Top 5 Things to Do in Galle

Galle is located in the southwest corner of Sri Lanka, 173 kilometers from Colombo, on the waterfront of the Indian Ocean. With an excellent geographical location, Galle becomes one of the best tourist destinations of Siri Lanka. What are the best things to do in Galle? Here we recommend you top 5 things to do in Galle.

1. Go Surfing and Snorkeling

Galle is located by the sea. Every tourist comes to Galle couldn't miss surfing and snorkeling, it's one of the top things to do in Galle. Beaches in Galle are very suitable for surfing and snorkeling. Many tourists spend a few days in hotels near the beach so that they can often go surfing and snorkeling.


 

Galle is one of the best surfing spots for beginners. It is surrounded by sea on all sides; the beach is rich in resources, and the terrain is gentle, the wave height is low, generally below 1 meter. Such waves are best for beginners. Hikkaduwa Beach is one of the most popular surfing spots. Bentota Beach has very beautiful beaches and resorts with few people. It is very convenient to travel from Galle to the famous surfing spots Weligama and Midigama. Arugam Bay on the east coast of Galle is known as the best surfing spot in Sri Lanka.

No matter what season you go to Galle, you can find a great place for beginners to surf. Surfing instructors can be found on every beach. Surfing prices are very affordable. General surfing courses are 2000-3000Rs for one hour, and surfboards are rented separately at 300-500Rs. Unawatuna Beach is suitable for swimming, and Hikkaduwa Beach is suitable for snorkeling and diving.

2. Experience Train Trip from Galle to Colombo

When you come to Galle, in addition to enjoying the seaside tour, there are still many worthwhile experiences you could have. The train journey from Galle to Colombo is one of the top things to do in Galle. This train has a history of more than 100 years. Taking the train, you can see the beautiful scenery of the Indian Ocean, the blue sea and sky, and the seabirds flying in the vast sea, which is very refreshing. The travel time of a train traveling along the coast is about 20 minutes. It is recommended to buy a seat by the window along the train so that you can enjoy the view better.
 

Sri Lanka's railway is built along the coastline; it's the longest coastal railway line in the world. The distance between stations is very short, sometimes only a few kilometers apart. And the running speed is relatively slow, so many locals rely on trains to get to work. The train tracks are very close to the Indian Ocean, and the closest distance is only 1 meter. The train from Galle to Colombo is available every day, the visitor only could buy a train ticket in advance, which starts at 3:35 pm; and the rest trains tickets could be purchased when you arrive at the station one hour in advance.

3. Visit the Galle Fort

The ancient city of Galle is surrounded by sea on three sides. It is the most affectionate seaside castle in Sri Lanka. To the west of the main gate is the bell tower. It is also a landmark of Galle. To visit the Galle Fort is one of the top things to do in Galle.


 

There are several must-see places in Galle: the Aman Galle Hotel, the ancient city wall of Galle, the Galle National Museum, the Dutch castle and antique shops, etc. The Galle National Museum was converted from a warehouse and is located next to the Aman Galle Hotel. The museum displays pottery of Sri Lanka in various periods, currency and daily necessities. It also displays some information about Galle's history, marine life introduction, etc. The Galle National Museum is a good place to learn about the maritime culture of Galle, as well as the customs and colonial history of local people.
 

Tourists who like food could go to the Aman Galle Hotel to have afternoon tea and enjoy the Dutch style of this ancient hotel. The personal collection museum in the Galle Fort also houses many ancient Chinese coins and porcelain. There are many cafes on the street; visitors could have a cup of coffee, sit there quietly, read a book, see tourists coming and going, and even daze, enjoy this relaxing time.
 

Galle has a lighthouse that faces the sea. Above the lighthouse, you can not only see the magnificent waves of the sea but also be able to see the beauty of the entire area around the lighthouse. This lighthouse is the most visited place by people at night, for it is only at night that one can enjoy the flashing lights, and see the city's colorful lights.

The beach scenery in Galle is very stunning. The water is azure blue, the sunshine is covering the beach, and you can clearly see the reflection of trees forming a beautiful picture on the sea. Many couples will choose to take wedding photos here to commemorate love.

4. Visit the Dutch Church

To visit the Dutch Church is one of the top things to do in Galle. The Dutch Church, also known as the Dutch Reformed Church, was originally built in 1640. To commemorate and thank for the birth of their first child, the Dutch commander Casparus de Jong and his wife donated the church. The church was built on the site of a Portuguese convent in the mid-17th century. The biggest feature of the church is that its ground is paved with tombstones. These are the tombstones of the Dutch who used to live in Galle. The 1760 organ is still placed in the church. There is a sermon here every Sunday; the priest preached the gospel on the rostrum, and also actively explained the story about the church to tourists.
 

5. Practice Yoga

Yoga originated in India and has a history and culture of more than 5,000 years. It is called "the treasure of the world" by people. Yoga in Galle is greatly influenced by Indian yoga and is one of the common fitness and exercise methods for local people. To experience yoga is one of the top things to do in Galle. Some hotels in Galle will provide guests with yoga lessons. At the same time, there are many yoga shops in Galle that can provide yoga learning lessons. Experiencing yoga classes in Galle has become an activity that many tourists must experience here. Yoga teachers in Galle usually choose places close to nature for teachings, such as seaside and hillside. You can also enjoy the beauty of nature during practice.

Travel tips:

1. It is recommended to bring your own food and drinking water when taking the train and keep your belongings safe.

2. Visitors could choose the seats of first-class, second-class, and third-class seats when taking the train. Second-class seats and third-class seats are not much different; you can buy third-class seats directly.

3. The ancient city of Galle is not big. You can go shopping on foot. If you want to go around the city, it is recommended to take the tuk-tuk car or riding a bicycle. There are shops in the city that offer rental bicycles.

4. Recommended Sri Lanka tour for you:  9 Days Amazing Sri Lanka Budget Tour