Things to do in Galle

Sri Lanka Sea Train

Sri Lanka Sea Train travels between the azure of the Indian Ocean and the lush green of Sri Lanka, weaving countless romantic legends and dreamy landscapes into a stunning tapestry. The railway is laid right along the Indian Ocean coast, with some sections just a few m from the sea. As the train travels, you can see the vast blue ocean and crashing waves outside the window. On the other side, you can see swaying coconut groves, green rice paddies, and vibrant coastal fishing villages, where coastal scenery intertwines with local daily life to create a unique travel experience. The interior of the train retains a strong vintage feel, with many carriages featuring old-fashioned designs that have been in service for years. Ceiling fans rotate slowly to provide basic air circulation in the carriages, and the wooden-framed windows can be pushed open, allowing passengers to enjoy the scenery and feel the sea breeze. As the train slowly starts, the rhythmic sound of wheels against the tracks is like a melodious travel song, leading passengers into a wonderful journey.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Sri Lanka

Stilt Fisherman sri lanka

Stilt Fisherman sri lankalocated in the Koggala area on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, is a unique traditional fishing view. Unlike traditional ports with large berths, modern equipment, and fleets of fishing boats, the fishing area here is mainly distributed near the shallow coastal reefs, surrounded by the open Indian Ocean, stretches of sandy beaches, and a coastline that rises and falls with the waves. Looking along the coast, wooden poles stand in the shallow water, creating a unique stilt fishing scene. The main facilities here are simple and practical, centered on wooden poles fixed in the shallow sea and crossbars erected on them. Fishermen usually wade barefoot to the poles, climb onto the crossbars, and sit on the makeshift wooden frames to fish with rods.

No. 3 of Night Attractions in Sri Lanka

Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications

Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications is located on the shores of Galle Bay in southern Sri Lanka. It is a coastal fortress city surrounded by thick walls and is a representative historical and cultural attraction in the region. The interior of the old town features a crisscrossing network of streets and alleys, lined with red-tiled houses, historic buildings, religious sites, and various daily amenities. This is not merely a historical site preserved for visitors, but a living urban area still inhabited by residents. Strolling through the streets, you can hear church bells, the call to prayer from mosques, and the sounds of daily conversation from the alleys, experiencing the urban atmosphere shaped by a blend of diverse cultures. Ancient architecture and modern life are intertwined, allowing the Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications to retain a strong sense of history while remaining full of authentic and vibrant life.

No. 14 of Best Things to Do in Sri Lanka

Galle Dutch Fort

Galle Dutch Fortis located on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka and is a historic old town that is still inhabited today. The layout of the streets and alleys within the old town largely retains its ancient structure, with hundreds of historic houses, churches, mosques, and shops scattered along the streets, showcasing the prosperity of the former harbor city while retaining a rich atmosphere of daily life. The streets are also lined with various artistic boutiques, cafes, and specialty shops, allowing visitors to enjoy drinks, shop for souvenirs, and experience the unique blend of tradition and modernity in addition to visiting the historic architecture. Walking along the ramparts, visitors can enjoy views of the Indian Ocean, feel the sea breeze, and observe the old town's architecture and coastline from different angles.

No. 16 of Best Things to Do in Sri Lanka

Bentota River Mangroves

Bentota River MangrovesLocated near the mouth of the Bentota River on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, it is a natural scenic area characterized by estuarine wetland ecology and boat sightseeing. Here, the confluence of fresh and salt water provides suitable conditions for mangrove growth, and dense trees extend along the riverbanks, forming a lush, multi-layered green view. Compared to the bustling beach resort areas, the interior of the mangroves is much quieter. Visitors can take a small boat with a canopy into the waterways to experience the unique charm of the wetland environment while moving slowly. As the boat moves slowly along the winding waterways, the prop roots of the mangroves on both banks intertwine, vines hang low, and branches and leaves connect overhead, creating a view that resembles a natural green tunnel. Sunlight filters through the leaves onto the water, and the river reflects the surrounding plants, swaying gently with the boat to present a tranquil and layered natural picture

No. 17 of Best Things to Do in Sri Lanka

Sea Turtle Hatchery Habaraduwa

The Turtle Hatchery is a non-profit organization in Habaraduwa, 5 miles from Galle. Since its establishment in 1986, 500,000 sea turtles have been released. Here you can learn about the whole process of sea turtles from birth, growth to adulthood, and have a chance to have a close contact with sea turtles, this lovely marine creature.

No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Southern Province

Galle Fort Clock Tower

Galle Fort Clock Tower is located to the west of the main gate of Galle, Sri Lanka, and is an iconic landmark of the Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications. The clock tower was built in 1883 and stands 4 stories high. It was constructed by the citizens of Galle to express their gratitude to Dr. Anthonisz and was funded by public donations. Daniel Anthonisz was a member of the Legislative Council of Sri Lanka and a renowned surgeon who saved many lives.

Selected for Best Things to Do in Sri Lanka

Hikkaduwa Beach

Hikkaduwa is one of the oldest beaches in Sri Lanka and one of the most popular tourist areas in Sri Lanka. One of the highlights here is the "Underwater Coral Park", where visitors can sit in glass boats and admire corals and swimming fish. Hekkaduwa attracts countless tourists with its unique beach culture, stunning ocean views and a stretch of coastal train from Colombo to Hekkaduwa. 1. History This beach was discovered by a group of hippies in the 1970s, so it is heavily influenced by the more casual culture of hippies. 2. Status Quo There are no resort hotels here, most of them are family hotels. The peak tourist season from November to April of the following year makes the whole town of Hikkaduwa extraordinarily lively, and diving and surfing enthusiasts from all over the world come here for vacation.

No. 8 of Best Things to Do in Southern Province

Unawatuna Beach

Unawatuna is located 5 km southeast of the suburbs of Galle, near the Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications. It is a famous tourist attraction in the Galle region, known for its beautiful beaches and coral reefs, and is also a well-known sea turtle hatchery. 1. Beach overview Unawatuna Beach is crescent-shaped with fine, white sand and calm waters, making it perfect for swimming and diving. It is a popular vacation destination for travelers from Europe and America. There are many travel agencies offering water sports, small shops selling Sri Lanka souvenirs, and various inns, bars, and resorts lined up along the coastline. If you get tired, you can sit in a café and enjoy the view where the sea meets the sky, or spend a quiet afternoon on the beach, relaxing and unwinding. 2. Water activities You can enjoy a variety of water activities here, such as diving, surfing, sailing, and shore fishing. There is also a Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) dive training school, and many travelers come to Unawatuna to learn how to dive. Here, you can dive to see the coral reefs, or head to Rumassala to overlook Galle and watch seabirds.

Galle Lighthouse