Galle Fort, located in the Bay of Galle on Sri Lanka's southwest coast, was first erected by the Portuguese in 1588, and then heavily strengthened by the Dutch from 1649 onwards. It is a historical, archaeological, and architectural heritage site that still has a polished aspect after more than 432 years, thanks to the refurbishment effort by the Sri Lankan Archaeological Department. The Galle fort is hands-down one of the compulsory places to visit in Galle.
Jungle Beach is a beautiful bay tucked in a forested environment located west of Unawatuna. It is one of Sri Lanka's hidden jewels, with everything you need to make your vacation remember. Due to its quiet location, the site preserves its pristine natural charm all year. Water sports such as snorkelling, scuba diving, swimming, boat rides, and more are available at Jungle Beach. The reefs that stick out of the water a few meters offshore are a good spot for snorkelling, as they present you to the region's unusual marine life. You'll see moray eels, crabs, barracudas, triggerfish, and a variety of other reef-dwelling critters in addition to schools of colourful fish. Whale watching, exploring ancient sites, jungle hiking, and many more things are available in Jungle Beach.
The Japanese Peace Pagoda, also known as the Unawatuna Peace Pagoda, is one of Sri Lanka's three Buddhist stupas, making it one of the most popular things to do in Galle. The stupa is a paperwhite dome that sits in the middle of a dense jungle near Unawatuna Beach. The circular deck and architecture, the golden Buddha statue, and the breathtaking views of the blue ocean make this a must-see in Galle.
The Rumassala Sanctuary is one of Galle's most popular tourist destinations. The refuge is home to a diverse collection of wild exotic plants, medicinal herbs, and lovely shrubs. Many uncommon bird species can also be found here in the wild. To get to the sanctuary, take the Jungle Beach Road, which runs along the beach and provides stunning views of the blue ocean. The Rumassala Hills offer breathtaking vistas, making it one of the top things to do in Galle for trekkers and wildlife lovers.