Joanna James
In the process of deciding on the best places to visit in Galle, Sri Lanka? Look no further! Here is your guide to all the best places to add to your itinerary, which will help you discover the rich heritage and culture of this popular city.
Hands down one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka, the Dutch Fort is renowned for its rich history and archaeological value. First constructed by the invading Portuguese in the latter part of the 16th century, and later fortified by the conquering Dutch, the Dutch Galle Fort boasts a rich ambience with its fascinating blend of history, architecture and a surprisingly cosmopolitan vibe. The cobbled streets are also home to plenty of concept stores, cafes and restaurants to check out. Some must-see sites within the fort include the iconic Galle lighthouse, the clock tower, the Meeran mosque and the All Saints church along with the majestic ramparts. The Dutch Fort can be easily reached from many a hotel in the area including the likes of Araliya Resorts & Spas with ease.
Offering splendid views of the vast Indian Ocean, the Japanese Peace Pagoda is a quiet and serene attraction located on top of Rumassala Hill. Built in the year 2004, this expansive white-washed structure exudes a sense of calm and purity. This popular site can be reached quite easily from Galle and Unawatuna, as is best reached via walking or catching a tuk-tuk- the favoured mode of transportation by tourists and locals alike. Do make it a point to visit the Pagoda just before dusk to catch a truly spectacular sunset.
Located within the confines of the Dutch Galle Fort, the Dutch Reformed Church also known as Groot Church narrates a rich history and is definitely worth exploring in addition to taking in the diligently preserved period of Dutch architecture. To better learn about the history and heritage of this religious and historic site, hiring a guide is highly recommended. The church is open to visitors from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm daily.
Considered to be one of the best beaches in Galle, Unawatuna Beach is your go-to spot to kick back and relax while enjoying the balmy weather, inviting water, soft sand and endless sunshine. It's especially great to swim, enjoy water sports or simply sunbathe to your heart's content.
Vibrant and alive with a cacophony of sights, sounds and smells, the Galle Fruit Market should definitely be on your list of best places to visit during your time in Galle. Apart from immersing yourself in the local culture, it's also a great opportunity to sample mouth-watering tropical fruits cultivated in Sri Lanka. Some delicious and colourful fruits to try out include mangosteens, durians, various varieties of bananas, mangoes, dragon fruit and much more – all sold for very reasonable prices.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
