Galle

The small town of Galle at the southern tip of Sri Lanka is one of the most interesting and beautiful cities in the country due to its well-preserved old town "Fort". In the atmospheric alleys of Galle Fort you can stroll and feast for hours.

The local port was probably already a lively transshipment point for gold, silver, precious stones, spices and ivory 2000 years ago, which was visited by Greeks, Romans and Egyptians, for example. However, the city of Galle only received its present appearance from the Portuguese (1578-1640), but much more so from the Dutch (1640-1796) colonial rulers. The chaotic and noisy Neustadt, which borders Galle Fort, on the other hand, usually serves tourists only as a (bus) station.

Things to see and do in Galle

If you visit the Sinharaja rainforest and the whale-watching site of Mirissa in the south of Sri Lanka, you will usually pass by the city of Galle. What is hidden behind the cityscape of Asian modernity and colonial history, we have listed here in a top 5.

1. Today, the Dutch fort is home to the pretty Dutch-influenced old town, which passed to the British in 1796 without any bombardments – not least one reason why the attractive alleys are so well preserved. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.
2. The fish market: Here you get a good overview of the delicacies the fishermen pull out of the water here. It is bustling with people and you can watch the women and families shopping.
3. The lighthouse is located at the southern tip of the fort and invites you to take a walk around the photo motif.
4. Numerous pretty cafés, small shops, galleries and restaurants are lined up. From delicious curries to good coffee to modern international cuisine, you will find everything.
5. For example, you can dine in style in the colonial Amangalla Hotel, and the setting of the Old Dutch Hospital, which today houses various restaurants, is unique. Institutions include Pedlar ́s Inn (café and gallery) and Serendipity Arts Café, Spoon ́s or Old Railway Café. Friends of casual pubs and cafés are also sure to get their money's worth.

Best time to travel and climate for Galle

The daytime temperatures in Galle are relatively constant throughout the year at 27 to 31 degrees. The hottest months are May and June, between December and March the nights in particular cool down a little more (to about 23 degrees), which makes sleeping more comfortable.

Between May and October, there are increased downpours due to the southwest monsoon.

Itineraries through Galle

There are good connections from Galle to Colombo (2 hours by car or train), but also to the beaches of Bentota (70 km) or Hikkaduwa (17 km), as well as to Unawatuna (4 km), Weligama (30 km) and the whale watching posts of Mirissa (40 km).