10 Places to Visit in Galle – Be Charmed by the South of Sri Lanka

The cobblestoned roads, quaint buildings, colourful sign boards and tiny shops packed with souvenirs and clothing are a treat for the eyes. Walk down the by roads and you will find several eateries which serve food that is a treat for your taste buds and ice cream parlours that satiate your sweet cravings. Each little roadway ends at the rim of the fortification beyond which lies the beautiful Indian Ocean. Frequented by tourists, lovers and families alike, this part of the Galle Fort is best visited close to sunset.

A stretch of beach that is often considered to be secluded but is less often so. Nevertheless, it is a glorious patch of sand with a great body of water that is safe for a swim. It is tucked away behind the Rumassala mountain which is what gives it an aura of seclusion and natural privacy.

While everyone is busily attracted to the coast off Galle hotels, take a plunge into the lagoon for a change. There are modified versions of canoes in the water and for a small sum of money, the locals will take you around in the waters. The experience in each lagoon in Sri Lanka is distinctly different, partly because they are exposed to different winds and sides and partly because Sri Lanka is a land of such rich diversity.

Some distance from the Galle Town, this museum houses many interesting artefacts of this great author whose compositions are known to have created a revival in the local literature. The residence at which he was born and grew up is in the gardens itself and provides an insight into the livelihoods of people at the time.

A charming white stupa glistens off the Rumassala Mountain by the Indian Ocean. The ripples of the water carry a brilliant white reflection of the stupa. The temple premises are clean, and spruce and its calmness add to the tranquillity of the evergreen mountain.

This would first capture someone's eye as an unusual protrusion in the form of a mountain towards the ocean. This is known as Rumassala and there are many folk tales associated with it. Whatever may be fiction, the facts are clear; there are several herbs on the mountain which are not seen anywhere else in the country, there is a serenity that cannot be ignored in spite of its proximity to a town and it does seem peculiarly positioned when compared to the other topological features of the country.

Off the coast of Mirissa which is not far from Galle is a great whale watching spot. Large yachts and boats are deployed by the locals to take nature lovers to see these creatures in action. Hotels such as The Fortress Resort and Spa would be able to help you to arrange the rides. You would need to start off very early as it takes about an hour or so by boat.

This cricket crazy country has some scenic stadiums across the country where spectators are treated to spectacular views in addition to the cricket. Galle is no exception with the ocean nearby and the Galle Fort as its backdrop. The sea breeze towards the evening is pleasant though the sun can be merciless as it sets into the west coast.

Follow the numerous signboards through some narrow roads to reach the lighthouse positioned at the southernmost tip of Sri Lanka. It is a sturdy white structure that sits in a beautifully manicured lawn, overseen by the authorities and visited ever so often by curious tourists.

About two hours from the city of Galle is the city of Deniyaya which is famous for the cultivation of low grown tea. The Sinharaja forest reserve is an internationally acclaimed rain forest with a few entrances from various sides and cities, but this gateway from the south is probably the most popular.