Galle
Save28 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See 2 ready-made day plans ↓10 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
UNESCO-listed Dutch fort town on the southern coast
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Walk it at sunrise or sunset
- Wear sun protection
- Cafes and boutiques inside
📷 Photos
- 2
Sea-facing walls circling the old town
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Walk at sunset
- Bring water
- Watch for jumping boys at Flag Rock
📷 Photos
- 3
White 1938 lighthouse at the fort's southern tip
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Best at golden hour
- Free to see
- Great sea backdrop
📷 Photos
- 4
1755 church with gravestones set into the floor
3 tips
- Free entry
- Check the tombstones
- Quiet inside
📷 Photos
- 5
Colonial clock tower on the ramparts
3 tips
- Pretty at dusk
- Short stop
- Near Sudharmalaya
📷 Photos
- 6
Rampart bastion popular for sunset and cliff jumps
- Tip: Sunset
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Come at sunset
- Locals dive for tips
- Crowded in the evening
📷 Photos
- 7
Crescent beach with calm water and beach cafes
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Tuk-tuk from Galle
- Busy December-April
📷 Photos
- 8
Secluded cove near Unawatuna
3 tips
- Walk through the trees
- Bring water
- Good snorkelling
📷 Photos
- 9
White stupa on Rumassala hill with sea views
- Tip: Sunset
- Tip: Dress code
2 tips
- Climb at sunset
- Quiet and scenic
📷 Photos
- 10
White mosque with a distinctive seaward minaret
- Tip: Dress code
2 tips
- Respect prayer times
- Photograph from the street
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Galle tips
Transportation
- Take the coastal train: The train from Colombo to Galle runs along the sea and is a scenic, cheap way to arrive.
- Use tuk tuks with PickMe: The PickMe and Uber apps give fixed tuk tuk fares and save haggling.
- Walk the Fort: Galle Fort's lanes and ramparts are compact and best explored on foot.
Security
- Agree tuk tuk fares: If not using an app, settle the price before the ride starts.
- Beware of gem scams: Be wary of strangers steering you to gem shops promising resale profits.
- Swim where it is safe: Currents can be strong in monsoon season, so check flags and ask locals.
Saving
- Eat rice and curry: Local eateries outside the Fort serve rice and curry far cheaper than Fort cafés.
- Stay outside the Fort: Guesthouses in nearby Unawatuna or the new town are often cheaper.
- Walk the ramparts free: Sunset on the Fort walls is free and one of Galle's best experiences.
Weather/Clothing
- Know the monsoon: The southwest monsoon brings rain roughly May to September; the drier season is December to March.
- Dress light: It is hot and humid year round, so pack breathable cotton and linen.
- Cover up at temples: Bring a sarong or long skirt to cover knees and shoulders.
Cultural
- Remove shoes at temples: Take off shoes and hats at Buddhist sites and never pose with your back to a Buddha statue.
- Try hoppers: These bowl shaped rice pancakes, sometimes with an egg, are a breakfast and dinner favourite.
- Respect Poya days: On full moon holidays alcohol sales are restricted and many people visit temples.
Local Hacks
- Watch the cliff jumpers: Divers leap from the Fort walls near the lighthouse; they expect a small tip.
- Visit early or late: Explore the Fort in the morning or evening to avoid the midday heat and day trippers.
- Day trip to Jungle Beach: This sheltered cove near Unawatuna is great for snorkelling.
1-day itineraries in Galle
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.
Day 1 of 2
Meeran Jumma Mosque and around
🕘 9:30–16:30📍 6 stops
- 1Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct
- 2Meeran Jumma Mosque
- 3Galle Fort Clock Tower
- 4Galle Fort Ramparts
- 5Galle Lighthouse
- and 1 more
Day 2 of 2
Unawatuna Beach and around
🕘 9:30–13:30📍 4 stops
- 1Rumassala Hill
- 2Unawatuna Beach
- 3Japanese Peace Pagoda
- 4Jungle Beach