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Why Visit the Galle Region?

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Why Visit the Galle Region?
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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.

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The city has had a chequered and varied history, with many 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 small hotels, craft shops, restaurants and bars.

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 that 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 upmarket; 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 Galle to flourish.

 

Popular Sri Lanka Holiday Ideas:

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South Coast Discovery

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

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.

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

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020 7924 7133 Get in touch

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  • Destinations
    • South Asia
      • Sri Lanka
      • The Maldives
      • India
      • Bhutan
    • South East Asia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
      • Myanmar
      • Indonesia
      • Malaysia
      • Borneo
      • Indochina
    • Middle East
      • Oman
  • Holidays in Sri Lanka
    • Classic Sri Lanka Holidays
    • Family Holidays
    • Sri Lanka & Maldives Holidays
    • Ultimate Holidays
    • Nature & Wildlife Holidays
    • Off the Beaten Track
    • Slow Holidays
  • Guide to Sri Lanka
    • Why choose Sri Lanka
    • Weather & When to go
    • Hotel inspiration
    • Experiences inspiration
    • Free Country Guide Download
  • Info on Sri Lanka
    • 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 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
  • Regions of Sri Lanka
    • Overview
    • The Cultural Triangle
    • Colombo, Negombo & Around
    • Kandy and Around
    • The Hill Country
    • West Coast Beaches
    • Galle and Around
    • The South Coast
    • Puttalam & the North West
    • The East Coast
    • Jaffna & The North
  • About us
    • Our Story
    • Our Team
    • Our Reviews
    • Our Press
    • Our brochure
    • Our Blog
  • How it works
    • Why choose us?
    • Booking with confidence
    • How much does it cost?
    • Trip planning process
    • Financial protection
    • What happens if something goes wrong on my holiday?
    • Working with in-country partners
    • My Booking
    • Contact Us
  • Holiday Types
    • The Revitalise Collection
    • Immersive Escapes
    • Honeymoons
    • Family Travel
      • Holiday Inspiration by Theme
      • Where to go when
  • Inspiration
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    • Travel Soon
    • Plan Ahead
    • Month by month weather guide
    • Free Country Guides
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