AU$19 Galle accommodation

If you think travelling to historic destinations is a recipe for boredom, Galle will prove you dead wrong. In fact, this is a city where lines between old and new are blurred, as you’ll see inside the Galle Fort, a beautiful, walled town where life rolls on among centuries-old surroundings. But it isn’t all a lesson about the past, and from our Galle hotels you’ll be able to explore the beautiful natural harbour that the city overlooks and take the pace of life down a few gears.

This relaxed pocket of civilisation on the southwest corner of Sri Lanka isn’t the obscure destination you might at first think. Since the turn of the century, Galle International Stadium has hosted many international test cricket matches as well as one day internationals. Its greatest landmark is the Galle Fort, a Portuguese town built in the 16th century on a peninsula that juts out into the bay. If this UNESCO World Heritage Site was the only attraction in Galle, it would be enough. Walking its walls, ramparts and the town streets is one of the best ways to get to know this destination. It’s like a piece of history that is still alive.

Across the harbour is Unawatuna, where you can make your way to the Peace Pagoda on Rumasalla Mountain. It is a beautiful white Buddhist structure given to Sri Lanka by the Japanese, resting among green forest and visible from the fort across the water. There is also a beach nearby that adds more to the tranquillity of the area.

Looking for something to spark romance or just want to treat yourself? Galle is a good place to look for gems and ethnic jewellery that Sri Lanka is known for. The relaxed seaside atmosphere will do a lot for couples as well, but solo travellers definitely won’t feel out of place spending the days and evenings in breezy restaurants that take on a beach club feel – if you’re a sucker for the laidback life, you’ll be in love in no time!

Want to get find a quiet, less explored corner of Sri Lanka that has the muscle to compete with the bigger cities? Galle should top your list. Start your plans by booking a flight to Sri Lanka and your pick from our Galle accommodation today!