Top 5 things to do in Galle

Top 5 things to do in Galle

Galle is one of the most beautiful cities you can visit on the paradise island of Sri Lanka. There are plenty of remarkable appeals in this city which make it a popular one among tourists as well as locals. The incredible assortment of hotels and resorts in the city helps each visitor enjoy an idyllic beach vacation too. Read on and find out about the top 5 things that you can enjoy as you visit this remarkable city.

01. Sun, sea, and surf in Unawatuna

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Featured photo credit: Sahan Perera.

Of course, your vacation in Galle will be truly incomplete without the sea and sun! Throw in some surfing thrills and you’ve got yourself a perfect holiday! Galle offers easy access to the stylish town of Unawatuna. The place is immensely popular among those who like to indulge in water sports. There are plenty of great water sports centres in the town offering beginners as well as experts the skills as well as the facilities needed to indulge in water sports. There are lots of great dive spots as well as schools located in Unawatuna. Even if you are an apprehensive beginner, you will be able to ride the waves with confidence with the expert guidance and direction offered by the instructors. After your exhilarating adventure in the seas, spend some time idling upon the golden shores of Unawatuna. You can watch the dazzling glory of the sunset too, with your favourite cocktail in hand, at one of the idyllic beach restaurants in the region!

02. Visit museums within the Galle Fort

Galle Fort is the primary attraction in the city of Galle. The fort was built by the Portuguese in the year 1588. After the Dutch invasion, it was extensively fortified. There are Dutch communities still occupying the fort, adding rich colour and charm to the region.

You can learn about the charming colonial heritage of the city as you visit some of the popular museums which are located within Galle Fort. The National Maritime Museum is a popular place among those who are interested in the history of the country. The beautiful building, which evokes nostalgia was constructed back in the year 1671, by the Dutch. It was used as a warehouse back then. The building was converted to a museum in the year 1992. There is an incredible collection of maps, loot from shipwrecks as well as models of boats to admire here.

National Museum of Galle is yet another fascinating place that should not be missed. This building was also built by the Dutch in the year 1656. The collection here includes relics that hail from Portuguese, Dutch, and British eras in Sri Lanka. The museum has three main galleries so make sure you plan your tour well.

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Featured photo credit: Sahan Perera.

03. Savour delicious street food in Galle Fort

Of course, your tour in Galle will truly be incomplete without a delightful culinary adventure! There are lots of incredible restaurants and cafes in Galle Fort so you will surely be able to indulge in a colourful dining experience. Be sure to visit places like Pedlar’s Inn and Café, Galle Fort Hotel, The Bungalow, The Kitchen Galle Fort, A Minute by Tuk Tuk and Sugar Bistro Galle Fort.

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Featured photo credit: Sahan Perera.

04. Visit colonial churches

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Featured photo credit: Sahan Perera.

There are plenty of remarkable colonial attractions which you can visit while travelling in Galle. Be sure to take your camera with you as you visit these magnificent sites as their incredible charm will truly be picture worthy!

During the occupation of the European invaders, plenty of churches were built in many parts of the land. In Galle too, several remarkable churches were built. The Dutch Reformed Church in Galle is one such majestic place of worship which deserves a visit for sure. The construction of this church commenced back in the year 1682. However, the church was completed only in the year 1755. The floor of the church is paved with gravestones which were taken from Dutch cemeteries. This makes the church quite an interesting one to visit.

All Saint’s Church in Galle is yet another prominent church in the city. It is an Anglican church which was initiated by Rev. James Chapman, the first Bishop of Colombo.

05. Visit Ambalangoda Mask Museum

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Featured photo credit: Sahan Perera.

The Ambalangoda Mask Workshop and Museum, which is simply known as the Ambalangoda Mask Museum seeks to celebrate the dying art of mask making in Sri Lanka. When you visit this enchanting attraction, you will get the chance to witness the grand beauty of many colourful masks. The great establishment was owned and operated by a single family since its inception. In the museum, you will find an incredible array of masks as well as tools which were and are being used to create these small masterpieces.