Galle, located south of Colombo, was once the most powerful and influential port on the island of Sri Lanka. The city has a fascinating history.
Long ago, Galle was known as Tarshish, the city where ancient King Solomon obtained some of his fascinating supplies. The Portuguese landed in Galle many years later, transforming the city into a European seaport.
Attractions
Galle Fort
The Galle Fort, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was initially built by the Portuguese and later added to and remodeled by the Dutch. The fort was built in 1588, and the walled city remains a great place to explore today.
Within Galle Fort is the lighthouse, standing tall overlooking the clear ocean.
Churches
With the European influence, Galle is full of colonial buildings and churches. Walking around the fortress offers an opportunity to see many historical landmarks.
Outside of the oldest area of town, there is still a large population of Catholics. I thought this was one of the most interesting churches in town.
National Maritime Museum
Originally a Dutch warehouse, the National Maritime Museum showcases many interesting artifacts from Galle's prosperous seaport.
Though parts of the museum were damaged or destroyed during the 2004 tsunami, it remains a great place to learn about Galle's history.
Trees
One of the things I loved about traveling in Sri Lanka was the massive shade-spreading trees. The vast-reaching trees are one aspect that makes Galle such a pleasant city.
Related: Journey To Northern Sri Lanka
Food
Since Sri Lankan food is so delicious, there's no reason to miss out on the dining scene in Galle. The city has plenty of restaurants and snack stalls serving tasty delicacies.
"Short eats" pictured above are deep-fried spicy balls of potato mixed with fish and spices.
Unawatuna
Unawatuna, a popular tourist destination, is just down the road from Galle. It's a great place to unwind, enjoy the scenery, and relax on the beach.
When the sun begins to set, there's nothing more amazing than finding a quiet spot on the sand to kick back and enjoy the sound of the waves and the soothing breeze at the end of the day.
Related: Traveling Sri Lanka
If you're near Galle, you'll find Swing Ceylon-a tropical garden spot for mini golf in Unawatuna that offers a fun, relaxed break from the beach. It's one of the more unique activities in Sri Lanka, with a course shaped like the island and each lane representing a different region.
Galle is a pretty little town with a rich history. When you travel to Sri Lanka, visit Galle and the nearby beaches!
