Located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, Galle is known for its tropical beaches, crumbling ruins, and chic boutiques and architectural influence from the Portuguese, Dutch, and British as seen in St. Mary’s Cathedral with its towering, Victorian-style facade. Within the confines of the imposing Galle Fort ramparts — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — you can experience the National Maritime Museum and a handful of historic sites, reminders of the area’s past as an important spice trading port. Just outside the city of Galle, you can find an astonishing array of beaches, including the famous Unawatuna Beach and the lesser-known Bentota Beach. The lush landscape of the region is dotted with nature reserves and parks, such as the Sinharaja Forest Reserve and Rumassala Hill, making it a great place for hiking and bird watching too.

The region experiences a warm, tropical climate, making any time of year a good time to secure your Galle vacation rental. The dry season lasts from around October until April, offering sunny weather that is ideal for hiking or spending days on the beach. In January, Galle hosts a literary festival, which features many of the world’s most critically acclaimed authors. Although the dry season is a common time to visit Galle, the rainy season shouldn’t scare you away. It usually only rains for a few hours, leaving you plenty of time to explore the region. It is also an excellent time to wander around Galle right after the rain stops, as you can get some great photos of the city’s architecture reflected off the puddles.

Galle Fort

Built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, Galle Fort was enlarged substantially by the Dutch in the 17th century and nowadays you can find their coat of arms as you enter the main gate. Within the immediate area of Galle Fort, the historic center is complete with cobblestone streets and brightly painted buildings, as well as a 17th-century Dutch church and a late 18th-century lighthouse.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve

As the last remaining section of virgin forest in Sri Lanka, this breathtaking reserve features a huge array of flora and fauna, including more than 130 bird species. If you are lucky, you may be able to spot a purple-faced langur monkey or a giant squirrel while exploring this biodiversity hotspot.

Unawatuna Beach

Unawatuna is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular beaches, featuring an expanse of golden sand fringed with palm trees. The water is generally calm, making it a great place for swimming. At the end of the beach, there is a small hill with a pagoda and Buddha statue with wonderful views of the beach and the turquoise water of the Indian Ocean.