Galle

A Dutch fort that never stopped trading

Galle is a jewel. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic city is a delight to explore on foot, an endlessly exotic old trading port blessed with imposing Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient mosques and churches, grand mansions and museums. Wandering its rambling lanes you’ll pass stylish cafes, quirky boutiques and impeccably restored hotels.

Discover

Places to Explore in Galle

Discover the historic landmarks, cultural attractions and hidden gems that make Galle special.

Dutch Reformed Church

Originally built in 1640, the present building dates from 1752. Its floor is paved with gravestones from Dutch cemeteries, while other impressive features include the organ and an imposing pulpit.

Old Gate

A beautifully carved British coat of arms tops the entrance to the Old Gate on the outer side. Inside, the letters VOC are inscribed in the stone with the date 1669.

Marine Archaeological Museum

This spacious maritime museum occupies a colossal old spice warehouse built by the Dutch and dating back to the late 17th century.

Lighthouse

Guarding against the rocks at the southern end of the Galle promontory, this elegant 27m working lighthouse dates from 1939.

National Maritime Museum

Nestled in the old walls, this small museum is worth a quick look for its skeleton of a Bryde’s whale and a useful model explaining how tsunamis occur.

Historical Mansion

More of an antique store than a museum, this Fort townhouse dates back to the Dutch period and contains a private collection of colonial artefacts.

Dutch Hospital

Now fully restored and home to boutiques and restaurants, this vast colonnaded colonial landmark dates from the 18th century.

Main Gate

The Main Gate in the northern stretch of the wall was built by the British in 1873 to handle increased traffic into the old town.

Tours through Galle

Family Holidays

Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Yala → Galle → Bentota → Colombo

Sri Lanka Family Escape

Adds a Yala safari and more southern coast time to the hill-country and coast loop.

$107.00 – $807.00

7D / 6NACT10107

Family Holidays

Sigiriya → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Yala → Galle → Bentota → Colombo

Sri Lanka Family Escape

A comprehensive week-long loop covering the Cultural Triangle, hill country, a wildlife safari and the south coast.

$123.00 – $924.00

8D / 7NACT10108

Family Holidays

Negombo → Dambulla → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Yala → Bentota → Galle → Colombo

Sri Lanka Family Escape

A leisurely ten-day circuit covering Negombo, the Cultural Triangle, hill country, a wildlife safari, and the south coast.

$154.00 – $1154.00

10D / 9NACT10110

Family Holidays

Negombo → Dambulla → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Yala → Bentota → Galle → Colombo

Sri Lanka Family Escape

The most complete Family Escape itinerary, an unhurried eleven-day loop covering the whole island with generous time for a wildlife safari and the south coast.

$170.00 – $1274.00

11D / 10NACT10111