Visit Galle Fort

Galle is the nearest big town of historical interest to Surf South Sri Lanka HQ. Galle Fort has an amazing history – built by the Portuguese in 1620, reinforced by the Dutch, occupied by the British, and withstood the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami.

Another Sri Lanka UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is maze of narrow streets and period buildings, now a location of restaurants, boutiques and hotels. Wander round the ramparts, have a cup of tea on in the Great Hall veranda or enjoy an ice-cold beer or cocktail at sunset. There is a very European feel to the place with looming Dutch colonial mansions, a Lavazza coffee shop, Italian Pizzarea and some lovely modern rustic restaurants.

Shopping Tips for the old town.

Visit  Stick No Bills on Church Street, Galle Fort  and pick up a timeless poster from the Ceylon Tourist Board marketing of yesteryear, or invest in one of their rare vintage movie posters. (Limited prints are also available from Lion’s Rest Hotel.)

There are many Antique markets, tourist and jewelry shops tucked within the grid or converted colonial buildings. Some of the shops will expect you to haggle.

Galle International Cricket Stadium

Sri Lankan’s don’t like cricket, they love it! Galle hosts 35,000 capacity pitch, quite a size given that Lord’s is 28,000. Now we haven’t met any surf-cricket fanatics yet but we know you are out there so please get in touch.

Also Sri Lankan’s don’t like reggea, they love it! But thats another story, Jimmy Cliff found a connection. There are more Bob Marley decorated tuk tuks than you can imagine.