
Galle
South Coast
Galle comes with its own inherent beauty where and it showcases some of the most beautiful things to do in Galle. You can have a chance to visit some of the most popular historic places such as the Flag rock and it is one of the best places to catch beautiful sunsets. During the day you will find many people jumping from the rock into the waters. You can also find some local vendors alongside the road selling fresh papaya with chilli powder.
The Dutch reformed church can be just another destination where you can spend some time. It is quite interesting to know that the floors which are paved with gravestones. If on your way of exploration you feel hungry, you can stop by Fortaleza which has some classy interiors which are well matched with some fine cuisine such as lamb chops and seafood.
GALLE FORT/DUTCH FORT
Dutch Fort is one of the most extraordinary historical and archeological sites of the world. The fort was first constructed by Portuguese in the late sixteenth century and fortified expansively by the Dutch in the mid-seventeenth century. It is a stunning blend of archeology, architecture, and history in the backdrop of the tropical atmosphere.
Its appeal lies in that it is not just a historical monument. Even today the life is buzzing inside it, with a museum, gorgeous villas, administrative offices, antique shops, cafes, bookstores and lifestyle stores.
STROLL DUTCH REFORMED CHURCH
One of the finest and most traditional Tourist attractions in Galle which is worth to visit and admire is the Galle Fort. The Dutch Reformed Church is the ancient building located in the premises of the fort. The building’s date goes back the 18th century during the Dutch period.
A walk through the Fort ground along with the humble caretaker, immersing in his never-ending fancy stories will take you back to the era whence it was built. The Church is also known as Groot Kert.
SCUBA DIVING
Another best things to to do in Galle in Scuba Diving. Water is aplenty in Sri Lanka and Galle is quite celebrated for water sports such as Scuba Diving. This sport is an underwater experience where divers wear oxygen apparatus and dive deep into the sea to observe the sea species living underneath. The noiseless world under the water is soothing and is a kind of meditation.
Scuba Diving in Unawatuna is one of the best places for this sport. The center is a 10-minute drive from Galle city. The diving institutes offer different levels of courses such as open water dive, refresh dive course, fresher’s dive, master level diving, reef diving, night diving etc.
GALLE LIGHTHOUSE
The oldest light station in Sri Lanka, Galle lighthouse has long been one of the most important and most visited sites in Galle, if not Sri Lanka. The current lighthouse dates back to 1939, but there was another lighthouse in its place dating back in 1848, but the original was destroyed in a great fire in 1934. The lighthouse is still in use and has a prime location in the city, with a full view of the harbour and any ships that might be entering.
MARITIME ARCHEOLOGY MUSEUM
One of the top things to do in Galle is to visit the Maritime Archeology Museum. It showcases artifacts of maritime life such as models of boats, artillery and relics and features other attractions like statues and video presentations. Although damaged in the 2004 tsunami, the museum was restored and later reopened to the public.
HISTORICAL MANSION MUSEUM
The Historical Mansion Museum is a quaint restored Dutch house inside Galle Fort thats filled with artifacts from the past. Cupboards and shelves are lined with jewelry, antique typewriters and pottery to name a few. You can also see people demonstrating gemstone polishing and lace-making. The best part- A lot of the items you see are on sale! Shopping for the best souvenirs should definitely be on your Galle what to do list.