Written by Finn Weber, Karen Price, Chamara Perera
12/08/2025
Сармат Батагов, Pexels
Galle, located on Sri Lanka's southern coast, is a city primarily known for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Galle Fort. This destination offers a unique blend of centuries-old colonial history, a vibrant local culture, and convenient access to picturesque beaches.
Within Galle Fort, numerous stylish cafes, cozy restaurants, and charming boutiques create a lively atmosphere, providing spaces to connect with other travelers. For those seeking to socialize more actively, hostels, particularly in and around the Dutch Fort, frequently organize communal events such as dinners, game nights, and walking tours, fostering interaction among visitors.
Top 6 Things to do in Galle
Activities in Galle offer a blend of historical exploration, cultural immersion, and relaxing coastal experiences, alongside opportunities for wildlife encounters and culinary learning.
1. Explore Galle Fort
Wandering through Galle Fort is like stepping back in time. The extensive 17th-century Dutch fortifications invite exploration along their ramparts, offering panoramic views of the ocean. Within the fort's cobblestone alleyways, historic churches like the Dutch Reformed Church and All Saints Anglican Church, alongside Meeran Mosque and Sri Sudharmalaya Buddhist Temple, demonstrate centuries of cultural diversity. The iconic Galle Lighthouse stands proudly, a popular spot for photographs, especially during the golden hour. Delve into the past at the National Maritime Museum. The fort is also a hub for boutique shopping, with Pedlar Street being a key area, showcasing everything from art galleries to fashion, as well as an array of charming cafes and restaurants. Catching a live cricket game at the stadium visible from the fort walls offers a glimpse into local passion.
Cost: Access to Galle Fort is free. Museums and specific attractions within the fort may have individual entrance fees, typically minimal. Shopping and dining costs vary widely.
Transport: Galle Fort is compact and best explored on foot. All attractions within the fort are within walking distance.
2. Relax at Unawatuna Beach and Dalawella Beach
Just a short distance from Galle, the crescent-shaped Unawatuna Beach offers calm waters perfect for swimming and sunbathing. For a more secluded experience, nearby Jungle Beach provides a tranquil escape. Dalawella Beach, also close by, is known for its picturesque palm tree rope swing, offering a fun photo opportunity. The coral reefs here also present opportunities for snorkeling. For those interested in surfing, Sahana Beach, located between Unawatuna and Galle, provides suitable waves, with options for lessons.
Cost: Beach access is free. The palm tree rope swing typically costs around 300-500 LKR for a few attempts. Surfing lessons can be around 2000 LKR for 1.5 hours, and surfboard rentals range from 250-400 LKR per hour.
Transport: Unawatuna Beach is approximately 6-7 km from Galle Fort. A tuk-tuk ride costs between 900-1300 LKR and takes about 6-8 minutes. Local buses are a more budget-friendly option, costing around 30 LKR for a 15-minute journey.
3. Go Whale Watching in Mirissa
Embarking on a whale watching tour from Mirissa, particularly between November and April, offers the chance to witness majestic blue whales, sperm whales, and playful dolphins in their natural habitat. The experience typically involves a comfortable boat cruise into the Indian Ocean, guided by experienced professionals.
Cost: Tour prices typically range from $31.35 to $125 per person, often including breakfast and beverages onboard. Private tours are also available at higher costs.
Transport: Mirissa is about a 1-hour drive from Galle. Most whale watching tours include convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off from Galle in air-conditioned vehicles.
4. Take a Koggala Lake Boat Safari
A tranquil boat safari on Koggala Lake, one of Sri Lanka’s largest natural lakes, reveals a serene environment rich in birdlife and dotted with small islands. The two-hour journey typically includes visits to islands such as Temple Island, Cinnamon Island, and Spice Island. On Cinnamon Island, one can learn about traditional cinnamon cultivation. Keep an eye out for diverse flora and fauna, including various bird species, monkeys, and monitor lizards. While less common to see in an authentic fishing setting, some stilt fishermen can also be observed in the Koggala area.
Cost: A private boat trip for 90 minutes can cost around 6000 LKR. Guided tours including transport and other attractions like a turtle farm may be priced around $70 per person (with discounts for additional people).
Transport: Koggala Lake is approximately 22 km from Galle. Tours often include hotel pick-up and drop-off from Galle. Alternatively, a tuk-tuk can take you there.
5. Participate in a Sri Lankan Cooking Class
Engaging in a cooking class provides a hands-on opportunity to learn about Sri Lankan cuisine. These classes often take place in a local family's home, where you learn to prepare traditional dishes using locally sourced ingredients, including fresh seafood and garden produce. It is a flavorful way to deepen understanding of the local culture.
Cost: Costs vary depending on the provider and inclusions. Specific prices were not consistently listed but are typically part of a tour or a dedicated class fee.
Transport: Cooking classes are generally offered within Galle Fort or easily accessible locations nearby, often within walking distance or a short tuk-tuk ride.
6. Visit a Sea Turtle Hatchery
Just outside Galle, particularly in Habaraduwa, dedicated sea turtle hatcheries work to protect endangered sea turtles. Visiting provides an opportunity to learn about conservation efforts and potentially witness the release of hatchlings into the ocean.
Cost: Entrance fees apply, which contribute to conservation efforts. Specific prices were not consistently listed but are usually a nominal fee.
Transport: The Habaraduwa Turtle Hatchery is a short drive from Galle. A tuk-tuk is a convenient way to reach it. Some tours to Koggala Lake may include a stop here.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
