Galle is a city situated in the southern part of the island with a Dutch historical background. It is the capital city of the Southern province and a city known for fishing. Galle also boasts of its own natural harbor which is operated by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. It also has a naval base and headquarters due its location, being connected with the Indian Ocean.The Dutch Fort is a place not to miss when visiting Galle. The fortress has many remaining architectural buildings and structures from the Dutch colonial times. It is also the city of beaches with Galle Fort Beach, Unawatuna Beach and Jungle Beach for the beach lovers. The city also has quite a few forest reserves and sanctuaries surrounding it including the Kanneliya Forest Reserve, Sinharaja Forest Reserve and Rumassala Sanctuary etc.
All Saints’ Anglican Church
All Saints’ Anglican Church is an Anglican church situated on Church Street in Galle Fort. The building of the church was initiated by the first Bishop of Colombo, Rt. Rev.James Chapman. However the foundation was laid by the second Bishop of Colombo, Rev. Dr. Piers Calveley Claughton on 30th October 1868. It was consecrated on 21st February 1871. The church is built following Victorian Gothic style.
Galle Dutch Fort
The Galle Dutch Fort is situated in the Southwest coast of Sri Lanka and was built first by the Portuguese in 1588. It was later extensively secure by the Dutch during the 17th century when they invaded the country. The specialty of the Galle Fort lies in that it maintains a polished look even after more than 400 years in existence. This is due to the reconstruction work done by the Archeological Department of Sri Lanka. It is named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also known as “Ramparts of Galle”. The Galle Fort withstood the Tsunami which struck the country in Boxing Day, 2004 and has since been restored.
Galle Fort National Maritime Museum
The Galle Fort National Maritime Museum is situated in Queens Street in Galle Fort. Built in a Dutch Warehouse above the Old Gate of Galle Fort, the museum was opened to the public on 9th May 1992. Although the museum survived the Boxing Day Tsunami in 20014, the adjoining UNESCO Maritime Archeological Unit was complete destroyed and re-opened to the public after 3 years of reconstruction work. The museum exhibits marine artifacts used in underwater explorations including ropes, maps, barrels, smoking pipes, naval craft, artillery guns and sailor shoes. Some of these artifacts are almost 800 years old.
Galle Fort Clock Tower
The Galle Fort Clock Tower is situated in Galle Fort. It overlooks the central moon Bastion which also happens to be the site of the old guard room. Constructed in 1883 it is a very popular landmark in Galle Fort. It was built in recognition of Dr. P.D. Anthonisz, a Colonial Surgeon. The clock was the gift of a patient named Mudaliyar Samson de Abrew Rajapakse. The tower stands four storeys high.
Japanese Peace Pagoda
Japanese Peace Pagoda is situated in Rumassala in Unawatuna. It is run by a Japanese priest and is surrounded on either sides by the Jungle Beach and Unawatuna Beach.The Galle Fort can also be seen in all its glory from this point. The stupa is a popular location to view the beauty of sunset and sunrise.
Galle National Museum
National Museum of Galle is situated in Church Street in Galle Fort. It is located in the oldest remaining Dutch building in Galle Fort. The building dates back to 1656 but the museum opened in 1986 by the Department of National Museums. The museum exhibits various collections from the Portuguese, Dutch and British eras. It consists of three sections. The first gallery has exhibits related to turtle shell jewelry manufacturing, Beeralu lace weaving, cottage industry and traditional wooden mask carving. The second gallery has exhibits related to the Dutch period such as furniture and weaponry. The third gallery is known as the “Sri Lanka China Friendship Gallery” and is dedicated to the archeologically and historically important relations between Sri Lanka and China.
Galle Lighthouse
Galle Lighthouse is a lighthouse situated onshore in Galle and maintained by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. The lighthouse is also known as Point de Galle Light. Built in 1848, it is the oldest light station of Sri Lanka. The lighthouse is 26.5 meters high and is located within the Galle Fort. Its exact location is about 6 meters above the road level on the ramparts, at a place known as the Point Utrecht Bastion. This location gives a full view of all ships entering the Galle Harbor.
Galle Fort Beach
Galle Fort Beach is situated bordering the Galle Fort. It is a popular beach where a lot of people come to bathe and to relax and have fun. It is an iconic beach having a historic background surrounding it.A set of stone steps built in the rampart leads to the Galle Fort Beach. The beach can also be viewed from top of the ramparts. It is an ideal location to take photographs with the beautiful ocean glistening in the background. The Galle Fort Beach is less crowded than the more prominent Unawatuna Beach. So it can be a great choice for a quiet swim all by yourself or with family and friends.
Kande Viharaya Temple
Kande Viharaya Temple is a Buddhist temple which is situated in Beruwala town of the Kalutara district. It is a very popular Buddhist temple and gets its name “Kande Viharaya” due to it being located on top of a hill. It is an archaeologically protected site and was founded by Venerable Karapagala Dewamitta Thero in 1734. Kande Viharaya Temple comprises of a Stupa, Image House, Relic Chamber, Bodhi Tree, Upulvan Devalaya and a couple other main Devalas including Pattini and Kataragama Devalaya.
Galle Fort Dutch Reformed Church
Groote Kerk or Galle Fort Dutch Reformed Church is situated near the entrance to the Galle Fort. It was built in 1755 and is known to be one of the oldest Protestant churches being still in use in the country. It was previously located near the Galle Fort Clock Tower. The present church stands at 12 meters above sea level and is known to be built on the highest point in Galle Fort. The detached belfry of the church still exists up to date.
The Historical Mansion Museum
The Historical Mansion Museum is a Dutch house restored into a museum situated in Leyn Baan Street in Galle Fort. The museum is owned by a long time resident of Galle Fort and may very well be the largest private museum in the country. It also includes a Dutch well in the courtyard which dates back to 1763. The museum consists of antique typewriters, jewelry, cameras, VOC China and many more colonial artifacts. Apart from this history comes alive where there are live presentations of traditional crafts such as ‘beeralu’ lace embroidery, gem cutting and polishing. Everything on display at this museum is also for sale.
Kathaluwa Purwarama Maha Viharaya
Kathaluwa Purwarama Maha Viharaya is a Buddhist temple situated in Ahangama, Galle. It is a beautiful old rustic temple with paintings on its walls. Th paintings are believed to be from the Kandyan era. It is a rarely visited temple and a paradise for art lovers.
St. Mary’s Cathedral
St. Mary’s Cathedral is the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Galle. It is one of the most important catholic churches in Galle and is situated on Prison Road. The church is dedicated to Virgin Mary. The church is a beautiful sight rich in tradition and history. It consists of beautiful stained glass windows and a large vaulted ceiling.
Koggala Martin Wickramasinghe Museum
Koggala Martin Wickramasinghe Museum Complex is situated on the Galle – Matara Main Road in Koggala. It is the ancestral home of the renowned Sri Lankan Writer and Poet Martin Wickramasinghe where he lived with his family. The surviving part of the house has been converted in to a museum complex displaying artifacts, photographs, awards and souvenirs of the great writer. The house converted in to a museum is located in a naturally breathtaking backdrop in this small village.
Colonial Post Office
The Colonial Post Office is situated in Church Street, Galle Fort. This old building consists of a roof supported by 13 columns. It is built in a long low style and bears the Dutch colonial resemblance.
Koggala Sea Turtle Farm and Hatchery
Koggala Sea Turtle Farm and Hatchery is situated on Matara Road in Koggala. It is a project carried out by a non-profit organization which works on surviving sea turtles for the next generation. This beach side farm and hatchery started in 2010 and has released more than 100,000 turtles up to now.
Dutch Government House
The Dutch Government House is situated in Church Street in Galle Fort. It is a building which was used for administrative purposes back in the day and stands right opposite the old post office or the Dutch church. The building is a great place to experience the colonial architecture. This building which was built in 1683 was the residence of the Dutch Governor in Galle.
Rumassala South Beach
Rumassala South Beach is situated along with the Rumassala hill in Unawatuna. It is also known as Jungle Beach and is situated in close proximity to the Galle-Matara main road. The beach can be identified easily along with the hills where there is a small temple on its peak and lush greenery in the surrounding forest. This large peace pagoda in the middle of the jungle was gifted by a Japanese monk in 2005. Rumassala is an area with a historic and legendary background.It is a small beach usually crowded with tourists and locals. However, it is far less crowded than the main beach in Unawatuna. There are small restaurants in the area and it has a good atmosphere.The Rumassala South Beach is rich in biodiversity and the reef acts as a protected sanctuary and serves as a major archaeological site. It is a well-known place for fishing and is also suitable for swimming.
Rumassala Sanctuary
Rumassala Sanctuary is a popular tourist destination situated in Jungle Beach Road, Unawatuna, Galle. The sanctuary is a botanical paradise with rare plants and medicinal herbs as well as endemic species of birds. It is located surrounding the legendary Rumassala hill which is connected with the epic “Ramayana”. Rumassala is believed to be a part of Himalayas.
Galle Fort Flag Rock
The Galle Fort Flag Rock Bastion is situated at the very end point of the Galle Fort. It was once a Portugese bastion and now stands as an excellent place to catch the sunset in Galle Fort. Ships sailing toward the shores were signaled from the bastion atop Flag Rock during the Dutch colonial era. There are people selling various types of local street food over here.
Galle Harbor
The Galle Harbor is a natural harbor located in the Southwestern coast of the island. It is the only Sri Lankan port that entertain pleasure yachts and has been recognized as one of the world’s best attractions for yachting. It is one of the most important harbors of the country and remained in the top position until an artificial harbor was built in Colombo in 1873.
Muswenna Tea Factory
The Muswenna Tea Factory is situated on Pangirihena – Mayakaduwa Road in Galle. Visitors get to tour around the estate and learn about the tea plantation and its process. The estate grows various types of tea such as Ceylon Black Tea, White Tea and Handmade Green Tea. It is a certified tea factory where visitors get to taste the different types of tea which are available.
Old Slave Quarters
The Old Slave Quarters is situated in Galle Fort. It was used as a quarters for slaves especially during the Dutch period. There are remains of the prison cells and the like around Galle Fort.
Star Bastion
The Star Bastion is situated towards the extreme northwest of the walls of Galle Fort. Its exact location is in Stadium Road. The location provides breathtaking views of the ocean and the Galle Clock Tower which is situated close by. It was topped with six cannons in the past.
Neluwa Doowili Ella Falls
Neluwa Doowili Ella Falls are situated in the Sinharaja Forest Reserve in the Galle district. It is 17 meters and 1 meter wide. The waterfall is located in an area called Kosmulla along the route to Lankagama which is very popular among locals and foreign tourists.
Thalpe
Thalpe is a quiet town nestled away from the hustle and bustle of the major towns situated in the southern coastal belt. Thalpe town is filled with history, adventure, culture and cuisine along with the Thalpe Beach which is a relatively clean and calm beach. Stilt fishermen are commonly seen in this coastal town and it is a great way to learn more about the way of life in this beautiful coastal town.According to the villagers the rock pools were cut out of the corals around 50 years ago and was used to soak coconut husks in order to separate the coconut coir.rock pool beach best time to visit is early morning from March to April. At other times the pools are filled with sand.
Narangas Ella
Narangas Ella is situated in the Kanneliya Rainforest. It stands at a height of 70 meters. It is an attractive rainforest hidden deep in the Kanneliya Rainforest. This is among the few waterfalls found in the Southern part of the country.
Unawatuna Beach
Unawatuna is one of the most popular beaches in the South as well as the entire island. It is popularly known as a family friendly area especially with the shallow water levels most ideal for swimming. Locals flock in the evening to bathe in the sea. The west end of the beach leads to some rocks and stairs to go up a small hill with a pagoda and a big Buddha statue. It makes for a nice little walk with a beautiful view overlooking the beach.
Mahamodara Sea Turtle Hatchery
Mahamodara Sea Turtle Hatchery is on Colombo Road, Mahamodara in Galle. It is a sea turtle hatchery which works on protecting sea turtles of Sri Lanka from harm. There are many kinds of sea turtles in this hatchery which attracts many locals and tourists alike.
Pitiwella Beach
Pitiwella Beach is situated in Pitiwella village in Galle. It is a great area to enjoy away from the hustle and bustle of the Galle Fort but not too far away from the historic Dutch Fort either. There are many restaurants in the surrounding area. Pitiwella Beach is popular for fishing, boat safari, diving and for viewing beautiful corals. It is a great place to get into a chat with locals and also to try some local cuisines, especially seafood. Many of the villagers take wooden boats out to the sea for fishing which they do for a living. Tucked away from the busy city of Galle, the Pitiwella Beach is a relatively unspoiled and calm beach area.
Mihiripenna Beach
Mihiripenna Beach is situated in Unawatuna in the Southern coast of Sri Lanka. It is a beautiful beach with safe swimming for the entire family. It is adjacent with the Turtle Beach in Unawatuna and has many restaurants where travelers can take a break. It is known as one of the best natural pools in Sri Lanka. Although the tides are strong at Mihiripenna, it is a safe beach which has its own natural lagoon created by the reef. It is a relatively unspoiled beach where fish and sea turtles leap out of the water while birds dive into it. Beautiful corals and shells can also be seen at Mihiripenna Beach.
Koggala Beach
The Koggala Beach is situated in Koggala town of Galle district in the Southern coast of Sri Lanka. Koggala has one of the longest beaches of Sri Lanka and is located very close to Unawatuna, another popular coastal town in the Galle district. Koggala is the hometown of popular Sri Lankan Writer and Poet, Martin Wickramasinghe and hence the place attracts a considerable crowd due to his ancestral home being converted in to a museum. Koggala beach is less crowded than the beaches at Unawatuna and is relatively uncluttered and unexplored.
Induruwa Beach
Induruwa Beach is situated in the coastal village of Induruwa close to Bentota. This fishing village with white sandy beaches is great for surfing and relaxing by the sea. This coastal beach side village with its family-friendly beaches is a great place to relax during any time of the year.
Hiyare Reservoir Rain Forest
Hiyare Reservoir Rain Forest is situated on Udugama Road in Galle. It is a conservation forest area located next to the Hiyare reservoir and is a nature lover’s paradise. The rain forest is home to many species of fish, amphibians, birds, reptiles and mammals out of which some are endemic to Sri Lanka. The reservoir rain forest conservation area covers 600 acres in total. Endemic birds, butterflies and dragonflies exist in the highest concentration in this area.
Dalawella Beach
Dalawella Beach is situated in Unawatuna, Galle. It became a popular beach with its famous coconut palm tree rope swing. It is a nice beach ideal for a relaxing walk. The water is calm and great for a swim. It is also a beach which is less crowded most of the time. Dalawella Beach is a great place to swim with the sea turtles. There are many sea turtles to be seen in these waters. The beginning of the sea is rough and deep which is where the turtles come in. It is also an ideal place for snorkelers and even the kids to have a good time. There are also many restaurants around the beach where visitors can feel relaxed.
Kanneliya Forest Reserve
The Kanneliya Forest Reserve is situated in the Udugama – Hiniduma Road in Galle. It is also known as the Kanneliya-Dediyagala-Nakiyadeniya forest complex and is the last remaining large rainforest in Sri Lanka apart from Sinharaja. Kanneliya harbors many plants and animals endemic to Sri Lanka. It sits on area of 10,139 ha and is governed by the Department of Forest Conservation.The Kanneliya Forest Reserve was designated as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 2004. The Gin Ganga and Nilwala Ganga rivers are sourced from within the forest. It is identified as one of the most floristically rich areas in South Asia.The Kanneliya Forest Reserve had a few waterfalls in and around the area. Anagimale Ella Waterfall is located close to the entrance of the forest reserve whereas Narangas Ella Waterfall is situated much deeper inside the forest. Malamura Waterfall is located a few kilometers away from the Kanneliya Forest Reserve in the village of Panangala.
Note: There are leeches in the forest. So don’t forget to put on your anti-leech socks or spray to keep yourself protected.
Dewata Beach
Dewata Beach is situated in Dewata village in Katugoda, Galle. It is a renowned place for surfing and has a surfing school as well. The area is also surrounded by many beach side restaurant for visitors to relax and dine in. As Dewata Beach is a popular area for surfing there are many instructors and students, especially foreigners, to be seen in the beach.Dewata Beach is special in that it is the closest surfing beach to the Galle Fort which is a popular tourist area. Dewata Beach is also one of the best places to learn surfing as there are many skilled and qualified instructors. It is a beach break and hence has no sharp reef or rocks to fall on and the waves are normally slow and soft which makes it the perfect place to hone surfing skills.
Kottawa Conservation Forest
Kottawa Conservation Forest is situated on Udugama Road in Galle. It is part of the Kottawa Kombala Conservation Forest which covers an area of 1800 ha. However the reserve is just 37 acres in size. The forest reserve is home to 170 species of tress out of which 100 are endemic to Sri Lanka. It is also home to many animals, reptiles and insects such as mammals, birds, lizards, snakes and butterflies.
Cinnamon Island (Mirala Duwa)
Cinnamon Island (Mirala Duwa) is situated in Balapitiya in the district of Galle. The island can be reached via the Madu River. The island is popular for its cinnamon plantations. Guests can experience the entire process of cinnamon production and gain extensive knowledge on the subject, on a tour to the island.
Lunuganga Estate
Lunuganga Estate is situated in Dedduwa, Bentota. It is the country house of the renowned Sri Lankan Architect, Geoffrey Bawa. The estate has a long history to it. It has been used as a cinnamon estate during the Dutch era and thereafter as a rubber estate under the British. Bawa bought the property, which is located on the banks of Dedduwa Lake in Bentota, in 1969. He continued to develop the property until his death in 2003. It contains many artifacts from Asia and Europe. At present, the property is managed by the “Lunuganga Trust”, which is formed by a group of Bawa’s close friends. The gardens are open to the public while the buildings serve as a country house hotel.
Madu River
Madu River is situated in Balapitiya in Galle district. It is full of bio diversity with many species of plants including mangroves and vertebrate animals. Popular attractions of the surrounding area includes a Buddhist temple, art of making cinnamon and fish spa.
Rumassala Mountain
Rumassala Mountain, also known as Rumassala Hill, is a mountain situated in Unawatuna, Galle. Rumassala is an area rich in biodiversity. The Mountain is surrounded by the forests and the ocean. Popular attractions to see near the Rumassala Mountain are Jungle Beach or Rumassala South Beach, Rumassala Sanctuary and the Japanese Peace Pagoda. Rumassala Mountain is connected with the epic “Ramayana” and is believed to be a part of Himalayas. The “Ramayana” describes that one piece of the Himalayan Mountain was dropped here by Hanumantha.
Sinharaja Rain Forest
Sinharaja Rain Forest is a forest reserve and national park which is rich in bio diversity. It is designated as a Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The rain forest lies across the Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces. Sinharaja boasts of Sri Lanka’s endemic birds, reptiles, mammals including elephants and leopards
