Situated 119 kilometers from Colombo, Galle is a historic town oozing with old-world charm, rustic lanes, cobbled streets, Dutch-colonial buildings, crumbling mansions, charming boutiques, enchanting churches and quaint cafés.

What makes Galle even more special is the Galle Fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988. If architecture, color, and texture are your things, Galle will definitely engulf you with its beauty.

Also known as the Gateway to the South, Galle was dominated by the Dutch 300 years ago. The Galle Fort and the area surrounding it still exude European charm that remains untouched. The structures present in the old part of the little town are those built in 1663 by the Dutch. Over the years, some of the buildings were revamped and converted into villas, restaurants, boutiques. The development of this quaint, old Dutch town made it a popular tourist attraction.

Every year, tourists from all around the world flock to Galle to witness its sheer beauty and peace. The best thing to do in Galle is to just stroll around the town. It’s a treat to the eyes. Of course, they have colorful tuk-tuks too. You can always hop on a joy ride or just take a picture against it.

Accessibility

Galle is located in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. Getting there is fairly easy. Also, Galle is a rather well-developed town and has train stations, bus stops and post offices.

Also Read: Sri Lanka Travel

There are three options to travel from Colombo to Galle:

1. Car: You can hire a private vehicle and driver. It’s a hassle-free and quick way of getting to Galle. Also, you get to travel comfortably in an air-conditioned car. However, it is the most expensive option. It will cost you around $65 and will roughly take about three hours to get there. If you’re taking a vehicle from the airport, it will cost $75.
2. Bus: You can catch a bus from Maharagama bus station, South East of Colombo. The bus services start at 5 am every day and run every 20 minutes with the last one leaving at 4:45 pm. The ticket costs about $3 and takes two hours to reach Galle.
3. Train: If you’re an admirer of scenic beauty and lush greenery, we recommend taking this mode of transport. Start your journey at Maradana Station. A second class ticket from the station to Galle costs $2. A first-class ticket costs $8. The best part about taking a train is that you will feel like you are traveling like a local. It is also the cheapest way of getting to Galle.

Best time to visit

Galle is beautiful all-year-round because it experiences a typical tropical rainforest climate. However, if you want to make the most out of your stay, December to February is a good time. The sun shines for roughly 8 hours a day and the weather is pleasant.

March and April is beautiful too. It’s spring time and the town looks even more colourful. It is also a good time to enjoy beach activities since there is little to no rainfall. May to September are wringing wet. So if you do happen to visit, make sure you carry an umbrella.

Where to stay?

Compared to other Sri Lankan towns, Galle is relatively expensive. Owing to its architectural charm and reinvented history, the hotels are slightly on the pricier side. However, that should not hold you back from making a visit because there are plenty of homestays that will allow you to kick back in comfort without being too heavy on the pocket.

• Amari: If you want to unwind in style, Amari, Galle, is the place to be in. Costing about $189 per night for two, the place is expensive compared to the other options available around, but it’s worth it. It is actually an oasis of calm in the madness. The best part about this property is that it has a private beach thus giving you the liberty to take a dip or two at your leisure. It is about 5 kilometers from the Galle Fort.
• The Horizon Hilltop Villa: For backpackers and budget holiday-goers, The Horizon is a perfect option. The place will give you the feel of a home cum hotel. They have just six air-conditioned rooms. The much famed Unawatuna Beach can be viewed from the top of the villa. Per night for two would cost $72.

Other accommodation options, we would recommend including Apa Villa, Fort De 19 Villa, The Bungalow – Galle Fort and Jetwing Lighthouse.

Dining, Drinking and More

Galle is definitely a foodie’s paradise. Whether you’re craving for simple fresh seafood, Sri Lankan rice and curry or a wood-fired pizza — Galle has something for everyone. You can spend hours at any of the cafés relaxing with a book or catching up with your friends. Make sure to catch one of those live band performances.

Also Read: Sri Lanka Visa Services Guide

• Pedlar’s Inn Café: Pedlar’s Inn Café is an old house converted into a coffee shop. It is also the first coffee shop in Galle. If sandwiches, wraps, burgers, pizzas, pasta and thick shakes are your things, this place is a must-visit. They’re open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Tourists love the quality of the food served here. They do not serve alcohol.
• Sugar Bistro and Wine Bar: If you want to sip on a chilled glass of beer or wine, head to Sugar Bistro. They have their branches in Colombo as well. The place is a wonderful mix of rustic and modern interiors. If you don’t want to order a full meal, nibbling on their mezze platter is a good idea.
• A Minute by Tuk Tuk: Just as cute as the name is the place. A Minute by Tuk Tuk is predominately a seafood restaurant. If you’re a vegan/vegetarian, you may have to look to dine elsewhere. The only option for Vegetarians is a club sandwich. The eatery is located in the old Galle Dutch Hospital. The best part about the place is that it offers uninterrupted views of the ocean. They have a full-fledged bar that serves some of the finest wines, vodka, whiskey, gin, rum, and beer.
• Poonie’s Kitchen: If you’re a breakfast person, head to Poonie’s Kitchen. From smoothie bowls to avocado sandwiches, they do it all. What makes Poonie’s an interesting find is its colorful interiors and lip-smacking food.
• Indian Hut: As the name suggests, the cuisine served at Indian Hut includes North Indian and Chinese. It is the only Indian restaurant in Galle. Whether chicken tikka or paneer butter masala is on your mind, they will satiate all your cravings.

Places of Attraction

As we have emphasized earlier, the city of Galle is a melting pot of cultures and there are sight-seeing spots in abundance. Here’s what you can check out:

• Galle Lighthouse: Built by the British 80 years ago, the 18-meter lighthouse in Galle is a popular tourist attraction. Just next to the lighthouse, you will find a gem store. Sri Lanka is known for its precious stones and gems.
• Galle Dutch Fort: Galle Dutch Fort is the best-preserved sea fort in South East Asia. The fort displays amazing architecture. The 90-hectare heritage site is surrounded by museums and antique shops.
• National Museum: This is the oldest building in the Dutch Fort premises. The museum offers an array of archaeological and anthropological objects. From large water vessels to weaponry and ancient wooden carvings, the place is a visual treat for any art lover.
• Dutch Reformed Church: or De Groote Kerk is amongst the colonial buildings in Galle. It is a well-preserved ruin that is beautifully decorated with honeycomb-style flooring and stone-carved tombstones embedded in the garden.
• Unawatuna Beach: The closest beach from Galle Fort is Unawatuna. It is extremely popular with tourists and is hence not very quiet. The coast is lined with coconut palms and turquoise waters.

Shopping in Galle Fort Sri Lanka

In the quiet lanes around Galle Fort, you’ll find souvenir shops displaying antiques, paintings, artifacts and much more. There are also shops that sell gemstones, organic clothing, laces, silver jewellery and footwear. Make sure to check out these places:

• Barefoot
• Stick No Bills Ceylon
• Natural Silk Factory
• Laksana
• Orchid House
• Embark (it is a cute little charity shop that raises funds for street dogs in Sri Lanka)

Also Read: Kalkudah & Passekudah Beach in Sri Lanka

Galle is a colonial escapade in the very beautiful island country. Whether you stay for a couple of days or make a visit for a few hours, the remnants of this heritage town will be imprinted in your mind forever.

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Galle is Sri Lanka’s not so hidden secret that is worthy of your admiration. Amidst the Dutch-colonial buildings and crumbling mansions on the cobbled streets, you’ll see dozens of gorgeous dining venues dotting the town center. While the sun, sand, and sea make Galle look straight out of a postcard, it also boasts of tropically aesthetic backdrops that can charm any photography enthusiast.

Though Galle may seem like a sleepy village, at first sight, it’s the buzzing epicenter of the South Coast, Galle Fort, which brims with one-of-a-kind sound, smells, and sights.

Tucked within the historic ramparts of the Galle Fort are an array of multicultural culinary delights that are worthy of your attention. Featuring some of the best dinings in Sri Lanka, Galle Fort restaurants are a heady mix of local and international cuisine.

While there are many restaurants in Galle serving local flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine,

Another way to satisfy your food-loving soul is by visiting the multicultural eateries that serve Chinese, Italian, Continental, Indian, and Lebanese.

Also Read: 8 Best Restaurants in Colombo Serving Sri Lankan Food

If you’re exploring Galle Fort by foot, choosing a place to eat can get a tad stressful because every restaurant features creative menus and lovely ambiences. To make things easier for you, we’ve discovered the ten best restaurants in Galle that dish out finger-licking good food.

Disclaimer: This blog may make you hungry!

1. Pedlar’s Inn Café: This Irish-pub style interior will intrigue you with its muted lights and comfy seating. The modern dining venue is an old house converted into a coffee shop.

It is also the first café in Galle that’s been around since 2004. Serving extensive Variety of western favorites, the food menu is rather extensive. Think pasta, wraps, burgers, pizza, sandwiches, fresh salads, steaks, and rice and curry all in one menu.

Also, they have some sinful desserts that etch a befitting end to your meal. The place is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

While the quality of food served here is top-notch, it is also pocket-friendly. If you’re looking for a restaurant in Galle where you can wine and dine, this is not the place as they do not serve alcohol.

Also Read: 5 Coffee Shops in Colombo that Make a Mean Cup of Coffee

1. Sugar Bistro & Wine Bar: If you’re a wine aficionado, Sugar Bistro and Wine Bar has to be on your list. The small local restaurant chain has a branch in Colombo as well.

The expansive eatery is a beautiful mix of rustic and modern interiors. If you glance at their menu, you’ll find a mix of Sri Lankan favorites and western classics. Among the local delicacies, we’d recommend you try the crab kottu, hot butter cuttlefish and Batticaloa prawn curry.

If you’re craving for something more western, the classic sugar burger with chicken or beef is also a good idea. For a vegetarian visiting Sugar Bistro, the options are pretty limited. However, the mezze platter is excellent if you want to nibble on some short-eats while sipping on a chilled mug of beer.

1. Poonie’s Kitchen: If you happen to spend more than a day at Galle Fort, Poonie’s Kitchen may just become your favorite lunch spot. Ideal for health freaks, the café cum restaurant is beautifully hidden behind Mimimango Clothing Boutique.

Splashed with blue-coloured walls and greenery all around, this Galle Fort restaurant is loved at first sight. On their menu, you’ll find salads, smoothie bowls, soups, fresh juice, sandwiches, and low-calorie desserts.

Most of the food served here is made with fresh, locally sourced Sri Lankan produce. If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, Poonie’s Kitchen has a whole lot of options.

The natural and relaxed vibe the place exudes is the ideal to spend an afternoon catching up with friends or reading a book in silence.

1. A Minute by Tuk Tuk: Overlooking the azure waters, A Minute by Tuk Tuk has been pretty lucky with its great location in the Old Dutch Hospital area. While it does offer the best view in Galle Fort, it also serves lip-smacking seafood delicacies.

From Italian mains and burgers to Sri Lankan rice and curry, the menu is a rather extensive one. If you’re a vegan/vegetarian, you’ll have to look for an alternative dining option as the menu is predominantly seafood.

The only vegetarian dish they serve is a club sandwich. While the Tuna Burger is a must-have, the traditional Sri Lankan Lamprais is also a crowd favorite.

A lot of tourists also swear by the ‘Batu Moju,’ fluffy bread served with dhal in a rustic banana leaf. A Minute by Tuk-tuk also has a full-fledged bar that serves some of the most excellent wines, vodka, whiskey, gin, rum, and beer.

1. Bombay Brassiere: A favorite Indian restaurant, Bombay Brassiere, recently made its way through the quaint lanes of Galle Fort.

The menu here is all Indian with a whole lot of starters, main course, and bread options. For an Indian tourist holidaying in Galle, Bombay Brassiere is an ideal spot for when you’re missing desi khana. Radiating a homely ambiance, the Kheema Samosa, Veg Dabba and Cheese pav Bhaji are a must-try.

Their one-pot chicken biryani is also a must-have. With juicy chicken pieces and a flurry of aromatic spices, you’ll end your meal with a satisfied tummy.

1. Indian Hut: Talking of Indian Galle Fort restaurants, another one that serves finger-licking food Indian cuisine at wallet-friendly prices is Indian Hut Family Restaurant.

While you cannot expect a fancy ambiance, they dish out the best butter chicken in Galle Fort. Besides a North Indian fare, these also do Chinese cuisine. We’d recommend you head to Indian Hut for the best chicken tikka, paneer butter masala, and Indian bread.

1. Fortaleza: Located stone’s throw from Galle Fort Hotel, Fortaleza is one of the fanciest restaurants in Galle. With cosy tables dotting the large courtyard, the place exudes a romantic vibe.

The menu is mainly contemporary and western in style with an Asian twist. You can also expect Sri Lankan delicacies served with a Singaporean twist. Since it is one of the priciest restaurants in Galle, most tourists try to avoid it.

However, the pretty interiors will beckon you. For those looking for a quiet and classy day scene, this restaurant has to make it to your list.

While their well-seasoned Mahi Mahi is a must-have, also try their classic Fish n Chips. Their great cocktails, wine, and gorgeous ambiance are why you have to visit Fortaleza.

1. Crepe-ology: As the name suggests, Crepe-ology caters to those with a sweet tooth. Tucked away amidst environs of lush greenery, this cozy French café is famous for its international delicacies.

While there’s a rooftop dining place, there’s also a shisha lounge. With indoor and outdoor dining spaces, crepe options range from the classic eggs benedict to several other savory and sweet crepes.

Whether you want to roam in for breakfast or a quick evening snack, Crepe-ology will spoil you with the choice. The menu also features a variety of wraps, salads, milkshakes, and smoothies. The Pesto chicken and Banoffee Pie are crowd favorites.

1. Church Street Social: One of the newest additions to Galle Fort’s bustling dining scene is Church Street Social. Located inside Fort Bazaar, this upmarket restaurant is ideal for a fulfilling meal.

With colonial-style dining rooms and hipster lighting, get ready to be transposed to another realm. The menu is inspired by Moroccan, Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisines and thus features tapas and platters.

You’ll also find few seafood and Sri Lankan classics with a twist. We’d recommend the killer Eggs Benedict and Creamy Cashew Egg Hoppers. For those with more continental taste buds, you’ll find sandwiches, wraps, and burgers too.

Though they don’t have a liquor license, guests are encouraged to bring their own.

1. Hoppa: One of the most underrated and smallest eateries in Galle Fort is Hoppa. As the name suggests, it’s no surprise that this eatery specializes in the ubiquitous Sri Lankan hopper.

Hoppa does some good hoppers in exciting ways and also pairs it with delicious curies. This is your attempt to savor your taste buds to a lip-smacking Sri Lankan street food favorite.

As for drinks, they’ve got beer, juice, and iced tea. Their cheese hoppa set with prawns is succulent and comes with pol sambol.

Their Prawn Curry and Chick Roti are also worth trying. With no more than five tables, this restaurant has to be on your list if you want to relish the taste of unique home-style Sri Lankan food.

Galle is every foodie’s paradise. Whether you’re craving for simple, fresh seafood, Sri Lankan rice and curry or a wood-fired pizza, Galle Fort restaurants have something for everyone.

Are you looking for more travel inspiration for Galle? Check out our Galle, Sri Lanka blog, which is a one-stop guide on how you can get to Galle, what you can do, where you can shop and what you can eat. You’ll want to pack your bags immediately!

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