THE 7 BEST TIPS FOR THE COLONIAL TOWN OF GALLE!

The 7 best tips for the colonial town of Galle!

The town of Galle is the place to go for history enthusiasts. There’s still much to see from its colonial past. Galle was colonized by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. You’ll find the Galle Fort, churches, mansions, cobblestone streets, colorful restaurants, and charming boutiques. It’s no surprise that Galle is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a lovely town and a great place to learn more about the history of Sri Lanka.

The history of Galle

Portuguese explorers landed in Galle in the 16th century and established a trading post. They began building a fort to protect their trade interests from external attacks. In the 17th century, the Dutch took over the fort. Under Dutch rule, Galle became an important trade hub. In the 19th century, the British took control of Galle Fort. Sri Lanka gained independence from the British in 1948, and since then, Galle has developed into a cultural center rich in historical heritage.

How to get to Galle?

Galle is easily accessible from various locations in Sri Lanka.

By bus

Most travelers visiting Galle come from another location in southern Sri Lanka. The bus network in the south, as well as in other parts of Sri Lanka, is very efficient. The main advantage of taking the bus is its affordability—you’ll often only spend a few dollar for a bus ride. You can use Google Maps to check which bus to take and where the buses stop. If you’re still unsure, you can ask your accommodation for advice, as they often know the best bus options.

You might need to change buses during your trip, but direct buses to Galle are available from Kataragama, Dickwella, Tangalle, Mirissa, and Unawatuna.

By taxi, PickMe or Uber

There are plenty of options to take a taxi to Galle in Sri Lanka. While this is much more expensive than the bus, it gets you to your destination faster. The app PickMe is widely used in Sri Lanka and essentially works like the local Uber. Uber is also available in Sri Lanka. A benefit of these apps is that the price is clear upfront. In our experience with PickMe and Uber, you might sometimes have to wait to find a reliable driver. We’ve occasionally encountered drivers who stayed in one spot without coming to us or drove in the wrong direction. It’s also possible for drivers to call and ask for a higher fare. In such cases, it’s important to set clear terms and, if necessary, book another driver.

By tuk-tuk

Another option is to take a tuk-tuk from your location to Galle. This is a cheaper option than a taxi, but it’s often less comfortable. It can be quite cramped with two people and backpacks or suitcases in a tuk-tuk. We recommend choosing a tuk-tuk only for distances of up to about 1.5 hours of driving, as it can quickly become uncomfortable for longer trips.

What to do in Galle?

Galle is a small, unique town with a relaxed atmosphere. You can easily spend a day here exploring. We’ve put together the best tips for you!

1. Stroll past the colonial buildings

In the town of Galle, you can walk past various colonial buildings. At times, it felt almost like we were walking in Europe. Galle is not very large, so you can easily walk along the buildings. It’s nice to walk past the following buildings:
Galle Fort, Galle Lighthouse, Dutch Reformed Church, All Saints’ Church, Old Dutch Hospital.

2. Make traditional jewelry

In Galle, you can learn to make handmade jewelry. You’ll use materials such as gemstones, gold, and silver. You’ll learn how to solder and polish the jewelry. At the end of the workshop, you'll have a beautiful lasting souvenir from Sri Lanka!

3. Visit the charming boutiques

In Galle, there are several charming boutiques selling clothing, jewelry, home decor, and handmade products. There are also various artistic shops where you can find items like cards and paintings, such as Stick No Bills.

4. Go for an ice cream

In Galle, there are several shops with delicious Italian gelato, making it feel like you're really in Europe!

5. Attend a cricket match

Cricket is the national sport of Sri Lanka and is played frequently. In Galle, there is a stadium where cricket matches are held regularly. It’s a fun experience to watch a match. You can ask the locals when a game is scheduled or check online for details.

6. Take a day trip to Unawatuna

Unawatuna is a tropical coastal town on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, where you can enjoy sun, sea, and sand. It’s known for its coral reef offshore, making it a great spot for diving and snorkeling. Many boats along the coast offer snorkeling tours and take you to various spots on the water. After your water adventure, you can relax at one of the cozy beach cafes. Check out our article: "The 8 Best Tips for Paradise-Like Unawatuna" for more suggestions!

How to get there:
It’s about a 30-minute bus ride from Galle to Unawatuna. By taxi or tuk-tuk, it’s around a 15-minute drive.

Good to know: Unawatuna is currently very popular among Russian tourists. Restaurants often have Russian signage, and locals may sometimes assume you’re Russian and offer you the Russian menu. It’s a beautiful destination, but if you’re not a fan of highly touristic places, you might want to skip Unawatuna.

7. Go on a safari!

In Sri Lanka, you can go on a safari to spot various wild animals in the national parks. During a safari, you might see leopards, crocodiles, and elephants. From Galle, you can go on a safari in Yala National Park or Udawalawe National Park.

Do you want to read more about Sri Lanka?

See all our articles with the best tips to discover all beautiful places in Sri Lanka.

Do you want to read more about Sri Lanka?

See all our articles with the best tips to discover all beautiful places in Sri Lanka.

About the authors

How nice that you are on our website and that you have read this article! We are Mirte and Matthew, two Dutch adventurers with a passion for traveling, discovering cultures, and gaining new experiences. We've translated our love for the world into this website. We hope our articles inspire you to go on adventures! You can learn more about us through the button below.