Location: Galle
Top Things to do in Galle
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Top 10 Things to do in Galle, Sri Lanka
Galle (Sinhalese: ගාල්ල; Tamil: காலி) is a major city in Sri Lanka, situated on the southwestern tip, 119 km from Colombo. Galle is the administrative capital of Southern Province, Sri Lanka and is the district capital of Galle District.
Restaurants in Galle
1. Sea Turtle Hatchery Centre Mahamodara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 326 reviews
Welcome to Sea Turtle Hatchery - Mahamodara. We rescue turtles who are in danger of loosing 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 JNK65 - Hutton Rudby, United Kingdom
Well worth stopping off. Only small as is the entry fee of 500l. A guide explains about the different types of turtles and shows various ones that have been rescued by fishermen. They also hatch eggs and release young turtles into the see thus helping their survival. Only spent about 20 minutes but well worth the time
2. Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By carlislechris327 - Carlisle, United Kingdom
If you are visiting Galle by train please don't fall for the scam involving a so called "Government Owned" Tuk Tuk tour of Galle. We were approached immediately after arriving at the train station at 11:30 am by a seemingly very friendly and helpful guy who said he worked at the station who told us that the fort at Galle wasn't open until 2pm (a complete lie) and would we like a tuk tuk tour of the Galle area - and it would be much cheaper in an official run tuk tuk with a meter. Stupidly we agreed and after a sham of the tuk tuk driver taking an opening meter Reading off we went on a "tour" of Galle, which included a temple, an attempt to get us to visit a spice garden, the Turtle sanctuary and the stick fishermen. On returning to the fort at Galle the driver simply made a figure up and tried to charge way over the odds. We argued like hell and got the price down to around $35 but felt completely tricked - so don't be fooled into doing this. The driver was actually a nice guy but it did spoil our day. So never get into a Tuk Tuk without agreeing the price first
3. Japanese Peace Pagoda
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 748 reviews
Reviewed By mikeclapham92 - Ja Ela, Sri Lanka
The Japanese Peace Pagoda stands prominently on a small hill overlooking the ocean. Painted brilliant white, it is highly visible for miles. This beautiful structure was built by Japanese Buddhist monks in 2005, paid for by the people of Japan and opened to the public by President Rajapaksa. It was built as a peace temple for the people of Sri Lanka at a time when the civil war was raging. It also commemorates the loss of 16 Japanese students at Yala in the 2004 tsunami.
There is no doubt that it is a peaceful place to walk around and provides a good view of the ocean and glorious sunset. There is a little sign warning you to remove your shoes, not to eat or smoke nor to use your mobile phone. There is a Buddhist shrine next to the pagoda and you are allowed in if appropriately dressed. It is free to enter but donations are expected.
4. Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Museum Complex
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 143 reviews
5. Galle Fort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
The history of Galle extends thousands of years to biblical times. In more recent times it was a prize to be possessed for western traders in search of wealth and glory. Its beautifully preserved colonial Dutch fort with its quaint city with cobblestone streets within is a place time forgot. Close by are magnificent Beaches, rainforests and other attractions. It is definitely a fascinating place to visit.
6. Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 456 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 BigBear90 - Farnham, United Kingdom
We had a fantastic guide through the Forest, the paths are fairly well trodden so it's a very doable walk. We opted for the 6 hour walk which involved two Waterfalls and saw spiders, snakes, giant squirrels, mongooses, land lizards as well as an aray of birds, too many to list. Well worth the money to preserve this beautiful part of the world. Take your swim stuff as the Waterfalls are great fun to swim in.
7. Dutch Reformed Church
Overall Ratings
4 based on 382 reviews
Reviewed By Ad M - Wageningen, The Netherlands
As a Dutch citizin impressed by the history of the many gravestones. The church conservator told us a lot of the backgrounds. To the contrary of the other forts we visited this belongs to the one you should visit. A time als to relax from the heat in this time of the year.
8. Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct
Overall Ratings
4 based on 244 reviews
Reviewed By Kep70 - Brigg, United Kingdom
Purely designed for the tourists, but a good use of an old building. Plenty of places to check out and stop off for a light refreshment, although there are places cheaper in the old town. Nice tea and coffee shops and very clean.
9. Meera Mosque
Overall Ratings
4 based on 123 reviews
Reviewed By fjp4564 - Sunshine Coast
this place of worship is popular among the local muslim population. Beautiful architecture and some history involved. Request permission to go inside. no footwear and full cover dress
10. Galle Fort Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4 based on 617 reviews
Reviewed By Conrad N - Whitstable, United Kingdom
Built in 1938 this is still a working lighthouse at the entrance to the harbour at Galle. If you walk the sea facing ramparts you will find it at the end.
Nearby is shade under some large trees where there a pedlars selling local snacks, drinks etc.
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