Galle & the Southern Beaches Holidays

Galle (pronounced 'gaul') is a showcase for the textures and colours Sri Lanka is famed for. Once a vital trading post on the spice route, the port town retains a delightful mix of Asian and European influences, with its old Dutch mansions and 17th century walls that surround the city. On any Galle holidays, make sure to walk along the old stone battlements of the Fort; stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, filled with small architectural wonders; stop at the fish market and enjoy a town where it can feel as if time has stood still. In addition to Galle, Bentota and Tangalle are the best beach holiday destinations in the island, and also excellent bases for exploring its major wildlife parks and cultural heritage. Galle is also the gateway to the coastal villages and sandy beaches of Unawatuna, Thalpe, Koggala, Habaraduwa and Ahangama. At Unawatuna specifically, the reef shelters more fish than the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. If you grow tired of lounging on the beach, local attractions include the Mulgirigalla Rock Temple and the Bundala and Uda Walawe National Parks, where animals including elephants, monkeys and water buffalo can be seen. Buddhist temples, tropical rainforests, and mangrove-lined lakes and waterways home to numerous species of birds and monitor lizards makes this area interesting for nature lovers as well.
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Galle & the Southern Beaches holiday ideas

A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started

  • One Country Sri Lanka - Mirissa - Yala - Galle

    Sri Lanka's Wild South - A Family Safari & Beach Adventure

    Discover Sri Lanka’s southern coast and wild plains on a family holiday that balances beach time, blue whales and big-game safari

    10 days, from £3700 to £4800

  • One Country Sri Lanka – Negombo – Anuradhapura – Jaffna – Sigiriya – Kandy – Haputale – Ahungalla

    Temples, Rainforests and Beaches - The Ultimate Tour of Sri Lanka

    Discover the best of Sri Lanka on this grand tour across ancient capitals, misty tea hills and palm-fringed shores

    15 days, from £5950 to £7700

  • One Country Sri Lanka – Colombo – Anuradhapura – Kandy – Tangalle – Ahungalla

    Sri Lanka in Detail - Luxury Villas, Artsy Hotels and Impressive Culture

    Explore Sri Lanka in style, from ancient temples and ruins in the Cultural Triangle to palm-fringed beaches on the south coast

    12 days, from £6200 to £8050

  • One Country Sri Lanka – Negombo – Wilpattu National Park – Dambulla – Madulkelle – Gal Oya National Park – Ahangama

    Culture, Community & Countryside - Birdwatching in Sri Lanka

    Seek out Sri Lanka’s remarkable birdlife, from endemic species to colourful and characterful birds, across the island’s diverse habitats

    14 days, from £6250 to £8100

  • One Country Sri Lanka – Negombo – Anuradhapura – Hill Country – Yala National Park – Weligama – Galle

    Highlights of Sri Lanka - From the Cultural Triangle to Galle Fort

    Immerse yourself in the rich wonders of Sri Lanka on this two-week tour of the country’s ancient sites and natural wonders

    15 days, from £8400 to £10900

  • One Country Sri Lanka - Negombo - Hatton - Gal Oya National Park - Yala - Weligama

    Tea Hills, National Parks and Pristine Beaches - A Luxury Sri Lanka Honeymoon

    Share a romantic fortnight of tea-tasting, safaris and blissful beach time with your other half on this luxury Sri Lankan honeymoon

    15 days, from £8900 to £11550

Galle & the Southern Beaches Guide

Practical advice and inspiration to help you prepare for your holiday

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Luxury Hotels in Galle & Sri Lanka's Southern Beaches

Sri Lanka testimonials

12 reviews
4.8 / 5
"Everything was very simple and easy - it was clear that Frances got to grips with what we were looking for and tailored it appropriately, building on her knowledge of the country. We did not need the Concierge but great to know they were there. One of the best holidays we have had!"
D - UK
Published on 12th August 2025
"Frances was excellent; always available, very helpful and gave good advice. She's a credit to your organisation. Our Concierge Rachel was very, very good. If we contacted her she came back promptly and was extremely helpful."
Amanda - Hertfordshire
Published on 17th March 2025
"The Concierge was a fantastic service, I cannot fault it. The guide who took us everywhere was so kind, thoughtful and patient and loved his attention to detail. "
Emma - Worcester
Published on 6th January 2025
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What you can find in Galle that you won't find anywhere else?

The fortified old town of Galle is enjoying an artistic renaissance and its revival has in turn influenced its coastline, whose turquoise seas and palm-fringed beaches are now home to super-luxury and charming boutique hotels where guests can enjoy a fabulous Galle holiday. Historically, Galle has been an important trading port, and various nationalities have all left an indelible stamp on the rich history and character of the town. Although an important cultural site, Galle Fort remains a 'living' monument with a thriving community within. Galle is also the perfect staging posts to explore other places along Sri Lanka's south coast.

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