Since we visited Sri Lanka in 2015, only regret was that we were unable to visit Galle. At that time, We thought that our itinerary was too short to cover the town that is situated on the Southwestern tip of the island. But we finally visited there on a recent long weekend! The lovely town is definitely worthwhile visiting. It’s been the main port of the island even before the Portuguese arrived in the 16th century. And the town went through the colonial periods of the Portuguese, Dutch and British. The rich blend of those cultures makes this old town unique. Then after visiting there, we realized that it was not impossible to come to Galle during our last trip. If you have one day, you’ll fully enjoy the town. Another good news is that, if you loves walking, this cozy town is best explored on foot.
Top 3 things to do and see in the old town.
These are the top 3 things to see in the old town. First, enjoy the beautiful ocean views, green-blue, walking around the fort walls along the seaside. Second, wander in the pretty lanes of the well-preserved colonial town. Lastly, if you have time, visit one of the museums. With its wide range of maritime archaeological artifacts, you’ll be able to picture how busy and bustling the ancient cosmopolitan was since the local people started trading with Greece, Romans, Persians, Arab, Malays, and China, among others, even before the Portuguese arrived.
Wander in the pretty lanes of the well-preserved colonial town
The streetscape shows that architectural styles have been influenced by different cultures, such as Europe and Asia. Some streets are decorated with colorful pallets, while some are chic and monotoned.
Unlike the other regions of Sri Lanka, there are many churches and mosques as well as temples. Its design is apparently influenced by other cultures. Walk around the town and you’ll find churches of various designs, even in such a small fort town. (St. Mary’s Cathedral. Dutch Church).
This is Meera Mosque—with pure white walls and the specific shape of towers—it might be mistaken for a church.
Visit one of the museums
The historical Mansion Museum is a privately-owned museum. It displays collections of antique artifacts. These might look like random miscellaneous items, but these remind that this town had been one of hubs for global trade since the beginning of modern maritime history.
Getting there: It’s 119 km from Colombo and 56 km from Bentota. It’s accessible within 3+ hours or 2 hours from these cities, respectively.
How long to spend there: One day is enough to cover the key highlights. If you’re in rush, a half day will be good enough as well.
Activity keywords: Colonial old town, fort, UNESCO World Heritage