13+ Incredible Things to Do in Charming Galle Fort, Sri Lanka
Charming, exotic, and full of history: Galle is a must-see in Sri Lanka. Looking for the best places to visit in Galle Fort, Sri Lanka? Discover famous attractions, historic sites, sunset viewpoints, and the best food with our comprehensive Galle Fort must-do list!
UPDATED - July 2024
From the moment we first entered Galle Fort, we knew it was love.
Narrow, bustling laneways and crumbling colonial relics, an ever-present scent of exotic spices and the incredible tropical setting; there’s just something about this UNESCO World Heritage site that charms and captivates.
First conquered by the Portuguese in the late 16th century, Galle city was then overtaken by the Dutch in the 17th century and became extensively fortified as it transformed into Sri Lanka’s main spice trading port for over 200 years.
Today, the Galle Fort area is unlike any other place we’ve found in Sri Lanka; a vaguely European-feeling city plonked in the deliciously salty tropics, a melting pot of culture and religion bursting with colour, and where, thankfully, the taste of Ceylon tea and cinnamon is never far away.
Galle Fort is rapidly gentrifying as chic boutiques, cafes, and hotels begin to restore the whitewashed Dutch colonial buildings back to their former glory, but it only takes ducking down a quiet laneway to feel as though you’ve travelled back to the 1700s again.
Alluring, exotic, and totally loveable, Galle Fort is one of the unmissable points of interest on your Sri Lankan itinerary.
We’d recommend staying at least two nights to get a good feel of the historic area and the daily life that still operates within it, before moving onto the southern beaches including Unawatuna – although however long you stay, you’ll have no trouble enjoying all the wonderful places to visit in Galle.
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GALLE FORT GUIDE ESSENTIALS
WHERE | Galle Fort, Southern Province
HOW TO GET TO GALLE | Private transfer, train, bus or tuk-tuk
WHEN TO VISIT | January - March
WHERE TO STAY | Galle Fort Hotel, Taru Villas, The Fort Bazaar
BEST ATTRACTIONS | Galle Fort Lighthouse, Galle Ramparts & Outer Walls, Walk the historic streets, Watch sunset from the Fort walls, Shop on Pedlar St., Cocktails + good food
FOOD & DRINK | Charlie’s Bar & Bistro, Aqua Forte, Two Minutes by Tuk Tuk, Coconut Sambol
TOURS | Whale watching tour, Cooking Class
WHERE IS GALLE FORT?
Beautiful Galle Fort is located in the city of Galle in the southwest corner of Sri Lanka, around 110km from the capital, Colombo, and just a short drive to some of Sri Lanka’s popular beachside enclaves, including Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, and Mirissa.
Situated on a rocky peninsula, the sea surrounds Galle Fort from three sides, making it a wonderful location for a Fort.
THE HISTORY OF GALLE FORT
To really understand Galle you’ve got to understand its history, for the mighty fortress, imposing churches and mosques, crumbling colonial villas, and a mishmash of cultures make little sense otherwise.
For centuries (if not millennia), Galle was been a major harbour and trading hub for merchants all around the globe due to its strategic location for major ancient shipping routes, and its safe, well-protected harbour.
As part of the ancient Maritime Silk Road, Galle’s earliest historical record can be traced to Ptolemy’s world map of 125-150 AD when it was a port of trade for Greek, Arabic and Chinese traders.
As the land in the south was abundant with spices such as cinnamon, pepper, cardamoms and cloves, and it was these spices that provided wealth to the Sinhalese government.
Boats loaded with cargo, ranging from spices, metals, gems, silk and porcelain from the East and West passed through Galle on their way home, or on to more faraway places to trade, and the range and quality of spices produced in Sri Lanka became a vital export commodity and a major source of government revenue.
It was through the port of Galle that most of these commodities were exported.
Foreign traders began to see opportunities to settle and control spice exports, and before too long, the Moors (mostly of Arab descent) had monopolised the market, occupying the northern flank of the ancient Galle harbour and creating an enclave to separate themselves from the local Sinhalese. Arab descendants still inhabit the Fort today, and you’ll notice it in the mosques, street signs and surnames on doors.
…
This continued until the 16th century when Galle was colonised by European explorers. The Portuguese, with their burgeoning maritime ambitions, first landed in India. Upon discovering the abundant spice trade that existed, the Portuguese established naval superiority in the Indian Ocean, culminating in the annexation of Galle in 1518 and gaining control of the area from the Moors.
Recognising the need for large-scale protection, the first Galle Fort was built. Over the years, as technology advanced, the Fort grew bigger and stronger - much needed against the constant threat of colonisers looking to get in on the lucrative Indies.
Sure enough, by the 17th century, the ever-expanding colonial ambitions of the Dutch had led to the downfall of the Portuguese, with invaders taking Galle in 1640 in what was a bloody battle.
The Dutch East India Company settled, and boom times ensued. The present layout of the Dutch Galle Fort was completed in 1663, covering 52 hectares and over 3km. The walls were built extremely thick and tall, with fourteen bastions built to house over 100 canons. From this point on, the Fort was never attacked, despite the riches that existed.
By the 1800s, as shipping and trade evolved and breakneck speed, Galle Fort become essentially useless - too small to house larger ships, and too treacherous compared to newly established, modern ports in Colombo.
As a result, Galle fell into disrepair, but in a curious twist of fate, its glorious interior buildings were saved from demolition due to the lack of economic development in Sri Lanka at the time. It’s these very buildings, acting like some sort of timewarp, that now houses boutique hotels, hipster art stores, and excellent restaurants.
The revival of Galle Fort, save for the 2004 Tsunami, which killed over 35,000 Sri Lankans, and decimated parts of Galle city, has seen it become one of Sri Lanka’s most revered tourist destinations, an elegant little town trapped in the walls of a former colonial empire.
WHERE TO STAY IN GALLE FORT
Galle Fort is literally teeming with accommodation options, from budget homestays to mid to high-end hotels, many of which are some of the most beautiful we’ve ever seen - think open, breezy rooms, private courtyards and exceptional service (it’s the Sri Lankan way!).
Below are our favourite hotels to stay in Galle Fort, however, you can find a full overview of the best places to stay here.
GALLE FORT HOTEL | A boutique hotel in a former Dutch mansion. Prices and availability here
TARU VILLAS | A classically restored boutique hotel right in the heart of Galle Fort. Prices and availability here
THE FORT BAZAAR | A former merchants’ home turned boutique hotel in the centre of Galle Fort. Prices and availability here
READ MORE | Our complete guide on where to stay in Galle
THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN GALLE, SRI LANKA
#1 VISIT THE FAMOUS GALLE FORT LIGHTHOUSE
Framed by palm trees and postcard-perfect; if you only do one thing in Galle, it has to be visiting the beautiful Galle Lighthouse and admiring the most instantly recognisable feature of the Fort.
This beautiful white lighthouse dates back to 1848, (although the current structure was rebuilt in 1939), and stands on the walls of the ancient Galle Fort, guiding the safe passage of ships into Galle Harbour.
The lighthouse is still very much in use, although it now has another, secondary role, as a prop to those wanting the perfect Sri Lankan photo.
THE DETAILS
What | Galle Lighthouse
Where | Corner of Hospital and Rampart St
#2 WALK THE OUTER WALLS/RAMPARTS OF GALLE FORT
If these coral-mixed walls and ramparts could talk, they’d have many stories to share about Galle Fort’s long and varied history.
If you’re up for exploring each and every corner of Galle Fort’s outer walls, you can follow the ‘Fort Walk’, starting at the historic Clock Tower, before moving onto the Main Gate, heading south into the interior of the Fort, passing the Dutch Reform Church until you reach the western section’s restored Dutch Hospital.
From there, continue south towards the famous Galle Lighthouse, before following the walls to Meeran Mosque, Flag Rock and Triton Bastion.
The walk finishes at Star Bastion, overlooking the northern coast towards Hikkaduwa.
Along the way, spot locals playing cricket, eat one of the many tasty street food options (wade, a fried lentil snack is our fave!), and cool off in one of the many inner fort bars.
The walk is around 2kms and best done early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the temperatures are more manageable - the sun in Galle is infamously fierce!
#3 WANDER THROUGH THE GALLE FORT INTERIOR
Without doubt, one of our favourite things to do in Galle Fort was getting wonderfully lost amongst the time-worn laneways and breezy Dutch colonial-style buildings of the historic centre.
Thankfully, due to the high ramparts of the Fort wall, much of this area survived the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, which means that there are plenty of beautiful remnants still on display from ancient, Portuguese, and Dutch colonial times.
Don’t be surprised if you often feel as though you’ve been transported straight to the cobblestones of Europe!
Some sights and attractions we suggest you visit are:
Dutch Reform Church | Historic Dutch church dating back to 1640
Old Dutch Hospital | Colonnaded former hospital dating back to the 18th century
Amangalla | Former home of the Dutch Governor, built in 1684. Now a luxurious hotel, which does delicious afternoon tea
All Saints Anglican Church | Built in the late 1800s from solid rock
Meeran Mosque | The centre of the local Muslim community, built in 1904
Sudharmalaya Temple | Beautiful white Buddhist temple within Galle Fort
A guide to Sri Lanka’s palace in the clouds, Sigiriya
#4 WATCH SUNSET FROM GALLE FORT WALL
Each afternoon at around 5:30 pm, locals and tourists alike gather along the fort walls to watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean. It’s a festive and happy affair; cricket games are played on the grass below, whole families gather to see off the last of the day, and travellers mingle and chat while Mother Nature streaks the sky all kinds of shades of blue, orange, pink and purple.
We’ve now visited Galle twice on two separate trips, and watching a sunset from Galle Fort remains one of our favourite experiences in Sri Lanka. There’s just something about the glorious technicolour end to the day that feels a little more special here than anywhere else we’ve visited.
We think the best point to watch the sunset from is the Triton Bastion, however, you can watch the sunset from pretty much any point on the western side of the Fort walls.
Don’t forget to keep a lookout for the cliff jumpers at Flag Rock too; each evening a group of locals defy danger by leaping backwards off the ramparts to the ocean below.
THE DETAILS
What | Triton Bastion
Where | Rampart St, opposite Pilgrims Bar
#5 GRAB A WORLD-CLASS COCKTAIL AT CHARLIE’S
As you may have noted throughout this guide, Galle Fort is undergoing gentrification at a rapid rate. Now, not all of the changes are for the good (long-term residents departing, insane property prices etc.), but some of the changes are for the better, such as restoring faded colonial relics to their former glory.
And Charlie’s Bar & Bistro is one such place (find it here).
Located in between Rampart & Lighthouse Street, looking westward over the iconic ramparts that circle the Fort, this art-deco masterpiece has been revived and restored, serving as one of Galle’s best cocktail bars.
The setting is idyllic, especially at sunset.
Positioned on the first floor, the rooftop bar is set against the backdrop of swaying palms, silhouetted against the marmalade hues of the Indian Ocean. The cocktails are excellent, incorporating flavours from the Spice Trade to provide a Sri Lankan twist to the classics.
We spent a lazy afternoon here, sipping cocktails while watching the sunset, laughing at how different this experience was from our first visit to the Fort eight years ago - backpacker budgets prevented us from delving too far into the culinary and cocktail scene at that time.
We recommend the pomegranate sour, a delightful mix of gin, basil, lime, passionfruit and pomegranate - the perfect cocktail for the steamy Sri Lankan heat. The Wadamala Collins, a lime-infused vodka cocktail made with garden-foraged hibiscus and curry leaf, also comes highly recommended.
Unfortunately, we didn’t sample the food, however, from what we saw, we’d have loved to spend the whole evening here, devouring the small plates.
We also visited the colonial-chic Church Street Social (find it here), another famed cocktail bar in the heart of the Fort. Set amongst a historic 17th-century merchant’s house, the cocktail bar is high-end, catering to Galle’s slightly older clientele. Our experience there was okay - the cocktail was quite weak, and the overall vibe was not quite up our alley.
That said, it’s still an excellent option for an evening G & T in the town centre.
#6 SHOP TILL YOU DROP ON PEDLAR ST, GALLE FORT
Love shopping? Galle Fort is your place!
There are literally hundreds of boutiques, art galleries, spice and gem stores, and handicrafts dotted throughout Galle Fort, with Pedlar St being the epicentre of the action.
We definitely think the best shopping in Sri Lanka is within the walls of Galle Fort, so if you're looking for a bargain, this is your place.
Mim was like a kid in a candy shop as we walked along Peddler St, visiting each and every store in search of handicrafts and textiles.
Fortunately, Galle’s hub for shopaholics didn’t disappoint, and she walked away with the perfect linen dress for Sri Lanka's hot and humid weather.
Some stores we suggest you visit are:
Stick No Bills | Sells incredible 'Ceylon' retro prints, of which two now take pride of place in our home
MimiMango | Perfect for females, selling clothes and accessories with a Sri Lankan twist
Exotic Roots | Perhaps the coolest store in the Fort, Exotic Roots is a mother/daughter-run boutique, selling handicrafts and artwork made by the owners
Aida Gems | Operating since 1975, Aida is the only store to consider when buying gems or jewellery in Galle Fort
THE DETAILS
Where | Pedlar St. Galle Fort, Galle
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#7 TAKE A CINNAMON EXPERIENCE TOUR
There’s no denying that cinnamon is the greatest spice in the world, and it might surprise some to know that the Western world first discovered it in Sri Lanka, and the country now supplies 80 per cent of the world’s best-quality cinnamon.
Used in both sweet and savoury dishes, it’s a staple of Sri Lankan cuisine, so we were keen to learn more about the spice, and understand how something so delicious is cultivated.
We joined the Cinnamon Experience on a short guided tour from Galle, visiting a local family who have been farming cinnamon for a couple of generations. We sipped cinnamon tea while exploring the verdant plantation, learning exactly how cinnamon is harvested, extracted, peeled, and eventually ground down to a fine powder.
Seeing the (literal) hands-on nature of the process gave us a much deeper appreciation of the spice and its importance not only to Sri Lankan cuisine but also to its Ayurvedic traditions.
We also left with the most delicious-smelling bag of fresh, organic cinnamon straight from the source, which was a genuine highlight of the trip, given our love of cinnamon.
THE DETAILS
BOOK | You can book the Cinnamon Experience directly here
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#8 EAT LOCAL & SAMPLE SRI LANKAN STREET FOOD
The sheer amount of high-end restaurants within the walls of Galle Fort is astounding, and more are popping up with each visit. And while it’s wonderful to have an array of international options at your fingertips, we feel it would be remiss to visit Galle and not sample some of the local cuisine.
A selection of wonderful local establishments still occupy space within the cobbled streets of the Fort, and they serve delicious, hearty Sri Lankan fare at affordable prices.
The restaurants are often small, lacking in A/C, and frequented by locals, however, they’re atmospheric, affordable and delicious, and this is the reason you should visit. As our idol Bourdain would say, “I think food, culture, people and landscape are all absolutely inseparable."
On the menu is rice and curry, the staple of the Sri Lankan diet, blending warm spices, coconut, vegetables, and occasionally meat (generally fish) to form the most delicious of flavours.
So where to eat local food in Galle Fort? There are a few places we’ve enjoyed over our four visits there, but our favourites are:
COCONUT SAMBOL | Blink and you’ll miss it, Coconut Sambol is a hole-in-the-wall restaurant serving rice & curry from the heavens. It’s self-service, so pile your plate high and enjoy the intricate flavours and textures of each curry (our particular favourite was the carrot curry). Wash it down with homemade ginger beer, which, we might add, is one of the greatest drinks we’ve ever consumed.
IMALS RESTAURANT | Set on the bottom floor of a dilapidated double-storey colonial building, Imals is one of the more popular local establishments. Enjoy flavoursome curries and other local delights under the ever-present whir of an overworked fan. The dhal is rich in coconut flavour, while the brinjal (sweet, almost caramelised eggplant curry) is the star of the show. Grab a mango lassie to cool down
AMEEN ROTI | A proper street food vendor (and one of the last left in the Fort), Ameen serves roti, wade, and other Sri Lankan street food. We highly recommend the egg roti, with a side of dhal. Additionally, the wade (fried chickpea snack) is delish
We highly recommend that you visit and support one of these restaurants, as they are the fabric of local life within the Fort.
If you’re keen to learn more about Sri Lankan cuisine beyond just eating it, we suggest joining a cooking class in Galle Fort. The Fort has a burgeoning cooking class scene, and joining a class is the best way to truly understand and educate yourself about Sri Lankan dishes. Consider this highly-rated class and visit a local market, before learning to cook flavourful curries.
BOOK | Sri Lankan cooking class + market tour in Galle Fort
#9 HIT THE BEACHES OF NEARBY UNAWATUNA
Despite its position on the sparkling southern coast of Sri Lanka, Galle lacks in iconic beaches. Fortunately, as is the case in a country such as Sri Lanka, epic beaches are just a short bus, tuk-tuk, or scooter away.
The horseshoe-shaped Unawatuna main beach is one of the most popular beaches in the country for both tourists and locals alike. While the beach isn’t the best in Sri Lanka, it’s still a wonderful place to enjoy a swim, with abundant coral reefs and decent waves. We suggest swimming in the middle or to the south of the beach, where there are fewer people and boats.
Alternatively, you can rent a sunbed and relax, order cocktails and curries from the beachside bars, or take an afternoon stroll up to the pagoda north of the beach and watch the sunset.
Unawatuna is also home to Jungle beach, a stretch of white sand & turquoise waters backed by jungle on the Rumassala outcrop, overlooking Galle Fort on the opposite side of Galle bay. While it's not the best beach in Sri Lanka, it's far quieter than Unawatuna main beach and definitely worth half a day's visit.
Alternatively, the beautiful, bustling beachside town of Hikkaduwa may be slightly further away (35 mins North of Galle), but is home to a more expansive beach and popular surf breaks, so if you’re planning to learn to surf, here’s a great place to start.
The beach is also filled with bars and restaurants and is a wonderful place to relax after a day or two exploring inside the Fort walls.
A guide to riding the Kandy to Ella train
#10 GO WHALE WATCHING FROM GALLE
Sri Lanka is home to an array of exceptional National Parks, which host a huge diversity of wildlife; 44 mammal species including elephants and leopards, and over 215 bird species, to be exact!
For such a small country, the wealth of wildlife viewing opportunities are virtually unmatched globally.
However, it’s not just on land that Sri Lanka’s wildlife viewing opportunities exist, but also in the ocean.
Off the southern coast of Sri Lanka, it’s possible to observe a range of whale species, and dolphins, in their natural habitat.
Between December - March, the waters of the Indian Ocean play host to migrating Blue Whales (dolphins, Bryde’s whales and sperm whales are sometimes also observed), which provide perfect whale-watching opportunities through a range of local operators.
If you’re in Sri Lanka during this period, we highly recommend joining a whale-watching expedition. Tours depart from Mirissa (although hotel pick-ups can be arranged for Galle), where medium-sized cruisers take to the ocean in search of these incredible creatures.
This popular 4-6 hour whale watching tour is limited to a group of 40, providing greater whale viewing opportunities. The tour also includes breakfast, tea and coffee, as well as a highly trained crew and a tour.
If you’re prone to motion sickness, be warned - the tours are often bumpy, so take precautions to avoid falling ill.
THE DETAILS
Where | Tour departs from Mirissa, Sri Lanka
Book | Whale watching tour
#11 CHAT WITH THE GALLE FORT LOCALS
Given Galle Fort has such a varied history, there are fascinating stories everywhere; you've just got to speak to the locals to hear them.
One morning, after a failed sunrise photography mission, we met a local named Shaffy, a Sri Lankan Muslim who’s lived in Galle his whole life. Not only that, his family had lived in the same colonial house for generations.
Shaffy invited us in for a milk tea (which was great) and a chat, discussing everything from his family history (they immigrated here from the middle east centuries ago), to the gentrification of Galle Fort, as well as the obligatory local restaurant recommendations!
Our morning tea and chat was completely genuine and is one of our defining memories from our time in Galle Fort.
Do yourself a favour - speak with the locals and ask questions - you'll be surprised by what you may learn.
#12 WATCH A CRICKET MATCH AT GALLE FORT CRICKET GROUND
Sri Lanka’s national sport is cricket, and here in the south of the country, it’s very much a religion. Everywhere you look, you’ll see a game of cricket being played, while for us Australians, the topic of conversation invariably ends up at Shane Warne or Ricky Ponting (famous Australian cricketers, for those non-cricket fans!).
Galle Fort happens to be home to one of the most picturesque cricket grounds in the world, the Galle International Cricket Ground.
Located right at the entrance to the Fort proper, and the ground features international games throughout the year including test match, one-day matches and 20/20 games.
You can watch from the grassy terrace, all the while being served fresh tropical fruits and enjoying a beer or two. It’s basically the perfect day out for any sport lover!
Alternatively, head up Galle Fort clock tower and watch the game from the ramparts overlooking the ground - we can assure you, you’ll never watch a game of sport in a more picturesque location!
Unfortunately, there are plans to demolish the ground due to its proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Galle Fort, so get in quick to enjoy one of the best sporting grounds in the world.
THE DETAILS
Where | Galle International Cricket Ground
Book | You can book tickets for games here
#13 ROPE SWING FUN AT DALAWELLA AND WIJAYA BEACH
To this day we're still amazed that a simple rope swing could have single-handedly turned a country into a travel 'hot spot', yet that's exactly what happened here in Sri Lanka.
The rope swing at Dalawella beach, just south of Galle & Unawatuna, went viral on Instagram and before long every single visitor to the country wanted 'that shot'.
In all honesty, we thought about giving this a miss - it just felt a little gimmicky for our travel tastes. But we’re also suckers when it comes to FOMO, and eventually decided to give it a go.
The verdict? It’s definitely worth it.
Yes, our photos turned out well, but more importantly, it really is a heap of fun and definitely one of the best things to do in Galle!
The best time to visit is during the early-mid morning when the sun is still rising yet not too harsh, or during golden hour as the sunsets. It costs LKR 500 for 5 or so swings, depending on how busy it is.
There's also a beach swing just a short walk away at Mihiripenna beach which swings over the natural lagoon. This swing is slightly cheaper, at LKR 300 and is best visited for sunrise.
THE DETAILS
Where | Dream Cabanas, Dalawella, and Mihiripenna beach
Cost | LKR 500 pp (Dalawella), and LKR 300 pp (Mihiripenna beach)
#14 EXPLORE GALLE’S MANY MARKETS
The local fruit, spice and flower markets are located just outside of Galle Fort and are well worth a visit to embrace some authentic Sri Lankan culture.
The colourful, bustling markets are home to some of the best fruit we’ve ever tried, and the local shopkeepers are more than willing to let you taste all types of weird and wonderful tropical fruits. Make sure you try Mangosteen, a weird lychee type fruit that is absolutely delicious. Oh, and the pineapple... always have the pineapple.
The markets are also a great place to stock up on spices and curry mix. We couldn’t resist stocking up on a dhal mix, one of our favourite Sri Lankan curries. The spices here are about a 10th of the price of the ones within the fort walls, so it’s well worth the walkout to visit. In fact, almost every local in Sri Lanka will warn you off buying tea and spices from the trendy boutiques like Spa Ceylon - the good stuff is right here, where they shop.
We also met some wonderful people around the markets, who took time out of their day to show us around the area and teach us more about the local way of life.
THE DETAILS
What | Galle fruit market
Where | Sea St, near Galle-Colombo Rd, Galle
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN GALLE FORT
With its varied history, colonial heritage, and rapidly gentrifying centre, Galle Fort is home to a great variety of food and drink options.
ENJOY DINNER (AND VIEWS) AT MINUTE BY TUK TUK
If we're honest, it was hard to select one restaurant to feature on our list of best places to visit in Galle because there are so many to choose from. However, A Minute by Tuk Tuk takes the honours.
Located inside Galle Fort at the Old Dutch Hospital, A Minute by Tuk Tuk offers great contemporary Sri Lanka food, with a few international additions for those unwilling to sample the local flavours, plus excellent views of the bay of Galle.
For dinner we settled on the 'Batu Moju', an eggplant moju with roti and curry dips, washed down with the local brew, Lion Beer. For dessert, we sampled 'Watalappan', a coconut custard pudding and Sri Lanka's national dessert.
All up, dinner and drinks cost around 3,700r (USD 15/$20) for two.
THE DETAILS
What | A Minute by Tuk Tuk
Below are some of our favourites:
PRICEY
Amangalla | Perfect for high tea or a sundowner cocktail but be aware, it’s expensive!
The Tuna and the Crab | If you like seafood (and money isn’t an object), come here and enjoy some of the best Sri Lanka seafood
Sugar Bistro | Sri Lankan favourites and western classics, the food here is delish. Try the Lamprais cooked in Banana leaf
Pedlars Inn | A long-term fixture in Galle Fort, serving western and local fare. Stop for pizza or pasta, stay for ice cream (see below)
CHEAP
Indian Hut | Cheap, tasty Indian food near Galle Lighthouse. Service isn’t great, though
Ameen Hotel | Very local, very cheap. Expect only traditional Sri Lanka dishes, such as rice and curry
ICE CREAM
Isle of Gelato | Tasty AF ice cream, perfect on a hot, tropical day. Has a lot of Sri Lankan flavours, so try the jackfruit sorbet for a taste sensation
Pedlars Inn Gelataria | Kinda expensive, but good gelato… Try the Mango flavour
Dairy King | A long-term ice creamery at the southern end of Galle Fort, enjoy some delicious homemade ice cream. Mango, passionfruit and coconut are the go-to flavours!
A MAP OF THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN GALLE FORT
Visiting Galle Fort? Download this map to your phone and follow our recommendations!
Click the star next to the title of the map to save it to your Google Maps account. To view on the road, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to “Your Places,” click Maps, and you will see this exact map on your list.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO GALLE FORT
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT GALLE FORT?
Anytime from October - April is a good time to visit Galle, as the monsoon rains have passed and the temperatures are fairly stable.
That being said, the absolute BEST time to visit is between February - April, when low rainfall and calmer seas provide the perfect weather to explore.
We’ve been told to avoid visiting during early January when Sri Lankan holidays occur and Galle is teeming with local tourists.
HOW TO GET TO GALLE FORT
TRAIN
The most scenic way to get from Colombo to Galle is via train, which runs along the palm-fringed coast the majority of the journey.
The Colombo Fort to Galle train departs 10 times a day (book your ticket here), with the earliest departure at 6:55 am and the final departure at 19:30. It takes around 2.5 - 3.5 hours.
We recommend travelling outside of peak hours to avoid packed trains and an uncomfortable journey (we’ve taken the 10:30 am train many times without issue).
THE DETAILS
Cost | 180r per person for 2nd class, 100r per person for 3rd class
Departure Times | From Colombo Fort only: 0655, 0835, 1030, 1425, 1550, 1646, 1730, 1735, 1805, 1930
BOOK | Book your train tickets in advance here
BUS
If you prefer your creature comforts (air-conditioning), there’s a direct bus from Maharagama bus station (in the suburbs of Colombo) to Galle, which follows the newly completed inland highway. You’re guaranteed a seat, and the air-conditioning is a welcome relief in Sri Lanka.
THE DETAILS
Cost | 360r - 400r per person
Departure Times | Every 20 minutes from 5 am - 16:45pm
If you’re on a very tight budget, it’s also possible to take the local bus from Colombo to Galle, however, we don’t recommend this option due to the exceedingly long and tedious journey.
The local bus will leave from Colombo Fort bus station, and cost 100r per person.
RELATED | A complete guide on how to get from Colombo to Galle
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR SRI LANKA
Overwhelmingly, we’ve found the country to be extremely safe and friendly, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t issues with petty theft or personal safety at times.
You absolutely need to have travel insurance that ensures you and your belongings are protected here.
Here are our recommendations, based on 8+ years of full-time travel:
FOR TRAVELLERS | HeyMondo - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out-of-pocket fees.
* The Common Wanderer readers 5% off your policy by booking through our link here
FOR DIGITAL NOMADS | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
CAR INSURANCE | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
EXPERIENCE MORE OF SRI LANKA
GALLE | Our guide to the best hotels in Galle, how to get from Colombo to Galle
SRI LANKA TRAVEL TIPS | 31 incredible things to do in Sri Lanka, Our essential 3-week Sri Lanka Itinerary, Our 7-day Sri Lanka Itinerary, Everything you need to know before you visit Sri Lanka (39 essential tips!)
SRI LANKA CITY GUIDES | We’ve got in-depth guides to Colombo, Kandy, Jaffna, Hiriketiya, Mirissa Beach
CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS | Our essential guides to both Sigiriya and Pidurangala, A guide to Polonnaruwa, How to visit Yala National Park, and Udawalawe National Park
TRANSPORT GUIDES | Our definitive guide to the Kandy to Ella train, how to get from Colombo to Kandy, how to get from Colombo to Galle
ELLA, SRI LANKA | Our complete guide to Ella, a guide to the Nine Arch Bridge, How to see Diyaluma Falls, Ella accommodation options for every budget (+ our recommendations)
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