Places to visit in Galle

A walled Dutch fort town, golden beaches and the edge of the Sinharaja rainforest.

Main town GallePlaces in this guide 6
Colour Galle on my mapPlan a trip here

Places to see

Nature

Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Nagoda

Sri Lanka’s last large lowland rainforest, a World Heritage Site rich in birds and plants found only here.

Best time: Aug–Sep, Dec–Apr

Heritage

Galle Fort

Galle 4 Gravets

A walled Dutch fort town of churches, villas and ramparts by the sea, a World Heritage Site.

Best time: Dec–Apr

Beach

Unawatuna

Habaraduwa

A sheltered bay near Galle with calm water for swimming.

Best time: Dec–Apr

Beach

Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa

A beach town with coral reefs, surfing and turtles close to shore.

Best time: Nov–Apr

Culture

Ambalangoda masks

Ambalangoda

A coastal town famous for its carved and painted wooden masks.

Best time: Dec–Apr

Beach

Bentota

Bentota

Golden beaches and a river lagoon for boat rides and water sports.

Best time: Nov–Apr

Food to try in Galle

Ambul thiyal.

Crafts and products

Beeralu lace, Ambalangoda masks.

Timings, permits and prices change. Check official sources before you travel.