Places to Visit in Galle

Declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Sinharaja Forest Reserve (kingdom of the lion), is a paradise for nature and wildlife lovers. It is home to a vast number of endemic species of birds and mammals of Sri Lanka. About 95 percent of Sri Lankan endemic birds and more than 50 percent of endemic mammals are known to have their habitats in this Forest Reserve. Year round, the forest is covered by plenty of rain clouds. The area span of the reserve is about 21 KM from east-west and about 7 KM from north-south.

Location: Situated in the Southern Province, a two-hour drive from Galle via Galle-Deniyaya-Madampe Highway.

Highlights: Experience the leisurely pace of wildlife and the splendor of dense and copious evergreen rainforests. The guide will tell you about different endemic species of flora and fauna that you encounter during your guided tour.

Timings: Opens daily from 6:30 AM to 6 PM

Price: Approximate price ranges from 664 LKR to 1160 LKR

The Galle Dutch Fort happens to be one of the treasured historical monuments of Srilanka located on the southern coast of the country. The fort was constructed by the Portuguese in the course of their reign in Srilanka and was later renovated by the Dutch. The fort is one of the most important UNESCO world heritage sites out of many in Srilanka. This is because of its wonderful illustration of European Architecture and South Asian Traditions of the 16th and 19th century.

The fort displays an amazing amalgamation of age-old architecture and antiquity in the middle of astounding natural beauty.You will come across a number of lively shops, cafes, exhibition halls, lifestyle stores, and villas, which adds to the beauty of the place. It would be just amazing to move by the walls witnessing the intricate artworks and sheer craftsmanship. At the present time, the fort is still home to multi-ethnic and multi-religious population, as some properties inside the fort are still owned by many Dutch people and local Srilankan people as well. 

Located west to Unawatuna, Jungle Beach is a pretty bay nestled in a forested area. It is one of the secret gems of Sri Lanka which has everything to make your holiday experience one of its kind. The place retains its pristine natural charm as it is not ventured by a large number of tourists throughout the year due to its secluded location.

Jungle Beach offers a plethora of water sports such as snorkelling, scuba diving, swimming, boat ride and many more. The reefs jutting out of water a few metres offshore make a good site for snorkelling which introduces you to the exotic marine life of the region. Apart from schools of colourful fishes you will spot moray eels, encounter crabs, barracudas, trigger fish and many other reef dwelling creatures. The other activities you can indulge in Jungle Beach include whale watching, visiting historical ruins, jungle hiking and many more.

There are top notch resorts and cabins at Jungle Beach furnished with plush amenities and offering you a tranquil retreat amidst the jungle settings. The resorts and cabins have private walkways which will lead you to the calm shoreline caressed by the lapping waves of the Indian Ocean. You can savour traditional Sri Lankan cuisine in a communal restaurant or enjoy private dining on a beachside restaurant. In a nutshell, Jungle Beach is the place which awaits you to explore its hidden treasure and spend your vacation in style and luxury.