10 Best things to do in Galle in Sri Lanka
The sea wind has an uncanny ability to relax and rejuvenate you. As our car reached Galle, the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, with a gorgeous beach on one side and a Dutch influence on the other, a tremendous feeling washed over me. Despite the bright sun, travelling together with the aromatised sea wind was a satisfying experience. The liaison began to untwist as our car parked near Galle Fort pitched by the Portuguese in the late fourteenth century.
It was my first visit to Galle; to a citified ensemble that exemplifies multi-ethnic culture. Galle’s restored heritage was begging to be explored, with European architecture sprawled on one side of the street and South Asian traditions lingering on the other. I knew this old city was a must-see in Sri Lanka the minute I stepped foot inside. Check out my thorough list of the 10 best things to do in Galle, the Dutch Ceylon.
Table of Contents
Visit the Galle Fort
The Galle Fort area offers a fantastic circle of activities. When I first stepped foot on Galle soil, though, I was greeted by the sight of residents playing Cricket, Sri Lanka’s national sport. The Galle International Cricket Ground is said to be one of the world’s most magnetic cricket grounds. Take a peek at this cricket pitch from the fort rampart or the clock tower while you’re in Galle. This gets me to the region’s primary landmark, the Galle Fort. The Galle Fort is a thrilling UNESCO World Heritage Site that is well worth a visit.
The Portuguese built it in the late fifteenth century, while the Dutch reinforced it in the mid-sixteenth century. It does, however, retain its archaeological lustre even today. The fort is also known as the Dutch Fort because many Dutch residents still own properties there. The Dutch hope to make the Galle Fort one of the world’s modern wonders in partnership with the Sri Lankan government. As you make your way around this stunning fort’s grounds, you’ll come across life-size sculptures of soldiers in their uniforms, bringing the past to life.
You may learn a lot about the fort’s history by following the ramparts. At Galle Fort, my favourite activity was to wander around its ancient walls and watch the sunset as the sun faded into the sea at twilight. Every evening, thrill-seekers risk their lives by leaping from the cliffs and plunging into the water below.
All Saints Anglican Church
Given its Gothic style magnanimity, the All Saints’ Anglican Church on Church Road in Galle is difficult to overlook. As you come closer, you’ll realise that this Ceylon Church is reinforced, by stone columns and elaborately carved masonry arches in wood. Walk past the lime mortared walls, and you’ll find a gleaming Victorian structure with a basilican form, an enclosure, stained-glass windows, and carvings, all framed in Burmese teak.
After James Chapman was appointed as its first Bishop in the late 17th century, the Anglican Church was firmly established. This Church, with its modest white-washed interiors, transports you to one of those European churches where pacifism is the sole ideology practised.
Medicinal History of the Clock Tower
As soon as you enter the Fort, you may view the Galle Clock Tower. Although, you shouldn’t rely on its display because the clock is broken. The Anthonisz Memorial Clock Tower is a historic landmark from the 18th century, that overlooks the Moon Bastion. It’s in honour of Dr Anthonisz, a well-known colonial surgeon and legislative council spokesperson.
The clock tower’s inscription plate reads: “Anthonisz was born in Galle, Sri Lanka, and this tower was created by the people of Galle as a tribute to his expertise and generosity in alleviating human misery. MDCCCLXXXIII.” This four-storey monumental clock was built by public funding, the clock, however, was donated by a grateful patient, Mudaliyar Rajapakse, who owed Dr Anthonisz for his nursing.
Climb the Flag Rock
The Flag Rock is another remarkable sight to see in the Galle Fort area. You might be wondering what makes rock so special. So, let me tell you that the massive flag rock, which stands at the southernmost extremity of the Fort, was formerly a Portuguese fortification. In those days, arriving ships were signalled from this rocky outcropping.
However, it was only until the Dutch placed their flag here in the early seventeenth century that the Flag Rock acquired its name. In recent years, Flag Rock has become a popular sunset spot, a terminus for cliff jumpers, and a selling point for local street vendors. Climb the rock for a breathtaking perspective over the nearby bastions, the Laccadive sea and the Lighthouse.
Galle Fort Lighthouse
I continued straight along rampart street after exploring the Galle Fort till, I reached Galle Lighthouse, Sri Lanka’s oldest, 18th-century aid for marine pilots. After the original 330 ft. British Lighthouse was destroyed in a fire, this 80ft UNESCO World Heritage Site was pitched. To sidestep contention, the original Lighthouse used a weight-driven motor and a mercury glass prism lens. The current location, Pointe de Galle Light, is auto-operated within the Galle Fort grounds. The Sri Lanka Ports Authority, on the other hand, looks after it.
This strategically located, white Lighthouse provides a full view of each ship passing through Galle Harbour. This Lighthouse was designed, by Asia’s most renowned architect, Geoffrey Bawa, who is credited with transforming South-East Asia’s visual identity. While I was there, I could see that locals and visitors alike came to enjoy the Indian Ocean vistas, fly kites, or simply have a picnic at this ideal location.
Groote Kerk (Dutch Reformed Church)
I stopped by the Groote Kerk, the Dutch Reformed Church near the Fort entrance while roaming around the Galle Fort area. It was incredible to tour Sri Lanka’s oldest protestant church, pitched in the seventeenth century. It’s famous because it is built 39 feet above sea level, the highest point of the Galle Fort, and not because of its attractive Doric style architecture. Previously, this location was a Portuguese Capuchin Convent. Lord of Spanbroek, Commandeur of Galle, gave funds to help build the church in 1755 so that his daughter might be baptised.
On August 24, 1755, she was baptised. Later the church was altered by the British who added a stained glass window and a communion rail. The unusual double scroll moulding is what makes this church truly amazing to look at. The interiors of the church stand out with its hexagonal podium and star-studded ceiling, which are separated by two arches in the centre. Three finials are used to finish the triangular upper part of a wall at the end of ridged roofs.
The Meeran Mosque
I saw this odd whitewashed building with a hint of Islamic flair while visiting the Lighthouse. The Meeran Mosque, a century-old architectural wonder, was a stunning discovery. It is said that the mosque’s facade is modelled after a Portuguese/Dutch cathedral, though I never had the chance to see it for myself. This elevated 19th-century mosque stands out against the backdrop of Galle Fort and the surrounding environment. As a result of funding from Ahamed Haji Ismail, a devout Muslim who was well-heeled, Meeran Mosque allows women to enter the prayer area.
The main parts of Meeran are open to female visitors as a tourist attraction. However, their prayer room is in a different building. A magnificently sculpted Mihrab, complete with domes and entrancing Italian flooring, may be seen from the inside of the Mosque. Embedded themes of doors and windows are highlighted, by the luxuriously high ceiling, which allows the passages to be opened up. In this case, the sculpted arch indicates which way to pray. The garden at the Meeran Mosque is likewise well-kept, allowing worshipers to relax and socialise. You’ll want to dress appropriately when you visit this mosque.
Old Dutch Hospital
The Old Galle Dutch Hospital, one of Sri Lanka’s oldest heritage structures, can be seen while touring the Galle Fort Area. This 17th-century structure, which comes from the Dutch colonial era, is now a shopping and dining district. Although, it was built as a hospital to care for the officers and personnel of the Dutch East India Company.
This stunning white-washed structure, which retains its original Dutch colonial architecture, features granite paved floors, thick walls, large teak beams, a wooden staircase, and expanded verandas on the upper floors. For a short span, following Sri Lanka’s independence, the Old Dutch Hospital also functioned as Galle Town Hall.
Galle Fort Bastions
The Sun, the Moon, the Star, the Zwart, the Akersloot, the Aurora, the Neptune, the Triton, the Point Utrecht, the Clippenberg, the Flagrock, the Aeolus, the Fishmark, and the Commandment Bastion are among the many bastions in the Galle Fort region. Each of these bastions is marked on the map of Galle Fort and has its own story to tell.
Sudharmalaya Temple
Last but not least, the Sri Sudharmalaya Buddhist Temple, a 5-minute walk from Galle Fort, is one of the most unusual Buddhist structures in the city. This temple, which is built in the shape of a massive belfry, features a big 18th-century reclining Buddha as well as a tiny stupa. When I asked my guide about the unusual architecture, he said that this location was formerly a church. Regardless of the architectural debate, this whitewashed complex is a wonderful spot to find calm or practise Yoga.
There are various gem stores, boutiques, and art galleries strewn across Galle Fort if you enjoy shopping. Visiting these stores also allows you to engage with the locals, who have a wealth of interesting stories to share. Walking down the cobblestone streets will provide you with plenty of opportunities to shoot lovely colonial mansions that have existed here for years.
Take a break when you’re tired and enjoy some Sri Lankan fruits from the local market right outside the Galle Fort. Make sure to try the Pineapple and Mangosteen, which are both wonderful. What are the best places to stay in Galle? Even though there are several excellent hotels in the area, I selected to stay at Fairway Sunset, which has incredible sea views from its rooms.
