Colonial grandeur, an inviting tropical vibe, and as authentic as can be, that’s Galle Fort in a nutshell. Here’s my traveller’s guide to Galle Fort, featuring what to see and do, where to stay, and where to eat – plus insightful travel tips.
The number of travellers that visit Galle has increased rapidly in the last few years, and I can easily understand why.
Colonial grandeur, an inviting tropical vibe, and as authentic as can be, the historic Dutch fortress in Galle, simply can’t be missed in your Sri Lanka itinerary.
Constructed by the Dutch in 1663, Galle Fort was once of significant importance, when it functioned as Sri Lanka’s leading trading port throughout the Dutch Golden Age.
The charm that characterizes the fort area today, is realized by decayed colonial buildings, lively, cobblestone laneways, and trendy contemporary cafés.
Galle Fort is home to a bunch of breathtaking things to see and do; the famous Galle Lighthouse, Dutch Reformed Church, its incredible interior, and many boutiques that are found throughout Pedlar Street.
To me, it is no surprise that the scenic Galle Fort has been acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage site, as it continues to amaze travellers with its rich and captivating history.
Whether you plan to visit on a day trip, or keen to stay a couple of days exploring every inch of the fortress, this guide covers everything you need to make the most of your time in Galle Fort.
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Where is Galle Fort
Where to stay in Galle Fort
Galle is no stranger to excellent accommodations, both within and outside the Galle fort.
The enchanting fortress is home to an abundance of elegant hotels, many of which have a great colonial feel to them, not to mention the charming rooms and unique private courtyards they offer.
Whether you choose to stay within the Fort, or just outside, depends largely on your travel budget.
To help you experience the Galle Fort in its full potential, I made a list of my favourite accommodations, including some of the best budget-friendly options.
Bastille | Comfortable rooms with a classical design for an excellent price-quality ratio. Located right at the lively streets, which are packed with cafes, boutiques and places of interest.
The Bungalow – Galle Fort | A 17th-century bungalow that offers a unique, colonial ambience and great comfort. Located in the heart of Galle Fort.
The Heritage Hotel Galle Fort | A vintage, luxurious boutique hotel in the centre of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Galle Fort. Offers spacious rooms, and comfortable beds, and the staff is as friendly as it gets.
The Bartizan Galle Fort | Nestled within the charming Galle Fort – this heritage hotel provides a great mix of colonial elements and modern luxuries. Staying here is a unique and opulence experience.
Alternatively, search for accommodations in Galle Fort on booking.com.
7 Incredible things to do in Galle Fort, Sri Lanka
1. Follow the ‘Fort Walk’ and overlook the Galle Fort interior
There are plenty of reasons to follow the popular ‘Fort Walk’, but what fascinated me most, was the incredible view you’ll get when you walk atop of the outer ramparts of the fort.
The towering outer ramparts provide the most picturesque views over the fort’s iconic tangerine-coloured rooftops, charming interior, the infinite-looking Indian ocean, and Galle’s famous International Cricket Ground.
The 3-hour walk starts at the historical Clock Tower and brings you along all the significant landmarks within the fort; the Galle Lighthouse, Old Dutch Hospital, Meeran Mosque, and the All Saints Church, just to mention a few.
If you’re like me and plan to explore every inch of the historic Galle Fort, I’d highly recommend to do this impressive promenade first thing in the morning or late afternoon.
Where | The Clock Tower, Galle Fort
2. Admire the incredible Galle Fort Lighthouse
Travellers have flocked to Galle Fort for years, and since the iconic Galle Lighthouse went viral on Instagram, its popularity has reached a whole new level.
Perched on the most southern ramparts of the fortress, and encircled by palms is the famous Galle Lighthouse: a picturesque structure with the shimmering Indian Ocean as its backdrop.
The historical lighthouse was first constructed by the British in 1848, yet the current construction isn’t the original version of the lighthouse.
As a consequence of an unfortunate event, the construction went up in flames in the middle of 1936, thankfully, it was successfully reconstructed in 1939.
Today, the Galle Lighthouse is undisputedly the most iconic landmark of the fortress, and thus a must-see in Galle Fort.
Where | Galle Lighthouse
3. Roam through the narrow laneways of Galle Fort
Galle Fort has no shortage of breathtaking colonial buildings, and wandering through its narrow, cobblestone laneways is unquestionably one of the best things to do in Galle.
The charm that defines Galle Fort, is the fact that these crumbling, colonial buildings result in a completely different atmosphere than elsewhere in Sri Lanka.
Everywhere you look, colonial buildings define the fort’s captivating and VOC-like character, it is, therefore, no surprise that Galle Fort was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Some of the most fascinating landmarks in Galle Fort are:
Old Dutch Hospital | What was once established as a hospital, has now been developed into a thriving shopping and dining area. The Dutch Hospital was built in the 17th century and is considered one of the oldest buildings in Galle Fort.
The Dutch Reformed Church | One of the oldest Protestant churches in Sri Lanka, dating back as far as 1755. If it wasn’t for the Fort’s robust ramparts, the church would have been wrecked by the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami.
Meeran Mosque | Facing Galle lighthouse, the Meeran Mosque is a mesmerizing piece of architecture, combining baroque, British Victorian, and Islamic detailing. Was built in 1904, to serve Galle’s local Muslim community.
All Saints Church | An impressive Anglican church that was built in the Victorian Gothic Revival style. The church’s most striking feature is its incredibly, detailed stained-glass windows. The All Saints Church dates back as far as 1868.
4. Have a chat with the Galle Fort locals
Clearly, the best way to get a feel for Sri Lanka is by simply having a chat with its local people. Not to mention the captivating stories you might hear – it’s sincerely a great opportunity to learn about the country’s rich culture and history.
One of the goals I’d set for my trip through Sri Lanka was to create meaningful interactions with the locals while documenting portraits in the most genuine way.
Being brave enough to have a sincere conversation, or asking someone’s portrait is rather challenging at times, especially given the language barrier.
But if one thing is for sure, it is the fact that Galle Fort is one of the best places to chitchat with Sri Lanka’s people – who are arguably one of the friendliest in the world.
Don’t be shy, and make sure you start a conversation, it’s one of the best experiences in Sri Lanka.
5. Shop on Pedlar Street
Whether you’re after a unique souvenir, beautifully produced handicrafts, or natural health & beauty products that are based on the healing rituals of Ayurveda, Galle Fort is where you want to be in terms of shopping in Sri Lanka.
Pedlar Street in specific, has no shortage of fascinating stores, such as art galleries, handicraft stores, spas, boutiques, and gem stores. If, like me, you appreciate arts and crafts, roaming around Pedlar Street to admire the craftsmanship is one of the best things to do in Galle.
But don’t expect to find a bargain, Galle Fort is one of the most popular places in Sri Lanka, which inevitably means that you won’t get the best price.
Some stores I enjoyed visiting include:
Barefoot | An iconic shop that houses an exceptional atmosphere. Barefoot sells a wide selection of traditional artisan handicrafts, including fabrics, linen, clothes, and gifts.
Stick no Bills | Widely known for its retro ‘Ceylon’ poster art, and one of my favourite stores in Galle Fort. Stick no bills makes a great store to buy yourself or a loved one a souvenir.
Orchid House | An inviting boutique that is all about hospitality. Orchid House is specialized in gemstones, spices & tea, and also sells a broad variety of handicrafts.
Where | Pedlar Street, Galle Fort
6. Watch sunset from the Galle Fort Walls
After an active day exploring everything Galle Fort has to offer, it’s time to venture for the fort’s walls to watch a glorious sunset reflect upon the shimmering Indian Ocean.
Every day around sunset, locals and travellers alike flock to the fort’s walls, which turns it into a cheerful happening.
The atmosphere here is extremely energetic; kids are playing all sorts of games, kites are floating high in the coloured sky, and travellers chat and relax while watching the world go by.
I highly recommend finding yourself a spot atop of the western part of the wall – ending your day here is mesmerizing and unquestionably one of the most delightful things to do in Galle Fort.
Where | Western walls of Galle Fort
7. Explore the Galle Markets
You’ll have to admit it, the atmosphere found in a local market is often unrivalled in terms of authenticity and is perfect for becoming familiar with a country’s culture. This is clearly also the case within the buzzing Galle Markets.
Just outside Galle Fort, you’ll notice several authentic markets that sell a wide variety of local produce, such as delicious tropical fruits, the finest vegetables, freshly caught fish, and high-quality spices and herbs.
A stroll along the markets in Galle is excellent if you’re looking to expand your spice collection, or stock up on fruits to fuel your adventures in the fort – plus it’s the best way to experience the hustle and bustle of daily life in Sri Lanka.
Where | Galle Markets, Galle
Things to do in Galle Fort | The essentials
Where the eat in Galle Fort | The best restaurants in Galle Fort
It’s easy to find a restaurant that suits your preference when you’re surrounded by a wide variety of excellent eateries.
I truly believe that some of Sri Lanka’s most unique restaurants are found within the ramparts of the lively Galle Fort – there’s just something magical about the colonial ambience within the fortress.
Some of the restaurants I enjoyed visiting are:
Chambers Restaurant | Serves the most delicious Mediterranean food, including Lebanese, Moroccan and Middle-eastern dishes. The food here is mouth-watering, but keep in mind, it’s more expensive than you’re used to in Sri Lanka.
Poonie’s Kitchen | A great café where locally sourced produce is used to make the most delicious and nourishing contemporary dishes. Best known for their Instagrammable ‘salad Thali’, a must-eat when you plan to eat at Poonie’s.
The Indian Hut | Perfect for flavourful, Indian dishes – plus it’s really affordable. Longtime readers of WTSW might remember my affection for spicy curries. If you prefer spicy food like me, I’d recommend you head over to the Indian Hut.
Coconut Sambol | Similar to its eponymous dish, Coconut Sambol is extremely yum! Clearly one of the best Sri Lankan restaurants within Galle fort. They serve an all-you-can-eat buffet, which includes several delish curries, rice, and my all-time favourite; coconut sambal. If you fancy ginger, make sure you try their homemade ginger beer.
The best time to visit Galle Fort
The best time to visit Galle is from October to April, with February – April as the absolute peak months. During this period there is low rainfall and great overall temperature, which makes it pleasant to explore Galle Fort and surrounds.
Do be aware that Galle is significantly more crowded this time of year.
Galle is often considered a year-round destination, yet it is completely common to experience more rainfall during the southwest monsoon (May till September).
I personally visited Galle Fort in September and was fortunate enough to have the best of both worlds. Do keep in mind that travelling during the shoulder season doesn’t always guarantee good weather.
How to get to Galle Fort
By train | The train journey along the picturesque coastline is easily the most scenic (and best) way to get to Galle, especially if you’re planning to visit after Colombo, Hikkaduwa or Mirissa (Weligama Railway Station). With a great train connection between Colombo Fort (stops in Hikkaduwa) and Galle, it’s quite straightforward, just make sure you avoid travelling during the peak hours.
From Colombo to Galle
Where | Colombo Fort Railway Station
Cost | 200 – 280 LKR, ($1.10 – 1.54)
Travel time | Around 3 hours
From Hikkaduwa to Galle
Where | Hikkaduwa Railway Station
Cost | 120 – 200 LKR, ($0.66 – 1.10)
Travel time | Around 30 minutes
From Mirissa (Weligama Railway Station) to Galle
Where | Weligama Railway Station
Cost | 110 – 160 LKR, ($0.60 – 0.88)
Travel time | Around 45 minutes
By bus | If you’re looking to visit Galle after Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna or Mirissa, I highly recommend travelling by local bus. Using local busses as your service of transport is cheap and a great way to get a feel for the country and its people.
Local bus from Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna or Mirissa
Cost | 50 – 150 LKR ($0.30 – 0.80) per person
Travel time | 0.5 – 1 hours
Direct bus from Colombo to Galle | If you’re planning to travel from Colombo, I recommend taking the train or opt for the more luxury direct bus from Colombo to Galle (with air-conditioning), which leaves from the Maharagama bus station. Keep in mind that this bus station is about 15-kilometres south of the city centre, making it quite difficult to get to during peak hours.
Where | Maharagama Bus Station
Cost | 400 LKR ($2.20) per person
Travel time | 1.5 – 2 hours, departs every 15 minutes
Local bus from Colombo to Galle | For those on a budget, it is also possible to take the local bus from Colombo to Galle. This journey takes significantly longer, making it quite an exhausting trip.
Where | Bastian Mawatha Bus Station
Cost | 100 LKR ($0.55) per person
Travel time | 3 – 3.30 hours, departs every 20 minutes
Stay safe in Sri Lanka | Travel insurance
Though Sri Lanka is perfectly safe for travellers, I always strive to sort out my travel insurance before arriving in a foreign country, and I highly advise anyone else to do the same.
Where we prefer that everything goes smoothly during our travels, something unfortunate can happen at any moment, whether it’s an injury or an accident on the road. When that happens, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Heymondo | Whether you’re going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way – plus full COVID-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy, more information here.
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Loved readinng this thanks