Galle Coast

Galle Fort:

This UNESCO World Heritage Site, originally built by the Portuguese and then further developed by the Dutch and the British, is one of Sri Lanka's most-loved areas. It covers nearly four sq kms, and is protected by 12 bastions and connecting ramparts. A maze of narrow roads lined with small houses and shops with Dutch names still remain. Recently, a spate of old colonial houses within the Fort have been intelligently renovated and made into exquisite boutique villas and hotels retaining
the colonial architectural features including arches and columned courtyards, verandas, and high ceilings. A collection of arts and craft shops make this one of Sri Lanka's most vibrant quarters. Galle National Museum and Galle Maritime Museum are housed in the heart of the Fort.

Galle International Cricket Stadium:

Galle Stadium is one of cricket's most-loved venues. The simple ground is flanked by the Indian Ocean and with the impressive 17C Galle Fort behind the bowlers at one end, you could barely imagine a more stunning environment in which to enjoy a cricketmatch. After the 2004 tsunami, it was thought that international cricket would never return to Galle. But thanks to the global cricket community, among them Shane Warne who took his 500th wicket at the ground, the ground has been restored.

Galle Literary Festival:

The inaugural Festival in 2007 was immediately listed by Harpers Bazaar as one the six most appealing literary festivals, alongside such gatherings as the Hay Festival in Columbia and the Wexford Book Festival in Ireland. This annual event is a treat for those interested in English literature, the creative arts and the cultural heritage of Sri Lanka.

Koggala Folk Museum:

The late Martin Wickramasinghe, one of Sri Lanka’s most loved authors, grew up in the fishing village of Koggala. The Folk Museum that was the author’s dream was made a reality by the Martin Wickramasinge Trust and opened in 1981. Objects of folk culture acquired during his lifetime have been the starting point of the collection, which is growing annually.

Koggala Lake:

scattered with 16 small islands, is a peaceful setting. Fish eagles to monitor lizards share this habitat along with generations of villagers. Boating, kayaking, canoeing in a traditional 'oru' and fishing and trolling on the lake are possible.

Yatagala Temple:

Inland from Galle, this temple is built around and within giant boulder-like rock formations. Quiet and little visited, the temple looks out over paddy fields and small hamlets.

Galle

As one of Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist destinations, Galle boasts a wide range of great cafés and restaurants both inside the fort and along the surrounding coastline. Take a look at our Galle Restaurant Guide for our tried and tested recommendations. We also offer a hosted cooking class in this region where you can learn how to make traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry, either in a rustic village setting or the home of a Galle Fort family.