If there’s one place you absolutely must visit when you go to Sri Lanka, it’s Galle.
ThisĀ historic town Ā is aĀ centuries old melting pot of cultures, with Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient mosques and churches, twisting streets and crumbling mansions.Ā Built by the DutchĀ in theĀ 1600’sĀ GalleĀ isĀ centredĀ around the fort, a walled townĀ surrounded by high walls and overlooking theĀ ocean. Here you’ll find remnants of the colonial past, as well as touches of old Moorish influences. I’ve been visiting Galle since I was very young, and it has a charm that’s hard to forget.
Stay
If you want to splurge, the former governors house has been converted into theĀ Amangalla, and is a serious treat. I used to come and swim in the pool here back when it was the New Orient hotel when I was 5!Ā I also loved the Fort Bazaar.
Eat & Drink
Set up shop in the Amangalla’s restaurant for the amazing curry lunch.
Lunch at the deliciousĀ Poonie’s Kitchen is an absolute must, try the Salad Thaali or the coconut soup.
As a port town, Galle has a number of different influences, including Arabic, so it’s also worth trying out the MoroccanĀ Chamber’s restaurant.
Have a yummy dinner or drinks at Church Street Social.
Have eggplant curry (with a view!) at A Minute By Tuk Tuk.
Have sunset drinks at overlooking the fort at The BartizanĀ or upstairs at the Amangalla (sadly I think it’s for guests only, but worth asking about).
Have dinner at romantic The Fort Printers (but stick with the curries rather than the fusion menu).
See & Do
Splurge on a massage at the spa at Amangalla.
Visit the LighthouseĀ at sunset.
Do a walking tour of theĀ fortĀ – there are so many beautiful older buildings on every single street. You should really try to walk down every street in the fort! And I love to do it at first light before the heat sets in. See the Dutch Reform Church, the Hospital and Magistrates Court.
Head out of Galle fort itself and visit the Food Markets and the Fish Markets.
TravelĀ up to the hills and visit The Sun House for afternoon tea or drinks.
Pin our map for later!
View from the top of the Amangalla.
View from from the fort wall.
Poonies’ Kitchen – so so good.
The grounds of the Amangalla are amazing!
How can one wall have so many pretty colours?
Early mornings are my favourite time to explore!
The Dutch Reform Church.
Sundowners at the Amangalla. This was a pinch yourself moment.
Found this incredible doorway.
CornerĀ shops Sri Lankan style.
Daily rituals in Galle Fort.
Looking forward to going back. Put it on your bucket list.
Read my post about How to Travel In Sri Lanka and my Guide to Sri Lanka’s South Beaches.
I love the rustic beauty of this town, at least that what the pictures show me. Definitely a place to visit!
https://www.makeandmess.com/
I’m always at two minds when it comes to old towns like this – on one hand it is actually stunning to see them, well, old like this, on the other it makes me sad to think some of these building won’t get much older anymore due to the severe lack of maintenance…
Love these posts – photos stunning as always!
Rebecca
xx
http://www.peppermintdolly.com
It truly looks amazing! X
http://www.thoughtsinstyle.com/
The pictures look so amazing. The food pictures look really good, I bet the food was good.
http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/
Galle looks amazing, definitely want to check out this place one day!
Diana | thechicdiary.com
Saved to Travel list Geneva, so beautiful, oh and the food!!!
Thanks for inspiration! Amazing photos!
RitalifeStyle.com ā„ Insta: rita__maslova
This looks like such a beautiful part of Sri Lanka! I have always wanted to go and explore this beautiful island, and these photo make me want to go even more now!
Vicky x
http://www.dalton-banks.co.uk
This looks gorgeous! Thanks for sharing š
looks amazing…is there much shopping for local artifacts, homewares and textiles?
Thank you os much for sharing such a helpful and thorough guide! š <3 Sri Lanka looks beautiful!
XO, Elizabeth
http://clothestoyouuu.com/
That blue building!
Amazing! Please, what are you wearing in the photo captioned “Easy Breezy”? It is so lovely.
This was such a beautiful post, Sri Lanka looks like such an amazing place and so colourful! What would you say was your favorite? xx
http://www.kristinawilde.com