Experience Travel Group
1-888-577-8452 020 7924 7133
Call

Why Visit the Galle Region?

Explore Further

Download Guide Get in Touch
  • Destinations
    • South Asia
      • Sri Lanka
      • The Maldives
      • India
      • Bhutan
    • South East Asia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
      • Myanmar
      • Indonesia
      • Malaysia
      • Borneo
      • Indochina
    • Middle East
      • Oman
  • About us
    • Our Story
    • Our Team
    • Our Reviews
    • Our Press
  • How it works
    • Financial protection
    • Why choose us
    • Trip planning process
    • Common questions
    • Future of Travel
    • How much does it cost
    • My Booking
    • Contact Us
  • Inspiration
    • Inspire me
    • Why Travel
    • Our brochure
    • Our Blog
    • Country guide downloads
    • Family Travel
  • Sustainability
    • Making Travel Count
    • Our Counter-Carbon Pledge
    • One bottle at a time
    • Building a Sustainable Future
    • Giving Back
  • ETG Revitalise
    • View the collection
    • Pick your theme
      • Active and Restorative
      • Into the Wild
      • Uncomplicated Adventures
      • Surrounded by Nature
      • Curious Journeys
      • Remote and Switched off
  • Search
Why Visit the Galle Region?
ABTA
ATOL
  • Holidays in Sri Lanka
    • Classic Sri Lanka Holidays
    • Classic Family Holidays
    • Sri Lanka & Maldives Holidays
    • Ultimate Holidays
    • Off Beat Family Holidays
    • Nature & Wildlife Holidays
    • Cultural, Historical & Immersive
    • Slow Holidays
  • Info on Sri Lanka
    • Hotels
      • Boutique & Character Hotels
      • Deluxe & Luxury Hotels
      • Eco & Unique
      • Best Beach Hotels & Resorts
      • Family Hotels
      • Villas & Hideaways
      • Best of the Rest
    • Experiences
      • Cultural Experiences
      • Outdoors & Adventure
      • Unique Experiences
      • Wildlife and Nature
      • Immersive Sightseeing Experiences
    • Nature and Wildlife
        Overview
      • Bundala National Park
      • Flood Plains National Park
      • Gal Oya National Park
      • Horton Plains National Park
      • Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary
      • Kumana National Park (Yala East)
      • Lahugala National Park
      • Lunugamvehera National Park
      • Maduru Oya National Park
      • Minneriya National Park
      • Somawathiya National Park
      • The Knuckles Range
      • The Sinharaja Rainforest
      • Udawalawe National Park
      • Wasgamuwa National Park
      • Wilpattu National Park
      • Yala (Ruhunu) National Park
    • Getting Around in Sri Lanka
        Overview
      • Chauffeur Guides & Transportation
      • Vehicles in Sri Lanka
      • Internal Flights
      • Helicopter in Sri Lanka
    • Honeymoons in Sri Lanka
    • Sri Lanka Weddings
  • Guide to Regions
    • Overview
    • The Cultural Triangle
    • Colombo, Negombo & Around
    • Kandy and Around
    • The Hill Country
    • West Coast Beaches
    • Galle and Around
    • The Deep South
    • Puttalam & the North West
    • The East Coast
    • Jaffna & The North
  • Useful
    • Free Guide Download
    • Weather & When to go
Experience Travel Group

Galle is the capital of the south and one of Sri Lanka's most cosmopolitan areas. With a spectacular setting on the southwestern tip of the island, Galle is surrounded by palm-fringed beaches and forest-clad hills towards the interior.

  • Discover more
    • Overview
    • The Cultural Triangle
    • Colombo, Negombo & Around
    • Kandy and Around
    • The Hill Country
    • West Coast Beaches
    • Galle and Around
    • The Deep South
    • Puttalam & the North West
    • The East Coast
    • Jaffna & The North

Download your free Sri Lanka Travel Guide

The city has had a chequered and varied history, with a plethora of influences and cultures crossing over the centuries, leaving a vibrant and diverse way of life. Famous for its 17th century Dutch Fort, the old part of the city is home to some of the island's best craft shops, restaurants and bars. Some of the best accommodation can also be found within the walls of the fort and the surrounding region.

A little further down the coast is the cool traveller hang out of Unawatuna. Regarded as one of the best beaches on the 70’s hippie trail, it retains a laid back vibe which has survived a battering in the tsunami. The beach undeniably retains a certain buzz with its restaurants and bars and there are inexpensive hotels and places to stay in the vicinity. It also has pretty much year round safe swimming, which is highly unusual in Sri Lanka. For those with dreams of deserted Indian Ocean beaches, it might be wise to look elsewhere.

Further down the coast, it gets a little more high end; Thalpe has many gorgeous villas and hotels and several lovely beach hangouts. The swimming here isn't as good with a reef just offshore, though there is usually somewhere to be found and the general vibe is very laid back and quiet.

Inland in the Galle region, there are peaceful temples with saffron-clad monks, dreamy lakes, low tea-clad hills, colourful jungle and paddies. There are several gorgeous inland hotels too for those who enjoy their peace and quiet, but with easy access to the beach. It is a very beautiful region indeed. 

Galle is also the home of the Galle Literary Festival, which takes place at the end of January each year. The festival is known internationally as one of the most popular and friendly on the circuit and is an added reason to visit the city.

As Sri Lanka develops into a new era of peace and prosperity, expect this area of the country to flourish. Contact us to discuss which property suits your requirements and budget, and find out why this marvellous area has left such an impression on so many who have visited.

Download your free Sri Lanka Travel Guide

Popular Sri Lanka Holiday Ideas:

Slow Paced Luxury

Slow Paced Luxury

Some of the most beautiful luxury accommodation in the south of Sri Lanka and a deluxe wildlife safari away from the crowds.

Relaxed Sri Lanka Holiday

Relaxed Sri Lanka Holiday

Escape the crowds, take in some of the best scenery in Sri Lanka at a slow & relaxing pace and stay in some unique hotels.

South Coast Discovery

South Coast Discovery

Head to Sri Lanka's southern coastline. Explore the exotic landscape, discover historical Galle, and relax on the beach.

Laid back Sri Lanka

Laid back Sri Lanka

Relax and enjoy the glorious beauty and diversity of Sri Lanka but with limited tiring journeys and added serendipity.

Start your journey

Each journey with ETG is different. Let us know your needs, hopes and fears, and our friendly travel team will help you discover your ideal holiday.

Get in Touch

Call us 020 7924 7133

The ETG Newsletter

Your fantastic fortnightly round-up of everything new and newsworthy in travel. Expect the latest experiences, hotels and advice from our travel experts - not to mention exclusive special offers

Sign up Here

Sri Lanka Travel Blog

Get in Touch
How it works
  • Why Choose Us?
  • Trip Planning Process
  • Common Questions
  • How Much Does it Cost?
  • My Booking
About Us
  • Our Story
  • Our Team
  • Our Reviews
  • Our Promise
  • Our Press
  • Contact
  • Jobs
Useful
  • Your Protection
  • Travel Insurance
  • Our Rating System
  • Exclusive Signature Experiences
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Website T&C's of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Package Travel Regulations
  • Belgrade Office
  • Hotel Collection
  • Foreign and Commonwealth (FCO) Travel Advice
  • Site Search
  • Covid-19
Get Social

facebook.com/experiencetravel twitter.com/ExpTrav instagram.com/experiencetravelgroup

  • Visit us on Facebook
  • View @ExpTrav Twitter Feed
  • Visit our Travel Blog
  • Follow our Instagram page
  • Newsletter
  • Book Club

© Experience Travel
Registered in England, Company No. 5071391 | ABTA Member | 9324 ATOL Protected
Site by Livingstone Creative

Experience Travel Group

020 7924 7133 Get in touch

Call
  • Other Destinations
    • Sri Lanka
      • Classic Sri Lanka Holidays
      • Classic Family Holidays
      • Sri Lanka & Maldives Holidays
      • Ultimate Holidays
      • Off Beat Family Holidays
      • Nature & Wildlife Holidays
      • Cultural, Historical & Immersive
      • Slow Holidays
    • The Maldives
      • Sri Lanka & Maldives Holidays
      • Family Holidays
      • Honeymoons
      • Island Hopping Holidays
      • Insight & Culture Holidays
    • Vietnam
      • Classic Vietnam Holidays
      • Vietnam & Cambodia Holidays
      • Vietnam Family Holidays
      • Vietnam With A Difference
      • Ultimate Vietnam Holidays
      • Mekong River Journeys
    • Cambodia
      • Classic Cambodia Holidays
      • Cambodia & Vietnam Holidays
      • Ultimate Holidays
      • Family Holidays
    • Laos
      • Classic Holidays
      • Family Holidays
      • In Depth Holidays
      • Multi Country Holidays
      • Honeymoon & Luxury
    • India
      • Classic Holidays
      • Ultimate Holidays
      • Wildlife Holidays
      • Off The Beaten Track
      • Insight Holidays
      • Holidays with Beach
      • Family Holidays in India
      • Southern India Holidays
      • North & Central India
      • Himalaya's & the East
      • Rajasthan & the Golden Triangle
    • Bhutan
      • Classic Bhutan
      • Honeymoons in Bhutan
      • Family Bhutan Holidays
      • Multi-Country Bhutan
    • Oman
      • Classic Oman Holidays
      • Oman Family Holidays
      • Oman & India Holidays
      • Multi-Country Oman Holidays
    • Thailand
      • Hidden Thailand Holidays
      • Family Thailand Holidays
      • Ultimate Holidays
      • Multi-Country Holidays
    • Myanmar
      • Classic Holidays
      • Myanmar with a River Journey
      • Multi-Country Holidays
      • Family Holidays
    • Borneo
      • Classic Holidays
      • Family Holidays & Adventures
      • In Depth Holidays
      • Borneo & Mainland Malaysia
    • Malaysia
      • Classic Holidays
      • Malaysia & Borneo Holidays
      • Wildlife Holidays
      • Family Holidays
      • Ultimate Holidays
    • Indonesia
      • Classic Indonesia Holidays
      • Ultimate Indonesia Holidays
      • Wildlife Holidays
      • Family Holidays
      • Multi-Country Holidays
      • Bali & Lombok Holidays
      • Holidays in Java & Beyond
      • Flores & Komodo
      • Holidays In Sulawesi
      • Borneo & Beyond
    • Indochina
      • Classic Holidays
      • Ultimate Holidays
      • Family Holidays
      • Indochina with A Beach
      • Overland Journeys
      • Indochina & Beyond
  • Sri Lanka Holidays
    • Classic Sri Lanka Holidays
    • Classic Family Holidays
    • Sri Lanka & Maldives Holidays
    • Ultimate Holidays
    • Off Beat Family Holidays
    • Nature & Wildlife Holidays
    • Cultural, Historical & Immersive
    • Slow Holidays
  • Country Info
    • Nature and Wildlife
      • Bundala National Park
      • Flood Plains National Park
      • Gal Oya National Park
      • Horton Plains National Park
      • Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary
      • Kumana National Park (Yala East)
      • Lahugala National Park
      • Lunugamvehera National Park
      • Maduru Oya National Park
      • Minneriya National Park
      • Somawathiya National Park
      • The Knuckles Range
      • The Sinharaja Rainforest
      • Udawalawe National Park
      • Wasgamuwa National Park
      • Wilpattu National Park
      • Yala (Ruhunu) National Park
    • Sri Lanka By Region
      • The Cultural Triangle
      • Colombo, Negombo & Around
      • Kandy and Around
      • The Hill Country
      • West Coast Beaches
      • Galle and Around
      • The Deep South
      • Puttalam & the North West
      • The East Coast
      • Jaffna & The North
    • Getting Around in Sri Lanka
      • Chauffeur Guides & Transportation
      • Vehicles in Sri Lanka
      • Internal Flights
      • Helicopter in Sri Lanka
    • Honeymoons in Sri Lanka
    • Sri Lanka Weddings
  • Weather & When to go
    • Sri Lanka
    • The Maldives
    • Vietnam
    • Cambodia
    • Laos
    • India
    • Bhutan
    • Thailand
    • Myanmar
    • Borneo
    • Malaysia
    • Indonesia
    • Oman
  • Inspiration
    • Inspire me
    • Why Travel
    • Our brochure
    • Our Blog
    • Country guide downloads
    • Family Travel
  • Sustainability
    • Making Travel Count
    • Our Counter-Carbon Pledge
    • One bottle at a time
    • Building a Sustainable Future
    • Giving Back
  • ETG Revitalise
    • View the collection
    • Pick your theme
      • Active and Restorative
      • Into the Wild
      • Uncomplicated Adventures
      • Surrounded by Nature
      • Curious Journeys
      • Remote and Switched off
  • Search
    • Sri Lanka
    • The Maldives
    • Vietnam
    • Cambodia
    • Laos
    • India
    • Bhutan
    • Oman
    • Thailand
    • Myanmar
    • Borneo
    • Malaysia
    • Indonesia
    • Indochina
  • Contact Us
  • Future of Travel
  • How it works
    • Why Choose Us?
    • Journey Planner
    • Common Questions
    • How Much Does it Cost?
    • Financial Protection
  • My Booking
  • About Us
    • Our Story
    • Our Team
    • Our Reviews
    • Our Press
  • Brochure
  • Blog