Galle
The ancient port town of Galle on Sri Lanka's southern coast was successively colonized by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British beginning in the early 1500s. The well-preserved remnants of this diverse history, particularly the 17th-century Dutch fort and surrounding ramparts, helped the city gain UNESCO World Heritage protection.
Experiences
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Galle National Museum
Visit the Galle National Museum. Housed in an old Dutch building in the center of the fort, the museum features exhibits on colonial weaponry, including a collection of Portuguese and Dutch swords, stone cannon balls, and battle axes made of brass and iron. Native handicrafts like turtle-shell ornaments and decorative pieces are also on display.
Game Fishing
If you are interested in game fishing, your boat will take you eight miles off the coast, where the continental shelf drops off and such fish as tuna, sailfish, marlin, and wahoo are common.
Hiyare Rainforest
To the north of Galle to visit the beautiful, untouched Hiyare rainforest, which surrounds a 51-acre lake. A wildlife guide from the reserve will accompany you and illuminate the many interesting species of animals and plants that are found there. Hiyare has established its own tree nursery, and it is possible to plant a tree as part of their carbon offset program.
Koggala Birdwatching
Visit the nearby port town of Koggala. Take a cruise down the Koggala River and its estuaries with a naturalist who will tell you about the various types of bird and wildlife that make Koggala their home.
Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery
Visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery and witness how the newborn turtles are being cared for until they are ready to be released back to the ocean. The wide, sandy beaches that dot the coasts of Sri Lanka are utilized by several species of marine turtles as nesting sites.
Maritime Archaeology Museum
Explore the 40,000 square-foot Galle Maritime Archeology Museum. If one is available, meet with a curator. The original museum building was entirely destroyed by the 2004 tsunami, but its collection has been reestablished in the newly renovated Dutch warehouse in Galle Fort. The exhibits of artifacts discovered on the ocean floor around Sri Lanka include the Avondster, a Dutch ship that wrecked off Galle Fort in 1659.
Mirissa Boat Trip
Spend the day on a boat trip out of Mirissa Harbor, a 40-minute drive to the east of Galle. The harbor is home to an Indonesian fishing trawler that has been restored for leisure cruising in Weligama Bay. Go swimming and snorkeling from the boat, and try fishing with a hand line.
Ramparts Walking Tour
A great way to get an overview (literally) of Galle is to circumambulate the small historic center via the centuries-old Dutch ramparts that encircle the fort area.
Yatagala & Rhumasala Temples
Visit the temples of Yatagala and Rhumasala. Sitting atop a 120-step staircase, the 1,200- year-old Yatagala Temple, carved directly into the rock of a hillside, is one of the oldest in the region, and is set in a beautiful valley lined with rice terraces. On a lovely headland across from Galle fort, Rhumasala is a brand new temple, built as a gift from Japan, and boasts wonderful views across the water towards Galle.
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With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
A Day in Galle Fort: Exploring Sri Lanka’s Colonial Heritage
- Author
- Zinara Rathnayake
From the 17th century architecture of the luxury Amangalla to some of the best seafood in Sri Lanka, a day in Galle Fort is for history lovers, epicureans, and shopaholics alike.
Dozen Dream Destination: Sri Lanka for the Diversity
- Author
- Travelogues
With its sloping palms, history, and ecology, travelers will be spoiled for choice in Sri Lanka, whether they want a relaxing beach stay, tea retreat, or a wildlife adventure.
A Seafood Lover’s Guide to Colombo
- Author
- Umar Fareez
Park your bags at Tintagel or Uga Residence and then head on over to these charming Colombo seafood staples for Crabzilla and ambulthiyal.
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