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Galle Travel Guide

Galle Travel Guide

A Dutch colonial fort town on the south coast.

Photo: A.Savin, FAL
  • CountrySri Lanka
  • Best forHeritage, beaches, food
  • Best timeDecember to March
  • CurrencySri Lankan rupee
Galle is a major city on the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka, 119 km south of Colombo. Galle is the provincial capital and largest city of Southern Province, Sri Lanka and is the capital of Galle District. Galle was known as Gimhathiththa before the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century, when it was the main port on the island.Source: Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Where to stay in Galle: hotel tips

Choosing the right neighbourhood matters more than the hotel itself. These are the best areas to base yourself in Galle:

1

Galle Fort

Boutique villas inside the ramparts

2

Unawatuna

Beach a short tuk-tuk away

3

Ahangama & Weligama

Surf beaches

Hotel booking tips

  • Book central stays near public transport to save time and taxi fares.
  • Choose free-cancellation rates during December to March, the busiest season.
  • Check recent reviews for noise, air conditioning and Wi-Fi.

Top landmarks in Galle

Map of Galle and around

LandmarkCityClick a pin for details

Getting around

Combine walking, public transport and ride-hailing apps for city sightseeing. For day trips and onward travel, compare trains, buses and ferries, or hire a car where roads are quiet.

Nearby landmarks