Galle

Administrative Information

• Province: Southern Province

• District: Galle District

• Administrative Type: Capital City of Southern Province / Galle Municipal Council

• Historical Status: A key ancient seaport later fortified and highly contested by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British.

Geographic Information

• Coordinates: 6.0236 N, 80.1719 E

• Elevation: 0 to - 10 meters (0 to 33 feet) above sea level

 Top Things to Do in Galle

• Walk the Galle Fort Ramparts at Sunset: Take a scenic stroll along the massive coral-and-stone walls that encircle the historic fort. Joining locals at Flag Rock Bastion to watch the sun sink into the Indian Ocean, right past the iconic Galle Lighthouse, is an essential southern Sri Lankan experience.

• Explore Pedlar Street and Dutch Architecture: Wander through the narrow, vehicle-restricted streets within the fort walls. Admire the landmark Groote Kerk (Dutch Reformed Church) built in 1755, walk past the old Dutch Hospital, and pop into independent art galleries, jewelry shops, and spice boutiques.

• Catch a Match or View the International Stadium: Located just outside the fort gates, this is one of the most picturesque cricket grounds in the world. Even if a match isn't on, you can catch an incredible bird's-eye view of the pitch by looking down from the fort's Moon Bastion.

• Visit the National Maritime Museum: Housed within a beautifully restored 1671 Dutch East India Company (VOC) warehouse, this museum exhibits underwater artifacts, shipwrecks, and marine models showcasing the deep seafaring history of Galle Harbour.

• Relax at Unawatuna Beach & Jungle Beach: Located just a 10-to-15-minute drive south from the city center, Unawatuna offers a lively crescent of sand with great swimming, beachfront restaurants, and a trail that leads through the woods to the secluded, tranquil waters of Jungle Beach.

• Climb Rumassala Hill & Japanese Peace Pagoda: Located across the bay, this lush hill is steeped in Ramayana folklore. At its crest sits a beautiful, pristine white stupa gifted by Japanese Buddhist monks, offering sweeping, panoramic views across the ocean back toward Galle Fort