Galle Sri Lanka’s biggest attraction, Galle Fort, with the beautiful old town contained within its walls and these incredible sea views
Galle is one of Sri Lanka’s major cities, but a day visit or a longer stay needn’t have a city feel at all.
Galle fort lies on the coast, a stunning setting with ocean views to three sides. Within its walls renovations and development has seen the growth of boutique hotels and coffee shops, but this area still has genuine Sri Lankan charm from the Dutch colonial period.
After exploring Galle Fort’s walls and fortifications, walk towards the town passing the fishermen selling their catch towards the produce and fish markets. This area is delightful for tourist and food lovers.
Lets have a look at things to do in and around Galle Fort and what you, as a visitor, can expect from this charming city.
It was the Portuguese who started the ball rolling with Galle Fort way back in 1588. The Dutch continued the extensive fortifications from the mid 1600s. The Fort and old town has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site and deservedly so, you’ll find multi-cultural delights within its walls, fittingly restored and tastefully developed.
None of us will ever forget the images of the Boxing Day tsunami sweeping through the area in 2004, damage from that disaster has been repaired, the Fort stood strong through the tragic onslaught.
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Within the walls of Gale Fort you will find charming streets to explore, the old buildings have been restored to their former glory and some now house hotels, hostels and guest houses , restaurants, cafés and shops. We found a delightful free museum and gemstone workshop, with a little hard sell at the end, nevertheless, this museum was a lovely place to explore.
The National Maritime Museum of Sri Lanka also lies within the fortifications, it’s a small museum and sadly suffered losses in the tsunami, but well worth a look.
You will also find a working mosque at the seaward edge of the old town, not far from the lighthouse. Visitors are welcome.
Leave the fort and walk towards the town and you’ll pass rows of fishermen, their boats pulled up on the shore, selling the days catch. Fish lovers can buy direct from these stalls or cross the road to the purpose built fish market beyond the cricket pitch.
This blue building captures the eye of many photographers, myself included. It’s near the fish market in Galle.
The Old Dutch Market is usually crammed with the freshest local produce. Browse to see which tropical fruits are in season in this 300 year old marketplace.
There is plenty more to do in the Galle area, beaches, turtle hatcheries, cooking courses and more general exploration. We even got married near here, at Lighthouse Hotel, Galle, an amazing place for a Sri Lankan style wedding.
If you’re touring Sri Lanka make sure you take the time to at least expore the fort, old town and surrounding area, it really is a delightful part of Sri Lanka, but then, we love all of this magical country.
If you want to stay in or arround Galle, start your hotel search here. Agoda works particularly well for this part of the world.
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