Galle

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Galle is in the Southern Province (Sri Lanka) | Southern Province of Sri Lanka.

Galle Halal Travel Guide

Galle's old town with its fortifications have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Travel to Galle

zoom=12|layer=W}} Galle bus station - Galle Central Bus Station From Colombo you can take the train direction Mirissa or bus. Both travel right next to the beach coast and have stunning vistas. There are 2 options for bus transport between Colombo and the main bus station in Galle: private a/c shuttle van and luxury Southern Expressway bus.

• Private a/c shuttle van. - Galle bus station.JPG | Smaller than the typical big buses, it seats only about 25 people (plus another 7 people will be jammed inside standing). 270rps, 3 hours in normal conditions; 4+ hours if Colombo traffic is bad. This option is more convenient than the Southern Expressway bus if you need to start or end in central Colombo. Also more comfortable than the train: on the bus, you can be sure to get a seat if you start at either Galle main bus station or Colombo Fort, whereas getting a seat on the train is a matter of luck (and ability to push). Beautiful ocean views during almost the entire trip (the road is even closer to the ocean than the train tracks and spends much more time on the edge of the water).
• Southern Expressway bus. | 370 rupees, 1.5 hours. Bus goes from Maharagama station, NOT Colombo Fort. Direct, comfortable "luxury" bus runs every 20 minutes in both directions. Travels via the Southern Exprssway, a very modern, smooth and crucially empty toll highway. Views of forests (many palm trees), but no ocean views. Much faster and direct than the private a/c buses which start and end at Colombo Fort, but not so convenient for tourists who want to be at Colombo Fort. Colombo Fort to Maharagama is around 60 minutes or more on the crowded public buses; luggage bigger than a small bag can be difficult, but definitely easier than on the private a/c shuttle van.

Trains travel several times every day and used to be crowded:

• Galle Railway Station Colombo Road 6.03331, 80.21431 Right on the Seashore - 100 - 180 LKR (depending on class) GALLE RAILWAY STATION SRI LANKA JAN 2013 (8553460957).jpg

Train timetable]. From Colombo take beteween 1:30 min or 3:30 min depending of the train that you choose. From Ella/Badulla: There is one public bus in the morning from Badulla at 6:30 am and Ella around 7 am to Galle. From Badulla the ticket costs 346 LKR (as of May 2023).

Get Around

Tuk Tuk or on foot is your best option if you are traveling in Galle or close by. The Old Town of Galle and its fortifications are within walking distance from the central bus station, so it's better to walk rather than to take a tuk-tuk. The bus is an easy and affordable way to get to Matara,Unawatuna or Hikkaduwa from Galle.

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• Galle Tourism Board Center Colombo Road 6.03264, 80.21429 NE corner of the Dharmapala Park

What to See

All Saint's Church (8464261401) - All Saint's Church - All Saint's Church (8464261401).jpg

• All Saint's Church - Church St, Fort 6.02745, 80.21747 Opening Hours: Massses: Fri,Sun 8AM Anglican Churh

• Kalutara temple is a place you must not miss

• Seenigama temple Always make a donation and say a prayer for good luck.

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• Fort's walls Rampart Road 6.02404, 80.21776 Be wary of unauthorized local or foreign guides who offer you a walk round the Fort for a fee. Walking round the Fort is free. Local Authorities do not charge any feesA walk here at sunset is very pleasant if you don't mind being hassled to buy table cloths, fake antique 'Dutch' coins, or powdered milk.
• Peace Pagoda the view from on a clear day is also quite lovely

• Galle Port Matara Road 6.0358, 80.2286 Cca. one kilometers east from the Bus Station

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• Meeran Masjid Fort Galle, Rampart Street - GPS: 6.02455, 80.21873 ☎

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• National Sea Museum - k=regionalmuseum&id=8&Itemid=79&lang=en Queens Street - GPS: 6.02801, 80.21766 ☎+94 91 22 42261 is housed in the old Dutch East India Company VOC Warehouse in Galle Fort

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• Dutch Reformed church Church Street 6.02826, 80.21719 Middle Street corner Look inside

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• St-Mary's Gothic Church - Kaluwella Catholic Church - Kaluwella, between Templers Road and Prison Road 6.03542, 80.21271

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• Arabic College - Al Bahjathul Ibrahimiya Arabic College | New Lane 2 6.02537, 80.21775 In the Fort, Church Street corner Found: 1892.

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• Historical Mansion Museum 31-39, Layn Baan Streeet, Fort - GPS: 6.02642, 80.21899 Near to Front Cross Street

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• Small Green Mosque

What to do in Galle

Beach of Galle - Beach of Galle

• Walk around the ramparts of Galle Fort, wander the streets inside the fort shopping for gems and antiques
• Visit one of the turtle hatcheries along the coast

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• Dharmapala Park Colombo Road 6.03234, 80.21380 Opposite to the Galle Railway Station

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• Galle International Cricket Stadium Colombo Road - GPS: 6.03134, 80.21588 Opposite to the Galle Central Bus Station

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• Galle Library Church Street 6.02804, 80.21733

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• Talpe Beach 1042, Matara Road, Thalpe 5.995502, 80.287474 Beach club with great vibe and excellent drinks. Bring your towel and enjoy the day there.
• If you're staying in the Fort get a bit of brisk exercise by walking around the ramparts first thing in the morning, as a lot of the local residents do. (and take the advice above in the evenings.)

Local events in Galle

An around the world sailboat rally (30 boats in 2007) stops in Galle. The rally sails west to the nation of Djibouti on the African Continent. Generally, from January to March boats sail in the direction of the Suez Canal.

Shopping

Banks

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• Commercial Bank - 22 Church St, Matara 6.02586, 80.21784 In the Fort, south of th Church Cross St☎ +94 91 2 232223 +94 91-2242770Opening Hours: Open weekdays 9.00AM to 3.00PM Other un Galle City Branch, No. 130, MAIN St., ☎ +94 91-2225786/ +94 91-2234469 /+94 91-2234446, Fax:+94 91-2234356, @, Open weekdays 9.00AM to 3.00PM , Weekend & holidays 9.00AM to 1.30PM

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• National Savings Bank Colombo Road 6.03432, 80.21235 West to the Galle Railway Station

Markets

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• Fruit and Flower Market - Municipal Fruits Market | Sea Street - GPS: 6.03422, 80.21880 Next to Municipal Shopping

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=000181 Singhalesischer Fischverkäufer in der Stadt Galle (2022).JPG

• Fish Market Fish Market Street 6.03453, 80.21933 Sea Street at corner of Dickson Street. (across from ocean, next to Fruits Market). Relatively new fish market opened in 2011, paid for by the UN and BASF . The old colonial style market built by the British in the 1890s was destroyed in the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. There were fourteen fish stalls, trading in the traditional style. The new facility is more hygienic than the majority of fish stalls on the beach. Prices are typically 10-40% higher than for the same fish direct from fishermen on the beach (for example, compared to the informal market located a 5-minutes walk away to the northeast (along the water towards Unawatuna)).

000178 Kokosnuss-Verkäufer in der Stadt Galle (2022).JPG

• Green Market Market Cross Road 6.03574, 80.21983

Others

You will find the best tourist shopping inside the Fort. But you will need to go into town if you want fresh fruits and veggies or clothing

• Lihiniya Gems - 42A.Hospital St, Fort Opposite the lighthouse tower ☎ +94 91-2234600 Established in 1983, this small family-run business deals in precious and semiprecious gems and hand made jewellery. Approved by the SriLanka Government.
• There is a good "gift" shop on Pedlar Street called Shoba - it is opposite the Peddlar's Inn and stocks a large range of handmade goods which are direct from the craftsman/women who have made them. It is a good alternative to the large retail chain "Barefoot" which you will find is often over-crowded with tourists. The owner is very nice and will stop and chat to you about the very interesting history of Galle if you are willing to listen. Their website says that they offer traditional craft courses (Dec 2012).

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• Municipal Shopping - GMS Shopping Complex | Main Street / Sea Street - GPS: 6.03352, 80.21808 East to the Galle Central Bus Station

Muslim Friendly Food & Restaurants in Galle

• Seafood Restraurant thumbnail|Caption text | Fish Market Street at the junction of Dickson Road Literally a hole in the wall located just behind the main Galle Fish Market. Crabs, Fish Market Street, Galle, Sri Lanka - 1kg of fresh crabs cooked at local restaurant behind the Fish Market. Total cost for 2 people: 1200 rupees, including crabs, coconut Curries, Rice, vegetable and lentil curries. it's a tiny, one family-operation: father cooks, mother prepares plates and cleans. Only 5 plastic chairs and a small counter, not enough space to turn around. For adventurous travelers looking for a truly local restaurant outside the typical tourist restaurants or the made-only-for-foreigners "authentic cooking experiences", it's by far the best option for seafood in Galle. Buy your seafood fresh yourself, either at the market directly in front of this restaurant or at any other market. Bring your seafood to this restaurant around lunchtime, and the owner will cook it for you with spices and coconut Curries. 1kg of crabs costs around LKR700 in the market, pay the restaurant 500 more, so for 1200 total (=USD $9, eur 7) you have a huge feast for 2 people: 1kg of freshly cooked crabs in coconut Curries with unlimited Rice, dahl (lentils) and vegetable curries. Nowhere in Galle or the surrounding beach towns offers such a good deal, neither in price or in taste. Tuna, prawns, squid... you choose whatever you want, you can get it fresh and cooked in delicious coconut Curries.
• Anura's Restaurant , Inside the fort serves a mixture of local foods, Pizzas, sandwiches and other Snacks.
• Karunadasa Restaurant 23 Light House Street - GPS: 6.02591, 80.21704 In the Fort
• Mama's Authentic Sri Lanken food. Mama and her daughter run two cooking classes daily (morning and noon) which includes sitting down to eat the food you learn to cook. It is often difficult to get a table at the roof top restaurant so we found it easier to book the afternoon cooking class which included dinner. The cooking class was a highlight of Galle.
• Serindipity | A good option for dessert. It is can be quite hard to get them to serve you food as they often close their kitchen for cooking classes during the day and also closes quite early at night (went at around 9PM and they refused service due to kitchen shut). Despite being refused twice and the food is some of the best we ate in Galle and I would return there for it again.
• Cafe The Pedler's Inn - 92, Pedler Street 6.02611, 80.21659 In the Fort - The milkshakes are a must for a hot day, and the sandwiches are pretty good, too! If staying for dinner be sure to finish it off with the home made Chocolates brownies with ice cream.
• Ice cream parlour signed by a large 'Dairy King' poster | Church street The products are a mixture of home made and bought produce. The home made mango and the home made coconut is particularly good. The brownies are better at the "Fort Galle Hotel".
• Lighthouse Hotel See at 'Stay' chapter For a treat, try the all-you-can eat buffet at this ultra posh palce for only about R1200/-. (You might not get any further than the hors d'oeuvres.)

Drink

Galle-Rampart Hotel - Rampart Hotel, Galle Fort - Galle-Rampart Hotel.jpg

• Rampart Hotel Rampart Street 6.02536, 80.21636 inside the fort on the south ramparts does good local and "international" meals and serves fruit cocktailsic and non-alcoholic drinks. It is quite expensive by local standards though at about R1600/- (US$15) for a meal with a couple of soft-drinks.
• The Sydney Hotel | No. 10, Gamini Mawatha Near the bus station opposite the International Galle Cricket Stadium ☎ +94 91 2226840

Buy Muslim Friendly Condos, Houses and Villas in Galle

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Ramadan in Galle

Ramadan 2025 in Galle

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels in Galle

Galle has quite a few small boutique hotels, hotels and hostels and more seem to be cropping up after the tsunami. Within the Galle Fort there is Amangalla (within the renovated Oriental Hotel) and the Galle Fort Hotel. On the outskirts of Galle there is the Sun House. On the road into Galle from Colombo there is the Lighthouse Resort designed by Bawa, famous architect.

• Rampart View Guest House - 37 Rampart Street 6.025871, 80.215616 ☎ +94 91 4389566 - The rooms have a shared balcony overlooking the ramparts at the southern end of Galle Fort with the Indian Ocean beyond, and it has a small roof garden. The rooms are clean, with air-con, and the owners are friendly and helpful. The breakfasts include lots of fresh fruit, bread, eggs and good rich tea.
• Thenu Rest 12 Hospital Street 6.026421, 80.219314 ☎ +94 91 224-6608, +94 77-3584156
• This guest house has four well equipped clean rooms with traditional four poster double beds with hanging net curtains. Two of the rooms have air conditioning and the other two have fans. All rooms are well equipped with electric hot water showers. The main guest bedroom has a large balcony overlooking the main street and two of the other rooms have internal balconies overlooking the terrace. The guest house is located near the ramparts at the southern end of Galle Fort close to the Light House near the beach with the Indian Ocean beyond. The owners are very friendly and helpful. They also provide dinner and breakfast. The breakfasts are either continental or traditional Sri-Lankan and include lots of fresh fruit, bread, eggs and good rich tea and Coffee.
• Rosa Shashi Cabanas No. 517 Colombo Road, Dadalla, Gintota 6.0515476, 80.1795986 Next to Amari hotel ☎ +94712506391 From 2000 LKR Great little huts on the beach run by local family. 2 huts only. Third hut in build by the father as of May 2018. Using recycled material partly.
• Fort Inn Guest House | 31 Pedlar St, fort ☎ +94 91 2248094 From $20 Four-room family-run guest house. Can provide breakfast, lunch and dinner by request. Free internet. Rooms have attached bathroom with hot shower, fan and two rooms with air conditioning. Roof top room with ocean view.
• Khalid's guest house |

@ 102 Pedlar St, Fort Galle Galle Fort ☎ +94 77 317 7676 20US$ Longest running family guest house in a historical Dutch fort. Good authentic meals, which are probably the best in Sri Lanka. All rooms with attached bath and hot water and some rooms with balcony sea view. Good value for money. NOTE: The establishment sets a night curfew to its guests and maintains a no Beef and alcohol rule in its premise.

• Mamas - 76 Lleyn Baan st, Galle Fort From 40$
• They have only two en suite rooms, but the best roof terrace in the fort. Fresh breakfast from local food served by a willing local family, fluent English speaking ex tour guide Jerome runs his own business. Good Vegetarian options.
• Templeberg Villa - Barbaragoda Road, off Akuressa Road Turn at the Traffic light intersection of Akuressa Road and the Highway and drive away from Galle. Follow the road for 1 kilometers and see Kuruluduwa Post Office on the right. It marks the entry to Barbaragoda Road ( if pass the furniture shop too far). Templeberg Villa is 500 m up the Barbaragoda Road entrance. ☎ +94 71 2582968 $USD 170 Templeberg Villa is a Boutique Estate with 5 rooms, including a standalone 2 bedroom Family Bungalow. Built in the 1800s and in private ownership until 2012 and the property has been refurbished and updated and turned into a guest house. Situated next to a Temple and on top of a hill and the house is situated on 5 acres of coconut plantation. Laidback luxury, Templeberg Villa B & B and guest house is the perfect spot to enjoy the birdlife in Sri Lanka from the sprawling terraced gardens. The villa's stone walls are over 200 years old and some of the area's finest masonary. Breakfast included in the rate, free wifi, laundry service and complete with private cook and 10 staff.One of the best villas for the price in the Galle area and an ideal holiday home in Galle that can be an all inclusive getaway.

Luxury

• Aditya Resort - 719/1, Galle Road, Devenigoda, Rathgama 6.0951, 80.1353 13km NW. - Rajgama Railway Station 600m away ☎ +94 91 2267708 Best rates on official website start at $208.00
• Amangalla Hotel and Restaurant - 10 Church Street 6.02862, 80.21688 Inside the Fort ☎ +94 91 2 233388 - 5 star hotel housed in the former Dutch governor's residence
• Coral Rock by Amaya - 340 Galle Road, Hikkaduwa, 80240 19km Northwest ☎ +94 91 2277021 From USD 110.00 Superior and deluxe rooms, all equipped with air-conditioning, plasma-screen TV and in-room safe. Facilities and services are swimming pool, garden and restaurant. Several key destinations can also be spotted near this boutique hotel.
• The Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel | 6.0423, 80.1948 2.5 Km Northwest from Galle town to Colombo side.
• Tamarind Hill - No: 288, Galle Road, Dadella 6.0445, 80.1951683 400m from Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel ☎ +94 91 222 6568 Check-in: 1400 hrs or 2 pm / Check-out: 1200 hrs or noon This sprawling manor, built in the 1800s by a prominent family in the Galle neighborhood was first occupied by a British Admiral and later by a High Court judge of the colonial era. Tamarind Hill was refurbished preserving the intricate details and style of a by-gone perioid - all the extensions and alterations to the property have been beautifully blended with the original main house, in keeping with the architecture and restoring it to its grand origins. Situated on a three acre hill with huge courtyards, sun-dappled verandahs and tropical gardens, Tamarind Hill has 10 rooms and two suites offering the ultimate in comfort, stylish design and modern amenities, juxtaposed with the charm of a bygone era.

Connect

• Internet Cafe Church Street 6.02498, 80.21824 Betweeen Small Cross Street and New Lane 1
• Galle Main Post Office Main Street - GPS: 6.03343, 80.21770 East to the Galle Central Bus Station ☎ +94 91 2 223250
• Sri Lanka Telecom & Mobitel - Wackwella Road 6.03546, 80.21772 500 m North of the Galle Central Bus Station ☎ +94 91 2 222231 +94 91 2234231 Services:Fault Reporting, New Connection, Prepaid Cards, Purchase CDMA, Bill Payment

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Where to go next after Galle

• Unawatuna 5 kilometers to the southeast on Route A2. A beautiful beach - take a swim; enjoy the best eating places. Buses run every 10-15 minutes in both directions, cost 20 rupees, take 10-15 minutes. Can be very crowded and play loud music. Tuk-tuks ask for 400-500, can usually be bargained down to 250-300.
• Matara, end of railway line from Colombo, roughly 50 kilometers south following the coastline.
• Mirissa
• Hikkaduwa 20 kilometers north following the coast
• Madu River, 40 kilometers north following the coast across the Balapitiya area, Take a boat tour. This extraordinary estuary with a cluster of 64 small islands scattered along its impressive breadth, most of which are covered with mangroves and uninhabited, and is also a haven for crocodiles.
• Kanneliya Forest Reserve — (Galle neighborhood). The waterfall “Naranga Ella” is one of the highlights. There is a safe place for bathing in Nannikitha also close to the entry to the Forest Reserve. There is a nature trial to Kabbale Kanda Mountain.
• Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage — is home to the biggest captive herd of elephants in the world. - Bathing times (1000hrs and 1400hrs) are a particular treat, as the elephants are led down to the nearby river.
• Sinharaja Forest Reserve — (neighborhoods of Ratnapura, Matara and Galle) is one of the least disturbed and biologically unique lowland rainforest in Sri Lanka. A World Heritage Site since 1989.
• Yala National Park — (141 kilometers away) is open to the public, and is mostly made up of parkland and scrub jungle but also contains beaches, lagoons, freshwater lakes, rivers, enormous rocky outcrops and dense jungle.
• Ratnapura — Udawalawe National Park near Ratnapura is an area just over 308 sqkm and consists of dry lowland forest, thorny scrub jungle and grassland; several areas of the park have been planted with teak. One of the main attractions of its is the majestic Udawalawa Reservoir. There are also several large herds of Asian elephants, and species of large animals such as deer, buffalo and more.

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