Top Things to do in Galle District
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Top 10 Things to do in Galle District, Southern Province
Discover the best top things to do in Galle District, Sri Lanka including Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications, Galle Fort, Mihiripenna Beach, Japanese Peace Pagoda, Bentota Beach, Community Tsunami Museum, Sea Turtle Farm Galle Mahamodara, Turtle Hatchery Hikkaduwa, Hikkaduwa Beach.
Restaurants in Galle District
1. Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 593 reviews
SINHARAJA RAIN FOREST is a world heritage and bio diversity hotspot which is also a major eco tourism destination in Sri Lanka. It is one of the few virgin forests left in the world. This evergreen rain forest, a UNESCO World heritage site, is one of the few virgin rain forests left to date. Damp mysterious and teeming with life, the Sinharaja forest reserve situated 120 KM South East of Colombo, is the last expensive stretch of virgin rainforest on the island. At just over 11000 hectares, line across the wet zone the Southern edge of the hill country, Sinharaja is an ecological treasure trove. It is staggering array of flora and fauna place it among the top bio diversity hotspot in the world. Sinharaja Forest Reserve - A UNESCO world heritage site - encompasses the largest single swath of remaining low land tropical rain forest in the country. Over 130 birds, species are found here including many of the 33 species endemic to the Sri Lanka. There also rich reptile population and myriads of insects species, many yet to be classified. Mammals scenes here including the purple faced langur monkey and the giant squirrel. Sinharaja is also home to the elusive leopard. It is preferable to explore Sinharaja on foot, which makes for the truly authentic jungle experience. Best starting point for visits are Deniyaya Mederipitiya to the East or Kudawa to the North.
Reviewed By malwana - Colombo, Sri Lanka
This is a very big rain forest and in a single tour we can see only a very small area. We stayed in Rainforest Eco Lodge and took the tour from there. There were many leaches but hotel provided us leach socks. Even the small kids around 4 -8 years old joined with us and they too enjoyed the tour.
2. Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,489 reviews
Reviewed By LesleynD - Perth, Australia
We visited Galle on a day trip from Negombo. It's very clean and surprisingly not many people around except many courting couples hidden in the nooks and crannies behind a strategically placed umbrella :) We have a lovely walk around the Clock Tower and enjoyed the views of the ocean, Internation Cricket Ground and activities going on around the fort. A few vendors around the place touting their wares but not pushy. Nice historic fort to visit for a few hours.
3. Galle Fort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,404 reviews
Galle is located in the south of Sri Lanka. Close by are magnificent beaches, rainforests and other attractions.
Reviewed By K5433XUjanm - Ostrava, Czech Republic
Nice walk around the old fortifications, fine breeze from the sea :-) i do reccomend in the morning or evening :-)
4. Mihiripenna Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 145 reviews
Reviewed By dr_nilusha - Colombo, Sri Lanka
One of the safe and sound beaches in Galle. It is a great place to stay at sunset. Sea bath also making us fresh. The only problem is the parking problem.
5. Japanese Peace Pagoda
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 906 reviews
Reviewed By otahala - Prague, Czech Republic
Very nice and religious place with beautiful views. I recommend a walk along the gallery of the pagoda, soaking up the atmosphere, of course, bare feet. Negative are only local residents who want a small contribution even for greeting. I recommend a visit.
6. Bentota Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,256 reviews
Reviewed By SheranFernando - Rome, Italy
Bentota Beach Hotel, an icon in Sri Lankan architecture and a property with a rich history reconstructed by Bawa’s student, Channa Daswatte is a true tribute to Sri Lanka’s most famed architect Geoffrey Bawa. Standing on the balcony of the Geoffrey Bawa Suite, you see the sea on the right and the Bentota river on the left, and Sripada and the central hills on the far right, all in one view. This view, according to architect Channa Daswatte makes this property the one that links the land and the sea. The ‘new’ Bentota Beach is not merely a recreation or a restoration. The main building of the old hotel has been reconstructed newly, as it was built by Bawa. This showcases Bawa’s wide architectural influences ranging from Bali to ancient Sri Lankan monuments. Inside the hotel has the signature of Geoffrey Bawa and the period it was constructed in, but in a modern and functional representation. The lead architect Channa Daswatte has done an amazing job, not only to archive an iconic construction but also through his brilliance, make it a fresh, modern and functional. It is a museum and treasure trove of art and architecture, that concurrently delivers a guests expectections from a modern luxury hotel.
7. Community Tsunami Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 671 reviews
Community Tsunami Museum is aimed educating communities on Tsunami and preserve the memories of 2004 Tsunami. This museum is the continuation of the efforts of Third Wave Volunteers lead by Dr. Alison Thompson (author of The Third Wave - A volunteer Story and the director of Film Third Wave). This museum will take you a touching journey through science and history of 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.
Reviewed By Drbigloveuk
We walked here from hikkaduwa which is worth doing just to see the comings and goings. The museum has an informative section upon entering which talks you through the history and geology of both Sri Lanka and the cause of tsumani. The rest of the museum is dedicated to photographs of the tradegy. Be warned, some are graphic but that is the reality of the situation Two vey informative museum workers guided us around the display. They were both local villagers one of whom was just five at the time of the disaster. They are able to describe all the photos, identify many of the subjects and inform you of their personal experiences. A very informative, sad and thought provoking tour that must be done by all.
8. Sea Turtle Farm Galle Mahamodara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 811 reviews
Welcome to Sea Turtle Hatchery - Mahamodara. We rescue turtles who are in danger of losing their lives to the fishing industry whether they are caught in nets or hunted for meat. We currently have 40 turtles, including 4 types of turtle. All are welcome to come and visit to see and learn about Tara turtles here in Sri Lanka.
Reviewed By tharmarajm2019
I saw sea turtle hatchery in mahamodara, is a good place to visit and I have seen beautiful turtles in the sea turtle hatchery mahamodara. I hope go again that place.
9. Turtle Hatchery Hikkaduwa
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,484 reviews
Reviewed By Davstan14
Amazing conservation experience, was wonderful to be able to hold baby turtles and release them into the ocean - so cute!! Definitely a cause worth supporting, and especially good to support them now that they are open after covid! Will definitely come back next time I visit Sri Lanka!
10. Hikkaduwa Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,326 reviews
Reviewed By alibcc - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
My favorite place to forget about everything , best beach in sri lanka , amazing people , the best place to meet new people, night life there is amazing all clubs are amazing even staff amazing & friendly
