Trains do not operate within the city of Galle. Train travel primarily connects the city of Galle to other cities in the country, like Colombo and Matara. The main train station in the city is the Galle Railway Station on Colombo Road. Galle is a major station on Sri Lanka Railways’ Coastal Line, it serves as a meeting point of the west and south coast segments of the line. 

It is not necessary to have a car if you are strictly staying in Galle. There are many ways to get around town without the need for a car. 

There are metered taxis available in Galle. You might need to negotiate a fixed price or pay a flat rate. You can order a taxi by phone or sometimes find one outside the bus or train station.

Walking around Galle is one of the easiest ways to explore the city, especially within the Old Town and Fort. There are many areas of the city that are very walkable, you can walk down to the beautiful beaches, port, and waterfront area. Walking around the old ramparts of the Galle Fort is fascinating, and wandering around the charming streets inside the fort for shopping and dining options is also a fun experience. 

There are many great areas to explore by bicycle in Galle, especially in the surrounding countryside. Koggala Lake is a popular destination for a bicycle ride with some enjoyable scenery. Mountain biking is a popular activity in the countryside with unique opportunities to explore the verdant paddy fields, charming local villages, and beautiful scenic routes. 

Galle is considered a very safe destination to visit. However, due to its increased population and visitors over the recent years, crimes against tourists are becoming more common, with petty theft and muggings. Take the necessary precautions when sightseeing, use common sense, and keep your valuables out of sight from pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like markets and tourist attractions. At night, stay in well-lit and populated areas, and use reputable transportation companies instead of taking rides from strangers. Be careful when walking at night, and don’t walk outside the main center of town. 

Shopping in the city of Galle can be enjoyed at many busy marketplaces, vibrant art galleries, local shops, small shopping centers and malls, and unique fancy boutiques. Galle’s vibrant market scene can be quite hectic, especially the Main Road Market bazaar that lines the street with brightly colored stalls and roadside stores spilling onto the busy street. Pedlar Street is decorated with a wide array of beautiful boutiques and art galleries, along with spice shops and gem stores. It is the perfect place to shop for the finest handicrafts, beautiful jewelry, and unique souvenirs. Many wonderful shops can now be found housed in old restored houses selling exquisite pieces of jewelry, sparkling gemstones, and more. Inside the Old Fort of Galle, the Portuguese cobblestone streets are brimming with graceful shops and petite stalls selling all kinds of goods. Stop by these fascinating shops and see the incredible collection of things they have to offer, wander the amazing avenues, and smell the aromas of the lane of restaurants nearby. 

The official language spoken in Galle is Sinhala, however, English is widely spoken by people working in the service and tourism industries. We recommend you get a good English-Nepal guidebook and familiarize yourself with a few common phrases, such as hello, goodbye, please and thank you, excuse me, and numbers 1-10. 

Galle features a tropical climate with warm weather and average temperatures around 80°F throughout the year. The city offers beautiful beaches, and the sea breeze offers a nice relief from the sun, so it never feels too hot or humid. The best time to visit is from mid-November to March, when there is less rainfall and the weather is pretty much perfect with clear blue skies and sunshine.

The currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (SLR). US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for Nepalese rupees upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the city.

The coastal seaside city of Galle does not disappoint when it comes to food. The city’s multicultural history allows visitors to enjoy a very diverse array of culinary delights. From fresh fish and seafood that are brought in daily by local fishermen, you can expect to enjoy delicious fresh crabs, prawns, mussels, clams, and squid. There are also some restaurants that will cook up your fresh catch of the day. You can purchase fresh fish or seafood at the local fish market, and take it to certain restaurants, and they will cook it to your liking. Many traditional restaurants offer Sri Lankan cuisine with curries and rice, as well as other popular local dishes to choose from. You can also expect to find plenty of opportunities to eat unique street food like kotthu roti, Ambul Thiyal, Kiribath, Watalappan, and Isso Vadai. Traditional Western restaurants are available, offering diners pasta, pizza, salads, and more. Many restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options.  

The nightlife in Galle offers a laid-back atmosphere with beach vibes; it’s not really a party town. Unawatuna Beach offers more of a nightlife scene, and Hikkaduwa town. There are numerous places to enjoy the evening, including waterfront restaurants, beachfront bars, rooftop lounges, and other unique venues. 

In the event of an emergency dial 118, 119, or 110

Hospital:

Asiri Hospital Galle tel. 94-914-640-640

National Hospital Galle tel. 94-912-232-267