Galle & South Coast Beaches
Located in the southern region of the country, Galle is known for its stilt fishermen and the fortified old town, a Unesco World Heritage Site that is a delight to wander around.
Galle’s Dutch Fort has a 400-year-old history, with colonial buildings, ancient mosques and mansions. Nowadays, the beautiful old buildings are transformed into trendy shops, cafes and restaurants. An entire day can be spent exploring Galle Fort.
More about Galle
The main focal point for travellers to Galle is the amazing architectural UNESCO Galle Fort. The fort was built in the 17th century and showcases the defensive and aesthetic architectural features of 17th-century Sri Lankan buildings.
The fort is still used today as part of a working community, populated with administrative offices and courts, along with bustling streets that stretch from Galle’s historic district.
Beaches close to Galle
Unawatuna, Wijaya and Talpe all lie to the east of Galle, within about 15 to 20 minutes’ drive. This stretch of coastline runs parallel to the main east-west highway allowing easy access however it does make it the busiest stretch of beach in Sri Lanka. Alternatively, you can stay inland or in Galle Fort itself and make a day trip to the beach. Some of the city hotels have access to dedicated beach clubs.
This part of the coast is lined with beautiful boutique beach hotels and private villas. Swimming is possible here in the sheltered lagoons of Unawatuna and Wijaya, so ideal for families. There are plenty of restaurants, bar and cafes to find delicious local and international cuisine.
Accommodation in Galle
Accommodation in Galle ranges from the sympathetically restored hotel of Amangalla, with sublime services and attention to detail to 25 Rampart Street featuring an elegant combination of colonial charm and modern amenities. Many of the restored hotels are located in Galle Fort itself offering easy exploring on foot to the shops and restaurants of this UNESCO site.
Experiences
It’s all here. Things to see and do, places to explore and moments to discover.
Sri Lanka
The Frangipani Tree
The Frangipani Tree is an intimate, elegant beach hotel with ten exquisitely furnished suites in four villas. It is located on the west end of Thalpe Bay, a short drive from Galle, on a long stretch…
Sri Lanka
KK Beach
KK Beach is a stylishly contemporary boutique hotel and beach club near Habaraduwa. Owned by the internationally renowned interior designer, George Cooper, one of Sri Lanka’s original hoteliers and tastemakers.
Sri Lanka
Cape Weligama
Cape Weligama inhabits 12 acres atop an outcrop rising 36 metres above the Indian Ocean, situated 30 minutes East of Galle. An array of international restaurants capture the sunsets, as does the 60-metre crescent-shaped infinity pool,…
Sri Lanka
Fort Bazaar
The Fort Bazaar is a stunning boutique spa hotel in the heart of colonial Galle, offering peace and quiet, high-end service and gourmet modern dining. There is an atmospheric central thoroughfare and entrance which leads through…
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Kate Hitchen
After more than 20 years in travel, I still find joy in creating journeys that can’t be replicated. My clients return time and time again for trips that are original, imaginative and deeply personal, shaped by my first-hand knowledge and the close partnerships I’ve built around the world. I understand that each holiday is special to them and feel privileged to help create something that will stay in their memories forever.
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