10 Things to Do in Galle, Sri Lanka

While brimming with beautiful architecture from its Dutch-colonial past, luxury villas to rent and miles of varied, unblemished coastline, there is still enough room to feel entirely secluded in this magnificent city.

Venturing out of your luxury Sri Lanka villa rental may be a tall order, but we’ve compiled a list of ten top places that stand the best chance of luring you away:

10. Dutch Reformed Church

If you’re keen to feel the history of the fort then this is one stop you cannot miss. Originally built in 1640, the present building dates from 1752-1755, the floor is paved with the gravestones from the old Dutch cemetery and the friendly caretaker will happily treat you to a tour.

9. See the beautiful lacework at the Shoba Display Gallery

Visit the Shoba Gallery – a gorgeous gallery in which traditional methods of lacework, amongst other handmade crafts, are taught to local women. The gallery itself offers a chance to see the work up close, as well as a small shop and a delightful café.

8. Jungle Beach

It would be remiss of us to not offer one of the fabulous beaches as an integral highlight of this delightful destination. Our favourite is the bustling Jungle Beach. What once was the picture of idyllic Sri Lanka is now a thriving community.

7. Eat at Fortaleza

The height of elegance and class, the deep colonnaded porches surrounding the courtyard at this former spice house give a sense of blissful calm. With the menu matching its ambience, expect fantastic dishes of lamb and seafood, coupled with fine drinks and total comfort.

6. See the Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Museum

Revel in the history of one of Sri Lanka’s most prominent authors and visit his childhood home. This museum offers an in-depth glimpse into Wickramsinghe’s fascinating life. With indigenous plants and wildlife now introduced, you get a sense of the area that inspired so much of his work.

5. Visit the Sinharaja Forest Reserve

When such exotic forests surround you, it would be rude not to venture out of the splendour of your luxury Galle villa to witness the beauty of nature. Gentle trails allow for all the family to be part of this wondrous experience.

4. Japanese Peace Pagoda

The Japanese Peace Pagoda is very impressive. Visible from Unawatuna beach, the pagoda fills your vision upon climbing the Rumassala hill. One of only four Pagodas in Sri Lanka, it is always a sight for sore eyes.

3. Watch the sunset at Flag Rock

At the southernmost point of the fort lies the idyllic Flag Rock. During the day it offers the chance to see daredevils jumping into the water. At night Flag Rock returns to its serenity and delivers a spectacular sunset – the perfect backdrop for a romantic stroll to your luxury Galle villa.

2. Meander through Old Galle and its Fortifications

This attraction not only boasts fabulous architecture, a vast depth of history and a gentle sea breeze, but also a whole host of gorgeous cafés for that well-earned coffee break. Expect quaint buildings and delightful people. A true pleasure.

1. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

As well as the multiple outdoor adventure tours and trips, there’s one thing very special about Galle: with multiple schools and dive centres, Galle offers some incredible snorkelling and scuba diving for all levels of experience. Exotic fish swim happily in the warm tropical waters and we bet you will as well.

We think there is something for everyone in Galle. But the beauty of Galle is that, even if by some miracle, you’re unable to enjoy any of these brilliant activities, you can still sit happily in your luxury Galle villa and enjoy the warm sunshine and serene paradise that surrounds you.