From Colombo you can take the bus (or train but it can be very crowded if you don’t reserve a seat). Both travel right next to the beach coast and have beautiful views. This is why getting in is one of the best things about Galle.
Bus no. 2 takes you to Galle (with the sign indicating the destination on the bus) and costs around Rs. 230 on an air-conditioned bus (called “AC bus”), and takes around 3 hours to reach (if the bus takes the Southern Expressway it should only take about 1 hour). Buses that take Southern Expressway starts from Kaduwela Bus Station located near the starting of the expressway in Colombo. It takes 45 mins from Colombo Fort by bus to Kaduwela Bus Station. From there air condition buses to Galle costs 390 LKR (take about 1 hour).
Depending on traffic, or how many stops the train makes, traveling from Colombo city can be anywhere from 2.5 to 4 hours.
Coming from the Kandy region, buses also run to Galle via Matara. They will take between 8 to 10 hours, cost approximately 150 LKR and have a few stopovers along the way. Despite the stopovers, a 10 hour ride on this non-AC bus is unpleasant, but an experience nonetheless.
- The Kalutara temple is a place you must not miss.
- If you are superstitious, you may consider making a donation and saying a prayer at Seenigama temple for good luck.
- A walk along the Fort’s walls at sunset is very pleasant if you don’t mind being hassled to buy table cloths, fake antique ‘Dutch’ coins, or powdered milk.
- 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 fees.
- The Peace Pagoda and the view from on a clear day is also quite lovely.Peace Pagoda View From Galle Fort
- An around the world sailboat rally (30 boats in 2007) stops in Galle. The rally sails west to the country of Djibouti on the African Continent. Generally, from January to March boats sail in the direction of the Suez Canal.
- Galle Light house
- Dutch Church
- All Saints Church
- Maritime Archeology Museum
- Historical Mansion Museum
- Kanneliya Rain Forest Reserve
- Rumasalla Mountain
- Kottawa Jungle
- Sri Lanka Navy Whale Watching
