Galle

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Galle is a jewel in Sri Lankan tourism. This historical city is a delight for all those who are ready to explore the exotic attractions of Sri Lanka. Galle boasts of Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient mosques and churches, grand mansions and museums. Travellers are utterly seduced by Galle's ambience, and it's undoubtedly southern Sri Lanka's one unmissable sight.

Attractions

Flag Rock - Once a Portuguese bastion, Flag Rock lies at the southernmost end of the Fort. Today, it is the most popular place to catch a sunset.

Marine Archeological Museum - This spacious museum was originally part of the main gateway to the Fort and it still forms part of its ramparts. There are interactive displays that illuminate the city’s maritime past, including the many shipwrecks in Galle's surrounding waters.

Meeran Mosque - This well maintained mosque combines eclectic architectural features, British Victorian and Islamic detailing. Its facade is more reminiscent of a Portuguese cathedral than a mosque.

Sudharmalaya Museum - The small whitewashed temple complex includes a prayer hall, and a large reclining Buddha. There's also a mini stupa, painted blinding white, dating from 1889.

Historical Mansion - More of an antique store than a museum, this Fort townhouse contains the private collection of a long-time local family. You can spot various craftspeople busy polishing gems and weaving lace.

National Maritime Museum - Nestled in the old walls, the National Maritime Museum is worth a quick look. There are some dusty displays demonstrating old fishing techniques and examples of local boats.

Best time to visit
February is the best time to visit Galle. Monsoons are wet and from May to September. Other times, the temperatures are too high. Spring is the most conducive time for a visit.

How to reach
Bandaranaike International airport is the only international airport in Sri Lanka, which runs daily flights to and from Katunayake, about 155 kilometres away from Galle. Air traffic flying in and out of the Bandaranaike International airport includes carriers from India and other parts of Southeast Asia, Europe, Australia, Middle East and United States.