Galle
Occupying the northeast corner of the ramparts, with magnificent vistas over Galle harbour and cricket ground, this large fortification was first…
Must-see attractions in The South
Galle
Nestled in the old walls, this small museum is worth a quick look for its skeleton of a Bryde's whale and a very useful model that explains how tsunamis…
Galle
This museum is housed in what's thought to be the oldest Dutch building in Galle, dating back to 1686. Displays are somewhat dusty and dated but include…
Tangalla & Around
The shady Rest House was once home to the Dutch administrators. It’s one of the oldest rest houses in the country, and was originally built (as a plate on…
Galle
The eastern section of Galle's wall ends at the Point Utrecht Bastion, close to the powder magazine, which bears a Dutch inscription from 1782. Today this…
Kataragama
An impressive 29m white dagoba in the north of the sacred compound. It's thought to have been built during the reign of King Mahasena (AD 276–303) who…
Kataragama
The second holy site you see as you pass through the holy compound. This beautiful mosque features intricate coloured tile work and wooden lintels, and…
Kataragama
This archaeological museum inside the complex has a collection of Hindu and Buddhist religious items, as well as huge fibreglass replicas of statues from…
Unawatuna
This small Buddhist temple at the west end of the beach has amazing bay views and also a vigilant monk ready to chase away anyone who is hoping to feign…
Galle
Guarding Galle harbour, this bastion was enlarged by the Dutch in 1730 and contains a tunnel (which has not been excavated), possibly once used as a…
Galle
A handsome Victorian Gothic structure dating from the mid-19th century. It boasts impressive stained-glass windows, beautifully carved timber arches and…
Galle
Guarding against the rocks at the southern end of the Galle promontory, this elegant 27m working lighthouse dates from 1939, though there's been a…
Galle
Look for the Dutch Market with its displays of fruits and vegetables under a 300-year-old columned roof. It's located on busy Main St, close to other food…
Tangalla & Around
Follow Harbour Rd around the point and into the military area (which is usually wide open); there are great vistas from this viewpoint along the grassy…
Galle
Large bastion located in the extreme northwest of Fort's walls, with sweeping views of the ocean and nearby clock tower. It was once topped with six…
Galle
There are terrific views over the Galle cricket stadium from this huge bastion, where Dutch soldiers once manned around 19 cannons.
Kataragama
A riverside Hindu temple dedicated to Ganesh, and the first structure you encounter as you enter the holy complex.
Galle
Just inside the northern ramparts of the Fort, this large stone bell tower dates from 1883.
The South
This 14-hectare wet evergreen forest about 19km northeast of Galle has walking tracks, but traffic noise (and rubbish) are an issue and you'll probably…
The South
The original vast complex of Tenavaram Dondra was destroyed in 1587, and this compound is now the the largest temple in town. Sadly, a couple of (chained)…
Galle
A slim swathe of sand right on the east side of the Fort. However it's not that great for a dip as there are rocks offshore and the beach is often…
Tissamaharama
West of Tissa, the Hambantota–Wellawaya Rd runs over this large lake (via a causeway). It's home to resident waders and visited by migrating birds.
Galle
A striking building that dates from 1683, over its doorway is a cockerel and the crest of Galle. It's not open to the public.
Galle
Small southwestern bastion, which was once topped with a windmill (used to draw water to clean Galle's streets).
Galle
Small tomb, dedicated to Dathini Ziryam, which is located outside the northwest section of the Fort walls.
Galle
East-facing bastion, with fine views of Galle harbour. Look out for blocks of coral in its walls.
Galle
This leafy, shady square is still a hub of legal activity and has several lawyers' chambers.
Ranminithenna Tele-Cinema Village
Kataragama
This studio located halfway between Tissa and Kataragama is only mentioned because some drivers and tours will suggest you visit. Structures meant to…
