Top Things to Do in the Galle | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

Plan Your Travel To Galle

Places To Visit In Galle

National Museum of Galle

Occupying a single-storey colonnaded mansion built in 1656, the National Museum of Galle is Galle Fort’s oldest remaining Dutch building. The museum upholds Sri Lanka’s Portuguese, Chinese and Dutch heritage with displays of traditional furniture, weapons, turtle shell ware, ebony, ivory, melamine and bronzeware, lacework, statuettes, gold-plated life-size statues of Chinese Admiral Zheng He and Faxian.

Rumassala South Beach

Locally called Jungle Beach, Rumassala South Beach is a secluded cove draped in verdant tropical forests and a colourful coral reef a few kilometres off the shore. Owing to the long shoreline of blond sands and excellent underwater visibility, this beach in Unawatuna is popular for snorkelling, swimming and sunbathing. There are several small seafood shacks, eateries and bars here.

Sea Turtle Hatchery Centre, Mahamodara

Sea Turtle Hatchery Centre is a family-run conservation centre rescuing turtles in danger of losing their lives to fishing industries when caught in nets or hunted for meat. The centre features tanks for injured and newly-hatched turtles and is currently home to 40 turtles of four different species. In addition, visitors can enjoy guided tours of the farms and incubation centres.

Situated in the heart of the Dutch precinct, Sri Sudharmalaya Buddhist Temple dates back to 1889 and is Galle’s only Buddhist temple with hints of European architecture. In front of the temple is a large reclining Buddha statue, a small stupa, and an unusual bell which indicates the presence of a church at one time. The main prayer hall features stunning Buddha statues, murals and gongs.

With scenic settings such as the interiors of Galle Fort, beside the ocean and in the old Dutch neighborhood, the spas in Galle offer rejuvenating massages, scrubs, beauty treatments, hot and cold plunge pools, and yoga lessons, steam rooms, saunas and much more. So whether you wish to relax after a day of sightseeing or get ready for a party, the best spas in Galle for men and women are Olu Spa, Galle Fort Spa, Spa Ceylon Royal Court, Spa Sandeshaya, and Niyagama House. Read More