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Beira Lake


Soi Buakhao

We really doubt if it is possible to visit Galle and not visit Beira Lake! Yes, that is how massive and beautiful it is. A great idea would be to take a break here after visiting the Gangaramaya Temple and rest along its shores to reach your most peaceful state of being! After a heavy day of sightseeing, it is one of the most beautiful places in Galle to relax and rejuvenate yourself.

More About Galle Tourism

Galle has a major attraction for wildlife enthusiasts—the Kanneliya Rainforest Reserve, which harbours numerous endemic flora and fauna. Tourists can marvel at and buy antiquities at the Historical Mansion Museum, owned and operated by a local family. The city also hosts an annual international literary festival known as the Galle Literary Festival.
Undoubtedly, no tour of Sri Lanka is complete without a trip to Galle—a city synonymous with the country’s utterly fascinating colonial-era history.

People Also Ask About Galle
  • Q: How to reach Galle ?

    Ans:

    How to Reach Galle from India

    Flights are available from Bangalore, Tirupati and Tiruchirappalli to Colombo.

    How to reach Galle by flight

    Galle has no airports so one cannot fly directly to the place. However, one can fly to Colombo and then take a bus or train to Galle

    How to reach Galle by road

    People can take a taxi or rent their own car but these are not options much favoured.

    How to reach Galle by train

    Serviced by the Sri Lankan Railways Coastal Line, Galle railway station is also a major station.

    How to reach Galle by bus

    Galle is connected by a number of buses; some take the Southern Expressway.

  • Q: Local transport in Galle ?

    Ans:

    Tuk tuks and travelling on foot are the two best ways to get around Galle.

  • Q: Local transport in Galle ?

    Ans:

    Tuk tuks and travelling on foot are the two best ways to get around Galle.

  • Q: Best Time to Visit Galle ?

    Ans:

    The best time to visit Galle is from December to March since the rainfall in the city is at its lowest at this time; this is ideal for touring the fort and its attractions. Additionally, these months are excellent for water sports at the immensely popular beaches of Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna, which are near the city. Also, the Galle Literary Festival takes place here every January.
    The off-season at Galle is usually from May to September, as the southwest (Yala) monsoon occurs at this time of the year.

  • Q: Hotels in Galle ?

    Ans:

    Kahanda Kanda

    Sri Lanka's standout Kahanda Kanda hotel is an artistically-styled and couples-orientated boutique hotel in the Galle hills. It features 10 gorgeous suites encircled by tropical, tea-fringed gardens. Its interiors are a lesson in elegant tropical style – timeless yet contemporary at the same time.

    Tri

    Tri's serene natural setting beside vast Koggala Lake, near Galle, makes this an inspiring place for relaxation. Its inventive cuisine is exceptional and the hotel has a super spa with yoga shala and visiting practitioners.

    Why House

    Set in spacious gardens, just inland from Galle's palm-studded coastline, Why House is one of those rare hotels that suits couples and families alike. It's also a favourite with returning guests charmed by its accommodating staff, tranquility and home-from-home vibe.

    Aditya

    Aditya is one of Sri Lanka’s original boutique hotels – a vast building accessorised with antique furnishings and home to 16 indulgently spacious suites and villas. It opened in 2005 yet is still one of the island’s most popular small hotels, and serves consistently good food.

  • Q: Where to Eat in Galle ?

    Ans:

    Galle is Sri Lanka's most popular destination for day outs. It's not too far, but it's out of Colombo, and known to be pretty safe. With sun, sand, beach, and ramparts it looks like it straight up came out of a postcard from Old Havana. Meaning, tropically aesthetic backdrops for pictures.

    Anyway, choosing a place to eat here can get a tad stressful, because there are dozens of eateries inside Galle Fort itself. Which is why we decided to compile this list of best restaurants in Galle, which would help you to make up your mind without a hassle (we hope!).

  • Q: Restaurant in Galle ?

    Ans:

    Galle Fort Hotel
    28, Church Street, Galle

    With a picture-perfect ambiance, well spiced Sri Lankan food, and contagiously happy staff, Galle Fort Hotel is a tad expensive, but rightly so because they're, in fact, a hotel. In our experience, their breakfast spread was top notch.

    Dumplings Cafe (Galle)
    58 Pedlar St, Galle 80000

    When in Galle, if you're looking for Dumplings, we suggest going with the Dumpling Cafe. The staff is super friendly, the place can get a bit crowded but the dumplings are delicious. At Rs. 980 for 8 (2 of each variety: beef, veg, chicken and prawn), the dumplings were silky smooth and all in all, some of the best we've had.

    The Tuna & The Crab
    Galle Dutch Hospital, Hospital Street, Galle Fort, Galle

    Judging by our experience last time, The Tuna & The Crab is a safe bet if you're craving for some sushi in Galle. It's a venture by Dharshan Munidasa, so basically you'll be offered with the best hits from Ministry of Crab and Nihonbashi.

  • Q: Things to do in Galle ?

    Ans:

    Go surfing and scuba diving

    Sri Lanka is an island which means its coastline provides endless adventures including surfing and scuba diving. You can head about half an hour outside Galle to Hikkaduwa, which was once a fishing village and is now a popular surf town. Unawatuna, meanwhile, offers terrific scuba diving opportunities. You can approach the Unawatuna Diving Center, which is a PADI 5 Star IDC Dive resort.

    Spend time at Flag Rock

    Owing to its strategic location, Flag Rock was once used to signal incoming ships. Today, the huge rock at the end of Galle Fort is the perfect place to watch the sun set into the horizon. It’s a popular activity and as you make your way there, youll notice locals and tourists doing the same. Carry a camera to photograph the play of colors across the sky and the rock itself which rises out of the sea.

    No vacation is complete without a luxurious spa treatment and Sri Lanka offers travellers numerous choices. One of the best things to do around Galle is to head to the spa in Galle Fort. You can get a facial, a full body massage or choose a combo treatment that includes a scrub, massage and facial. If theres a special occasion like a birthday, hen party or a wedding, you can opt for a treatment to make you feel extra pampered.

    Spend time at Unawatuna Beach

    Unawatuna Beach is quite possibly one of Sri Lankas best. Palm trees and vegetation border one side while the sand and sea stretch out on the other. Spending the day here is one of the best things to do in Galle Sri Lanka especially when you want to take a break from sightseeing. Nearby, a small hill with a big Buddha statue provides lovely views of the area.

  • Q: What is Galle famous for?

    Ans:

    Galle is famous for its Portuguese architectural buildings and the Galle Fort which is a world heritage site and the many amazing places to visit in Galle.

  • Q: How far is Galle from Unawatuna?

    Ans:

    Galle is just 5.8 kilometers away from Unawatuna and it will hardly take you 20 minutes to travel from one place to the other.