The ramparts and lighthouse
Walk the fort walls past bastions and the lighthouse, ideally in the late afternoon.
South Coast · Sri Lanka
Galle, a walled fort town by the sea.
Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site: a walled old town of Dutch-era streets, churches and villas on a headland above the Indian Ocean. Boutique shops, cafés and the ramparts at sunset make it a favourite on the south coast.
What to see
The highlights of Galle.
Old town streets
Colonial houses, churches, museums, galleries and cafés within the fort walls.
Nearby beaches
Unawatuna, Jungle Beach and Koggala are a short drive away for swimming and snorkelling.
Stilt fishermen
The traditional stilt fishing seen along the coast near Koggala.
When to go
Best time to visit
The south and west coasts are usually driest from around November to April. From May to September the sea is rougher, but the fort is pleasant to explore all year.
How long
How many nights
One or two nights in or near the fort, or visit as a day trip from a nearby beach hotel.
Getting there
Travel by private car
About one and a half to two hours by private car from Colombo on the Southern Expressway, and roughly three hours from the airport.
Published Navigeto journeys
Private tours that include Galle.
Every route can be changed: the number of nights, hotels, pace and stops.
- Southern Coast Escape4 days · 3 nights
- Premium Coast & Highlands9 days · 8 nights
- Sigiriya Island Panorama13 days · 12 nights
- Ella & Mirissa Adventure9 days · 8 nights
- Sigiriya Grand Discovery10 days · 9 nights
- Rock, Tea & Safari8 days · 7 nights
- Galle to Ancient Kingdoms7 days · 6 nights
- Tea Trails & Twin Coasts10 days · 9 nights
- Galle Coastal Break4 days · 3 nights
- Ella & Mirissa Retreat9 days · 8 nights
- Kingdoms to Ella10 days · 9 nights
- Dambulla Wild Discovery11 days · 10 nights
Good to know
Galle questions, answered.
Is Galle Fort worth visiting?
Yes. It is one of the best-preserved colonial fort towns in Asia and easy to explore on foot in half a day.
Can I stay inside Galle Fort?
Yes, there are boutique hotels and villas inside the walls. Beach hotels nearby are another good option.
When is the best weather in Galle?
Usually from November to April, when the south-west monsoon has passed and the sea is calmer.
Start planning
Add Galle to your Sri Lanka trip.
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. A Sri Lanka specialist will suggest a route, hotels and a private car, with a clear quotation.
Pairs well with