Galle is a quaint little coastal town, situated in the southern part of the island and is very popular among both locals and tourists. With plenty of newly opened cafes to the pristine beaches to cobblestone paved alleyways and colonial buildings, the experience is truly laid-back and relaxing.
How to get there?
It is about 120 km south of the metropolitan city Colombo and ever since the opening of the southern expressway, is easily accessible.
Bus- There are two available bus options, both that can be taken from Colombo Fort central bus stand. One is the expressway bus, which is a luxury bus that is faster and relatively more expensive, as it takes the expressway and will reach Galle in a couple of hours. The other option is the normal bus which goes a longer route along the coast.
Train- This is the most scenic route albeit being a little long- about 3 hours from the Fort Railway Station. Tickets can be purchased in advance for first and second class or bought on the same day before boarding the train.
Car- Going to Galle makes for a great road trip and is usually preferred by many locals for a quick weekend getaway.
Things to do
There are quite a few touristy things to do in Galle and if you wish to cover the highlights and experience it thoroughly without having to go through the hassle of planning the logistics, Diethelm Travel Sri Lanka is one of the many travel agencies that can organize fun tours around the fort.
Galle Fort
For a cultural dose, head to the Galle Fort a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the main attractions of the town. The Fort was built by the Portuguese in 1588. However, it was during the 17th century, after the Dutch invasion that it was extensively fortified. Take a walk along the area and head to the east where you will come across the Galle Lighthouse which stands 59 feet tall. It is usually around here that many go to witness the glorious sunset.
It is remarkable to see that the Fort resembles a small town, with streets in a grid pattern. The streets are lined with low houses that have a Dutch colonial style veranda.
Galle Fort Market
This is a weekly Sunday market where many pop-cafes and local vendors set up stalls that serve little delicacies. It is a lively market where you can browse through listening to live music and get an insight into the local life.
Unawatuna
A short ride, about 15-30 minutes will take you to Unawatuna beach which is a popular spot for surfing or simply catch a break to soak under the sun, surrounded by swaying palm trees, sandy beaches with turquoise waters and witness the rose-tinted sunset. There are plenty of beach-side restaurants and pubs where you can unwind to a chilled can of local beer and enjoy some delicious fresh seafood dishes that the south is famous for.
Take a walk around the town
Take your camera along and wander around this colonial town. The roads are dotted with random and quirky spots that are famous on social media. You will come across quite a few antique, pastel-painted cars parked along the road. There are many shops, easily identified by their vibrant displays, that sell handcrafted items and painting that are ideal for souvenirs. You will find plenty of options when it comes to dining; from fine dining to hole-in-the-wall cafes, Galle has it all.
Where to Stay?
There are quite a few choices for accommodation in Galle, both within the fort and located a few minutes away. Properties like Jetwing Lighthouse are some of the most popular with tourists who visit the town.
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