The Most Popular Attractions in Galle -- Coastal Excellence

What's a trip to Galle without a visit to the iconic Galle Fort? A remnant of Dutch colonialism, this once-imposing structure that acted as a coastal garrison is only a shell of its former self but is still one of the best Galle tourist places. Blessed with an incredible view of the ocean you can enjoy from the edge of the fort, the fort now contains cobbled streets that have several boutique shops and cute cafes lined up along them. Selling everything from handcrafted statues, to classy clothes, it is a great place to take home souvenirs with you. What's more, there are several boutique hotels within the fort itself for you to stay at.

The Unawatuna Beach of the most popular beaches in Galle for its relaxing atmosphere, it is the perfect stretch of sand to appreciate the natural beauty of Sri Lanka. If you are looking to do a spot of snorkelling, head over to Jungle Beach, which is about 3km away and includes a fun little trek down a hill before reaching the picturesque beach. Koggala Beach is another highlight near Galle, where it is relatively quieter and isolated, with boutique hotels such as KK Beach Galle located along the edge of its sandy beach.

Sri Lanka has one of the richest and most intriguing ancient civilisations. From impressive feats of engineering to royal kingdoms that span for centuries, there is an unprecedented amount of lore that would take a hefty amount of time to study. The National Museum of Galle houses insights into the country's past in the form of art and relics, an excellent way to get to know the triumphs and shortcomings of the Sri Lankan ancestors.

Among the best-looking places Sri Lanka has to offer, the Japanese Peace Pagoda is built on top of Rumassala Hill, giving visitors a splendid view of the surrounding verdant and oceanic surroundings for miles. The temple was constructed in 2004 and is a symbol of peace and purity. This massive structure can be seen from the Galle and Unawatuna beach, and you can either walk up to it or take a drive. Make sure you're there during dusk, so you can witness an incredible sunset.

Another important piece of architecture located within the Dutch Fort, the "Groote Kerk" as it is called, was built by the Dutch in 1755 and is one of the oldest Protestant churches in Sri Lanka. Lovers of history and architecture will find in this fine structure, a place that they won't be able to leave. Visiting the church with a guide will be extremely helpful, as they're equipped with nuanced accounts of history that will prove to be invaluable knowledge for you to have.