For centuries Galle exuded a magnetic pull drawing the Portuguese, Dutch and British to its rocky shores. Remnants of their time are evident in the stately colonial buildings and museums found around the fort. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site lures visitors from around the world.
Best explored on foot, its twisty alleyways are home to heritage hotels, stylish boutiques and dreamy cafes and restaurants. Amongst these spot Buddhist temples, mosques and churches: a wonderful testament to the many diverse communities that call the fort home. Its ramparts come to life in the evenings as locals and visitors flock to the grass-covered edges to enjoy the cool sea breeze, an array of seafood snacks and watch the sun melt into the frothy Indian Ocean.
To experience the magic of the fort it’s best to bed down in a hotel within its walls. From high-end heritage hotels, and intimate villa properties to budget stays here’s a list to help you make a choice.
A tropical island, Sri Lanka enjoys warm weather all year round. Summers are hot and humid. While the monsoon brings some respite from the heat the humidity soars. The months of October to February are marginally cooler but see the most crowds.
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The10 best hotels in Galle for the perfect tropical vacation
A few spaces can rival the sense of history that the Galle Fort Hotel evokes. A former home of a gem merchant family: the Dutch mansion has been used as RAF barracks, served as a post office and a bakery. Following a long period of decay and neglect, the property was restored and began operations as a hotel in 2003. Soon after in 2007, it was awarded the UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Award of Distinction.
A striking Palladian colonnade and ceremonial arch are some of the key highlights of the grand interiors as is the peaceful inner courtyard dominated with flowering frangipani trees. Each of the 11 rooms is decorated with period furniture and fine antiques. After a day of sightseeing, return to the hotel and grab a seat at the street-view verandah. Their refreshing arrack-based cocktails will have you coming back for seconds.
User reviews:
Booking.com: 9.6/10
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
Agoda.com: 9.2/10
(Image Credit: galleforthotel.com)
- Address 28, Church Street, Galle Fort, Galle, Sri Lanka, 80000
Roughly located at the intersection of Pedlar Street and Rampart Street, The Bartizan offers guests both a chance of being right in the heart of the fort as well as staying a step away. Fall asleep and wake up to the sound of the crashing waves. The carefully restored Dutch period building houses 10 individually decorated rooms that feature a minimalist modern design.
A few have private balconies overlooking the fort’s ramparts and the ocean beyond. Sit down for a scrumptious breakfast on tables beside a creeper-laced wall in the common cobbled alley space. Spend the day exploring the fort and come back to catch your breath with some tea and freshly baked cake in the evenings. Closer to sunset, join the crowds on the ramparts across the hotel to watch Galle’s cinematic sunsets.
User reviews:
Booking.com: 8.8/10
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
Agoda.com: 9.1/10
(Image Credit: thebartizan.com)
- Address 77 Pedlar Street, Galle Fort, Galle, Sri Lanka, 80000
The Fort Printers – housed in an 18th-century mansion that was a former college and later, occupied by a printing company – is a fine boutique hotel right in the heart of Galle Fort. The enclosed street-view seating area is a great spot to indulge in some people-watching.
Firmly championing the minimalist modern aesthetic the rooms and common spaces are an epitome of understated elegance: think high ceilings, large windows, rich jackwood floors and a handful of antiques. Soak in the serene lap pool ensconced by flowering frangipani trees or kick back with a drink at the stylish 39 Bistro & Wine Bar.
Fresh seafood and local organic produce feature prominently in their limited but interesting menu: a mix of Mediterranean and Sri Lankan classics. Dinners are lavish affairs with a spread of exquisite grills.
User reviews:
Booking.com: 9.4/10
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
Agoda.com: 9.2/10
(Image Credit: thefortprinters.com)
- Address 39 Pedlar Street Galle Fort, Galle Fort, Galle, Sri Lanka
Following a careful 9-year restoration, Fort Bazaar opened its doors as a trendy heritage hotel inside the fort. Blending its rich history with a dose of modernity and fun, the hotel offers 18 contemporary rooms spread around a central elongated courtyard. The in-house restaurant Church Street Social is the beating heart of the hotel and attracts guests both for its delicious food and buzzy vibe.
Along with Sri Lankan staples of curry and rice, look for dishes that have a Middle Eastern influence. What sets the hotel apart is well-curated experiences both inside and outside the fort suitable to people of all ages. Sign up for a cooking class with a long-time fort resident or head into the dense Kanneliya Rainforest with a village tracker to learn about local flora and fauna.
User reviews:
Booking.com: 9/10
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
(Image Credit: teardrop-hotels.com)
- Address 26, Church Street, 80000 Galle, Sri Lanka
Occupying the largest building within Galle Fort, the statuesque Amangalla Hotel makes an impression even before you set foot inside. A stone’s away from the Galle Cricket Ground and right beside the Dutch Reformed Church, it has been the hotel of choice (formerly the New Oriental Hotel) for over 150 years. High ceilings, louvred windows and vintage furniture create an atmosphere of unhurried luxury.
Enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan meal or high tea at the Veranda: the all-day restaurant that offers a ringside view of Church Street. The complimentary guided walk is a highlight of a stay here. For some quiet, retreat further into the hotel: the swimming pool hidden deep within is an enchanting place to relax as is the spa that offers a range of Ayurvedic treatments. Taking its wellness offerings a notch up are two hydrotherapy rooms with hot and cold plunge pools, saunas and steam rooms.
User reviews:
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
(Image Credit: aman.com)
- Address 10 Church St, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka
A short drive away from Galle Fort the Why House is a charming villa property set in a tropical garden brimming with spice and fruit trees. Ten cosy rooms are spread across the standalone villas providing adequate privacy. The picturesque Dalawella Beach is a five-minute tuk-tuk ride away should you wish to hit the surf.
Inside, there’s a jade-green swimming pool, a yoga shala and plenty of open space to enjoy. The property’s pets are heart stealers and the kids are likely to spend all day following them around. Evenings are a special time and guests can look forward to wonderful traditional performances performed in the garden. In-house chef Henrietta serves up a feast and is happy to teach guests a dish or two on special request.
User reviews:
Booking.com: 9.9/10
Trip Advisor: 5/5
Agoda.com: 9.5/10
(Image Credit: Booking.com)
- Address Why House Iddamalawatta Mihiripenna, 80000 Unawatuna, Sri Lanka
Perched on a hillock overlooking the Indian Ocean, this Geoffrey Bawa (a renowned Sri Lankan architect) designed hotel is an ideal pick for families. Each of the 85 light-filled, spacious rooms and suites comes with a personal butler service and features Bawa’s signature tropical modernist aesthetic. Named after famous travellers who visited Sri Lanka, the themed suites are inspired by their home countries.
While the hotel ticks all requisites: a swimming pool, spa, tennis courts, gym and beach, it also offers unique ways to connect with the ocean. At the onsite Cetacean Information Center find out more about marine animals and their wondrous habitat through engaging exhibits. Follow this up with a guided walk along the sandstone reefs and rocky pools with the hotel’s resident naturalist and if you’re lucky spot a magnificent blue whale swimming in the waters.
User reviews:
Booking.com: 8.3/10
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
Agoda.com: 8.7/10
(Image Credit: jetwinghotels.com)
- Address Dadella Galle, Galle Beach, Galle, Sri Lanka, 80000
Mango House adds a pop of colour and fun to the more classic, heritage-led hotel scene of Galle Fort. Housed in a colonial mansion the hotel’s bunting festooned lobby is decorated with colourful cushions, potted palms, vintage furniture and quirky poster art.
A short walk away from Galle Fort’s famous attractions, Mango House is a spot of calm away from the hustle and bustle outside. Each of the bright and airy seven rooms comes with four poster beds, and some have private balconies that open out to the garden below. Breakfasts are a leisurely affair served either in the privacy of your balcony or on the ground floor verandah.
User reviews:
Booking.com: 9/10
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
Agoda.com: 9.3/10
(Image Credit: gallefortmangohouse.com)
- Address 03, Leyn Baan Cross Street, Fort, Galle, Galle Fort, Galle, Sri Lanka, 80000
This ocean-facing four-bedroom villa is a stylish address within the confines of the fort. Bright, airy and luxurious, this 19th-century mansion lends itself to slow living. Most of the fort’s attractions are a short walk away. When the heat or history overwhelms, return to soak in the dreamy pool.
With plenty of charming seating areas scattered throughout the villa, find one that speaks to you and curl up with a book. Mealtimes are a highlight as the in-house chef whips up a host of marvellous dishes: Sri Lankan classics of curry and rice, and hoppers as well as a variety of international ones served with a local twist.
User reviews:
Booking.com: 9.4/10
Trip Advisor: 5/5
Agoda.com: 9.3/10
(Image Credit: taruvillas.com)
- Address 25 Rampart Street, Galle Fort, Galle, Galle Fort, Galle, Sri Lanka, 80000
A stay at the stately Thambili House is akin to going back in time and living the life of a thriving merchant in Galle. A towering frangipani tree flanks the entrance to the house that features high wooden ceilings, antique furniture, elaborate floral arrangements and an imposing wooden staircase.
The three bedrooms on the upper floor hark back to a time of fine living with Ebony king-sized four-poster beds. Enjoy meals in the dining area overlooking the tranquil pool flanked by ochre, creeper-covered walls.
User reviews:
Booking.com: 7/10
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
Agoda.com: 9.3/10
(Image Credit: edwardscollection.com)
- Address No 70, Light House Street, Galle Fort, Sri Lanka., Galle Fort, Galle, Sri Lanka, 32350
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All currency conversions were done at the time of writing
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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
– What are the best stay options to explore in Galle?
Mango House, The Bartizan, Jetwings Lighthouse
– What are the top tourist attractions in Galle?
Maritime Museum, Dutch Reformed Church, the Ramparts
– What are the best things to do in Galle?
Go on a walking tour, enjoy a Sri Lankan meal in one of the stately heritage hotels
– What is the best budget stay option in Galle?
Mango House
– What are the most expensive stay options in Galle?
Amangalla, Galle Fort Hotel
– Are there any luxury resorts in Galle?
Jetwings Lighthouse
– Are there any private homestay options in Galle?
A number of villas within the fort can be hired.
– What are the best foods to explore in Galle?
Sri Lankan curry and rice, gelato, Middle Eastern cuisine
– What are the best hotels near the bus station in Galle?
Fort Bazaar Hotel
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