Blessed with pristine beaches stretching in never ending lines the holiday Mecca of Galle is the stuff of dreams for all beach lovers touring Sri Lanka. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site with many historical and colonial structures dating back centuries this vacation heartland is also a scenic landscape filled with tropical rainforests and larger than life forts. All of these attributes make Galle an intriguing holiday destination with a vibrant nightlife to match. Littered with chic bars and trendy restaurants located on the beach the night time distractions of this former colonial stronghold turned leisure hub are truly impressive.
Fine dining is almost a Galle tradition as the sheer volume of world class restaurants beckons food lovers from all walks of life to the stylishly designed interiors of the venues. Asian fusion and traditional Sri Lankan delicacies are the most popular items in the menu at five star diners such as Fort Printers and Amangalla while the Rampart Hotel Restaurant allows diners to enjoy their meals in view of the seashore. Just 200m from the Gall Clock Tower one stumbles upon the Seagreen Restaurant which is one of Galle’s premier seafood haunts. Fresh juices are also popular among seasoned patrons of the decidedly intimate Seagreen in addition to fried king prawns which are simply scrumptious. Affordable grub can be found Aruna’s Restaurant which also serves pizzas as well as conventional curries whereas Indian food hub India Hut serves chicken tikka masala as its signature dish.
Café style eateries in Galle include Peddler’s Inn, Royal Dutch Café, Serendipity Arts Café, and Mama’s Roof Cafe while Unawatuna beach boasts a variety of beach shack restaurants including Kingfisher, which specializes in Turkish fare, wraps and lobster dishes. Diners can eat al fresco under the stars at the Pipels House Café surrounded by a tropical garden which adds to the serene atmosphere of the eatery.
Those who wish to enjoy island themed cocktails and other spirits while touring Galle can drop in on any of its ultra modern bars which includes Dick’s Bar, Cardamom Café and The Zaal. The Sea Lounge and Dalawella’s Wijaya Beach are also worth exploring while the bohemian bars and pubs in Unawatuna are some of the livelier haunts in the southern coastal town.
Travellers in search of a luxurious hotel in Galle will find no finer alternative to Era Beach by Jetwing. Offering guests an elegant hideaway in the southern heartland of the island this stylish rest is one of the best Sri Lanka hotels in Galle.
