Galle is a charming city located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. It is known for its beautiful beaches, colonial architecture, and cultural heritage. If you're planning to visit Galle, you'll want to make the most of your time there. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to spend three days in Galle whilst experiencing what it has to offer!

On the first day of your trip to Galle, you should explore the city's historic fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later expanded by the Dutch in the 17th century. Start your day by walking along the fort walls, which offer stunning views of the Indian Ocean. You can also visit the Galle Lighthouse, which was built by the British in the 19th century.

Next, explore the narrow streets inside the fort. You'll find numerous shops selling souvenirs, antiques, and handicrafts. You can also visit the National Maritime Museum, which is located inside the fort. The museum exhibits Sri Lanka's maritime history, including shipwrecks, navigation, and fishing.

For lunch, head to one of the many restaurants located inside the fort. You'll find a wide variety of cuisine, including Sri Lankan, Indian, and Western. In the afternoon, visit the Dutch Reformed Church, which is one of the oldest Protestant churches in Sri Lanka. The church is located inside the fort and has a beautiful interior with stained glass windows.

Finally, end your day by watching the sunset at the Galle Face Green, which is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike. You'll find food stalls, street performers, and a lively atmosphere.

Unawatuna Beach | Image via Wikimedia Commons

On the second day, explore the beaches near Galle. Start with Unawatuna Beach, which is one of the most popular beaches in Sri Lanka. The beach has a long stretch of white sand and turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. You'll also find numerous restaurants and bars along the beach, making it a great place to relax.

Next, visit Jungle Beach, which is a secluded beach located about 15 minutes from Unawatuna. The beach is surrounded by lush jungle and has crystal-clear waters, perfect for snorkeling. You can also rent a kayak or take a boat ride to explore the nearby mangrove forests.

In the afternoon, visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda, which is located on top of a hill overlooking the sea. The pagoda was built by a Japanese monk in the 1970s and is a symbol of peace and harmony. You'll find stunning views of the sea and the surrounding countryside from the pagoda.

Finally, end your day by visiting the Handunugoda Tea Estate, which is located about 45 minutes from Galle. The tea estate is famous for its white tea, which is considered to be one of the rarest and most expensive teas in the world. You can take a tour of the tea factory and learn about the tea-making process. You can also enjoy a cup of tea and some snacks in the estate's tea room.

On the final day of your trip to Galle, explore the nearby attractions. Start with the Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya, which is a Buddhist temple located about 20 minutes from Galle. The temple has a large rock formation and a cave with ancient paintings. You'll also find a beautiful statue of the Buddha and a peaceful atmosphere.

Next, visit the Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary, which is located about 30 minutes from Galle. The sanctuary is home to a variety of coral reefs and marine life, including turtles, rays, and colorful fish You can explore the sanctuary by snorkeling or taking a glass-bottom boat ride. You'll find numerous tour operators offering snorkeling and boat rides.

In the afternoon, visit Koggala Lake, which is located about 15 minutes from Galle. The lake is the largest natural lake in Sri Lanka and is surrounded by lush greenery. You can take a boat ride on the lake and explore the nearby islands, including Cinnamon Island, where you can learn about cinnamon cultivation and processing.

Finally, end your day by visiting the Galle International Cricket Stadium, which is located inside the fort. The stadium is one of the most picturesque cricket grounds in the world, with views of the fort walls and the sea. You can take a tour of the stadium and learn about the history of cricket in Sri Lanka.

Spending three days in Galle is a perfect way to explore the city's rich history, beautiful beaches, and natural attractions. With a well-planned itinerary and these tips in mind, you're sure to have an enjoyable and memorable trip to Galle.

Pro tip: Make sure that you plan your itinerary with the right travel operator the likes of Walkers Tours before your arrival. They will organize and ensure that you relish the best of what Sri Lanka vacations have to offer during your time here.