
3.5 km from Galle - See map
Black Fort, also called Zwart Fort, which can be reached after walking along the Galle fort wall is the oldest built bastion by the Portuguese....
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Dutch Reformed Church, Galle, Southern Province
3.6 km from Galle - See map
The Dutch Reformed Church completed in 1755, with some resemblance to the ones in Negapatnam and Cochin in India. Built on a site of earlier...
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Galle Fort, Southern Province
3.7 km from Galle - See map
Located on the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka in the bay of Galle, the Galle Fort has been declared as the World Heritage Site. Built by the...
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Lighthouse Beach, Galle, Southern Province
3.9 km from Galle - See map
The lighthouse, 18 meters tall, is located at the eastern end of the Galle Fort. It towers on the Point Utrecht Bastion. From here can be viewed...
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Galle Lighthouse, Point Utrecht Bastion, Southern Province
3.9 km from Galle - See map
Point Utrecht Bastion is one of the 14 bastions of this fortified city. It is located at the farthest end of the East of the Galle Fort and its...
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Flag Rock, Galle, Southern Province
4.2 km from Galle - See map
To the extreme south of the Fort lies the naturally occurring giant rock that was once used by the Portuguese as the defence wall. The sea, at...
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Rumassala Mountain, Southern Province
5.9 km from Galle - See map
The beautiful and historical Rumassala Mountain is also called the “Mythical Mountain of Sri Lanka”. Staying true to its acronym, this place...
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Jungle Beach, Unawatuna, Sabaragamuwa Province
6 km from Galle - See map
The Jungle beach is located between Galle and Unawatuna. This place is less known to tourists and is thus less crowded which makes it appealing...
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Japanese Peace Pagoda (Unawatuna), Southern Province
6.3 km from Galle - See map
The Japanese Peace Pagoda is located in the majestic city of Galle, Sri Lanka and is the most peaceful attractions of the city. This place is a...
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Unawatuna Beach, Southern Province
6.8 km from Galle - See map
Located about 5kms east of Galle, the Unawatuna Beach is the most popular beach for independent travellers and is the perfect place to spend a few...
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Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya, Galle, Southern Province
7.4 km from Galle - See map
A fine place for temple lovers, the Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya is located just inland from Galle. This is a quiet, rock temple with a 9m...
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