Galle City
Galle, a charming coastal city in Sri Lanka, boasts a rich history and vibrant culture. Its iconic Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a testament to colonial influence. Explore pristine beaches, immerse in cultural festivals, and savor local cuisine amidst the old-world charm of Galle.
Galle Beach
Galle Beach, located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, is a charming and historical destination known for its scenic beauty and colonial heritage. Nestled near the historic Galle Fort, this beach offers a mix of cultural attractions, relaxing seaside experiences, and vibrant local life.
Picturesque Coastal Scenery
Galle Beach features a stunning stretch of golden sand and clear blue waters, ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and beach walks. The scenic beauty of the beach, combined with the backdrop of the historic Galle Fort, creates a picturesque setting for relaxation and leisure.
Galle Fort
Just a short distance from the beach, the Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich history dating back to the 16th century. Originally built by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch, the fort is a fascinating place to explore with its well-preserved colonial architecture, narrow streets, and charming cafes and boutiques.
Marine Activities
Galle Beach offers opportunities for various water sports, including snorkeling, surfing, and diving. The nearby coral reefs provide excellent snorkeling experiences with colorful marine life, while the gentle waves make it a good spot for beginner surfers.
Local Markets and Cuisine
The area around Galle Beach is vibrant with local markets and eateries. You can visit the Galle Dutch Hospital, a historic building now home to various restaurants and shops, where you can enjoy a variety of Sri Lankan and international cuisines. The local markets offer fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and traditional sweets.
Cultural Experiences
Galle is known for its rich cultural heritage, and visitors can explore traditional crafts, art galleries, and cultural events in the town. The Galle National Museum provides insights into the region's history and culture, showcasing artifacts and exhibits from the colonial period.
Whale Watching
Galle is also a gateway to whale watching tours, particularly during the season from November to April. These tours offer the chance to see blue whales, sperm whales, and other marine giants in their natural habitat.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Galle Beach is from November to April, when the weather is dry, and the seas are calm. This period is ideal for enjoying the beach, marine activities, and exploring the cultural and historical attractions in and around Galle.
About Galle District
Galle is a city situated on the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka, 119 km from Colombo.Galle is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in south and Southeast Asia, showing the interaction between European architectural styles and south Asian traditions. The Galle fort is a world heritage site and the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers.
Galle is a sizeable town, by Sri Lankan standards, and has a population of 91,000, the majority of whom are of Sinhalese ethnicity. There is also a large Sri Lankan Moor minority, particularly in the fort area, which descend from Arab merchants that settled in the ancient port of Galle.
About Southern Province
The Southern Province of Sri Lanka is a small geographic area consisting of the districts of Galle, Matara and Hambantota. Subsistence farming and fishing is the main source of income for the vast majority of the people of this region.
Important landmarks of the Southern Province include the wildlife sanctuaries of the Yala and Udawalawe National Parks, the holy city of Kataragama, and the ancient cities of Tissamaharama, Kirinda and Galle. (Although Galle is an ancient city, almost nothing survives from before the Portuguese invasion.) During the Portuguese period there were two famous Sinhalese poets called Andare who was from Dickwella and Gajaman Nona who was from Denipitiya in Matara District, composing poems on common man.