By train in Sri Lanka - a journey of unforgettable beauty! How to get from Colombo to Unawatuna on your own

Trains in Sri Lanka: timetable, map

For traveling long distances local population actively uses mainly two modes of transport - buses and railways. The total length of railway lines in the country is 1447 km.

The railway, like buses, is a very inexpensive and popular mode of transport in Sri Lanka. There are only three types of public transport in the country: railway, public and private buses.

Sri Lanka train schedule

The current train schedule can be found online, on the Sri Lanka Railways website. Pay attention to the type indicated in the schedule: it can be Express or local- the speeds of these types of trains are different and short cut, which takes 1.5 hours on an express train, it can take 3 hours on a local train. But there are pluses - local trains stop at all stations, and express trains often pass by small railway stations.

Map of railway lines of Sri Lanka

Full scheme railway lines islands of Sri Lanka. Rail service covers a number of popular tourist destinations: all southwest coast to Matara, Kandy, Peradeniya (Royal Botanic Gardens), Nuwara Eliya (railway station called Nanu Oya), Pinnawala (railway station Rambukkana), Hatton, Ella and on to Badulla, Jaffna, Mannar , Kalpitiya, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, etc. From the main transport hub of the country - the city of Colombo, by rail you can get to most major cities countries. Unfortunately, the railway branch to Hambantota has not yet been completed, only its first section to Beliatta was opened in 2019.

Resolution: 2000*3000.

Open the map of railway lines of Sri Lanka in a new tab.

Sri Lanka Railways Online Map

When planning a trip to the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka, remember that the railway connection is through Colombo, i.e. it is impossible to get from the resort town on the coast to Kandy without a transfer to Colombo.

Also, be careful with the departure time of trains at peripheral stations: trains can not only be late, but also arrive 15-20 minutes earlier than the scheduled time. Plan this time for waiting in order to avoid unpleasant situations.

Directions of the railway lines of Sri Lanka

1. Colombo - Matara (southwest), runs along the entire popular tourist resort southwest coast to Matara. A branch to Kataragama (next to Yala Park) involving resorts such as Dikwella and Tangalle is planned but not yet completed. For 2019, the section Matara - Beliatta (south) was opened, which runs along south coast island, is the first segment of the road Matara - Kataragama.
2. Colombo - Puttalam (northwest), the branch runs along the northwestern coast of Sri Lanka, passing through the resort towns of Negombo, Marawila, Chilaw. Close to Puttalam is the kite surfing resort village of Kalpitiya.
3. Colombo - Avissawella (center) relatively short railway line towards the center of the island.
4. Colombo - Jaffna (North) runs all the way to the north of the country, ending in Jaffna. The line was badly damaged during civil war, were destroyed, but have now been restored, in the areas of the cities of Vavuniya and Killinochchi.
5. Colombo - Mannar (North) goes to the northwestern part of the country, along the Mannar Peninsula, from which the Adam's Bridge begins (a chain of islands to Indian city Rameshwaram).
6. Colombo - Mihintale (north-central part) in the direction to the north of the island, through the city of Anuradhapura, which is part of the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka. The city of Mihintale is the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
7. Colombo - Badulla (center) goes to the central highlands of the country. Extremely popular with tourists, because. passes through many attractions of the mountainous part: the Peradeniya-Nuwara Eliya section of the path is famous for its landscapes (mountains, tea plantations), Hatton (Adam's Peak), part of the path runs through national park Horton Plains, the cities of Bandarawella, Ella (mountains, waterfalls, plantations), Demodara (Ella-Demodara bridge), to Badulla.
8. Colombo - Matali (center) the railway branch goes to the center of the country, a popular tourist destination, passes through the city of Kandy, which is one of the cities of the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka and the Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya, passes through the Pinnavelu (Rambukkana) elephant nursery.
9. Colombo - Trincomalee (east) goes through the center of the country to the northeast. Resort town Trincomalee is popular with tourists from May to September, during the season. The railway line is taking over tourist city Avukana, where the attraction of Avukan and Khabaran (tree houses) is located.
10. Colombo - Batticaloa (east) runs through the center of the country, to the northeast of the island, separates from the line to Trincomalee at Gal Oya and ends at Batticaloa. Popular with tourists traveling to the resort towns of Kalkud and Passikuda.

Train transfer stations

The junction stations connecting the railway branches are mostly very small cities, this should be taken into account when planning the route.

When we were planning our trip to Sri Lanka, we found out that one of the main attractions of the country is the train! Yes Yes, ordinary train. More precisely, an English train, since the railway, stations and the trains themselves were built under the British. Since then, they have been working properly to this day, being the main transport in Sri Lanka.

The main advantage of traveling by train in Sri Lanka is the beautiful views from the window and immersion in everyday life local residents. We decided to definitely take the advice to take a ride on the Sri Lankan train. And now I will tell you about everything you need to know in order to carefully plan such a trip - I will share the train schedule in Sri Lanka, the train map and their routes, and, of course, my impressions. Is it worth it to travel by train in Sri Lanka? Read all the details in the article.

A trip to Sri Lanka is unthinkable without the opportunity to ride on a Sri Lankan train. Trains in Sri Lanka are not an attraction, but a real one vehicle for the people. It suits everyone because of its cheapness and the ability to choose the level of comfort.

Trains in Sri Lanka come in three classes: Class 1 is more expensive and much more comfortable than the rest. Basically, foreigners ride in first-class carriages. The difference between class 2 and class 3 cars is small, they are best suited for budget travelers. The locals usually go there as well.

Most tourists take the train in Sri Lanka solely because of the opportunity to see the unusually inspired views from the train window. Basically they prefer one direction - in mountain country to drive past the tea plantations. But the trip from Colombo to Galle is also beautiful - the iron the way goes along the coast and you can admire the Indian Ocean.

Residents of Sri Lanka use the railway not only to ride the train between cities, but also to go on business between small villages. In the photo - Ella, Sri Lanka

And for other sights of Sri Lanka, tourists prefer to travel in comfortable buses (VIP-class, not the people's buses of Sri Lanka, which are just as uncomfortable and dirty as trains) or on rented vehicles with a driver or on their own.

Compared to trains in Myanmar, where the British also organized rail transport, the train in Sri Lanka is more reliable (and new trains have appeared in recent years!). During our we were not able to take the train. He just didn't come. As we later found out, this is a common occurrence there. In Sri Lanka, this almost never happens. Trains run slowly, but still run on schedule.

Boarding the train to Kandy
Inside an old 3rd class carriage

Railway map in Sri Lanka

A map of train traffic in Sri Lanka will be very useful to understand the route of the trip.

Sri Lanka Railway Map (clickable)

As can be seen from the diagram, four railway lines diverge from Colombo throughout Sri Lanka: to Matara, to Jaffna, to Avisavella and to Peryanagavilla. The remaining branches begin their journey in other major cities of the island of Ceylon. The most famous route that tourists are interested in is the train journey from Kandy to Badulla through the mountainous country.

In addition, a branch departs from Maho to Batticaloa (this is the eastern resort town), stopping by the ancient city of Polonnaruwa on the way. So you can definitely get by train from Colombo to Polonnaruwa, which is one of the peaks of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka.

Read also:

To find out which train is most convenient for you to travel in the right direction, it is best to familiarize yourself with the schedule of their movement in Sri Lanka. Knowing the exact Sri Lanka train schedule, you can easily change from one train to another and get inexpensively to almost anywhere in the country.

A convenient schedule for all directions is shown in the diagram. It also says in front of each city how long it will take to get from it to Colombo. And also the prices for tickets to all classes of cars are indicated: 1st, 2nd and 3rd. In my opinion, this is a very convenient scheme.

Sri Lanka trains have their own website - http://www.railway.gov.lk/ However, it is not particularly useful for travelers, since it is impossible to buy tickets online for them. But you can learn how to transport goods by train and read about the history of Sri Lanka's railways.

• Helpful information. You can see the current train schedule in Sri Lanka

How to buy a train ticket in Sri Lanka

Train tickets in Sri Lanka are in most cases easy to buy just before the train leaves. It's very simple. You need to arrive at the station in advance, go to the ticket office, pay for the ticket and get on the train to an empty seat (if there is one). All this applies to 2nd and 3rd class cars. If you do not sit down at the departure station, then most likely you will have to ride standing up.

You can buy tickets for 1st class carriages on a train in Sri Lanka in advance. Ticket sales begin 30 days before the date of the intended travel. Online booking is not possible. You can only buy while in Sri Lanka. In Colombo, you need to come to Fort Colombo to office 17. In other cities and at other stations, the same rule applies. You can also call by phone and book a seat in the 1st class carriage, but only in the direction of Colombo - Kandy. Keep in mind that 1st class tickets sell out very quickly.

How to book a train ticket in Sri Lanka?

You need to call 365 from a local Mobitel SIM card (the national provider of Sri Lanka) and book a seat on the train for the desired date and time. Soon you will receive an SMS with your number. When you arrive at the station, you will need to show this number to the station supervisor or directly at the Mobitel office. You will immediately be given a ticket (M-ticket). The money for the ticket will be debited from your mobile account.

Advice. Very often, travelers leave the train station upset, because they heard that the train was full and there were no tickets. However, this only means that all 1st class seats have been bought out. 2nd and 3rd class tickets are still on sale. It's just that many Sri Lankans can't believe that the white misters will ride with them.

Stunning views from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya train

Which cities can be visited while traveling by train in Sri Lanka

Any trip to Sri Lanka starts in Colombo or Negombo, the closest to international airport Baidanaraika cities. Let's start our acquaintance with the country from its capital - the city of Colombo. Or rather, from Fort Colombo, the main station of the country, from where trains diverge in all directions.

Fort Colombo on the map

North direction: Kandy - Anuradhapura - Jaffna.

• If you go to the north of Sri Lanka, then it is worth getting off the train at here to visit the colonial city around the lake and famous Temple Buddha tooth. Very close by is located, which we personally really liked with its rich collection of various plants - trees and flowers. And of course, it is also worth it to get off at the station and spend one day in the ancient city. End station - jaffna- the capital of the Tamils, may be of interest to those tourists who study all aspects of the life of the country.
• From Fort Colombo you can also go in the direction Negombo and to Peryanagaville station. The interval of trains is every hour.
• A relatively small section of the railway was built from Colombo to Avisabella. Trains run here several times a day.
• From the station Medavaccia begins a new branch - to the island Mannar. The train runs twice a day.

Train to the east coast of Sri Lanka: Maho - Polonnaruwa - Batticaloa and Trincomalee

From the northern branch that goes to Jaffna at the station Maho you can go to eastbound, on the coast. On the way to the resort Batticaloa the train stops at . And in Gal Oya you can take a train to Trincomalee, where to sunbathe on almost virgin beaches, which, in comparison, have their own unique flavor.

The most popular train route from Kandy to Ella through the mountain country

Most of the tourists travel around Sri Lanka by train along this route - from to Ella. Although the final station of this route is the city. Why is everyone ignoring Badulla? The colonial city does not outperform Nuwara Eliya in terms of legend and the number of tea plantations and loses to Ella in picturesqueness. Although there is nearby, and for the sake of it, Badulla is still worth a trip.

So, the train starts from Kandy and travels along the route: Hatton(exit for Sri Pada, Adam's Peak) - Nanu Oya (this is the name of the station next to Nuwara Eliya, you need to get off here) - Ohiya(exit to visit Horton Plains Park) - Ella - Badulla.

This is how the train journey from Kandy begins
Our fellow traveler is a Sri Lankan baby

Tourists dangle from the running boards to take pictures of the beautiful views.

Galle (pronounced "Gall" by the locals) - city full of stories and legends, the walls of its fortress are imbued with the courage of warriors who fought for these lands, and the surviving houses still remember the oppression of the centuries-old domination of foreigners, and the most recent grief of families who lost their loved ones in the 2004 tsunami. However, there are no less joyful pages in the life of the city. Despite the trials that befell this small settlement, there lives hope and courage that shaped the spirit of these places, and of course, the faith that always lives in the hearts of local residents and supports them in any situation.

According to my personal feelings, Galle is a point on the map for real men, here you can find entertainment for every taste. And now, of course, I don’t mean the pleasures a la Pattaya, but I’m talking about aesthetic, cultural and sporting events.

But for lovely ladies, there will also be entertainment here - after all, the sea and the sun are everywhere in Sri Lanka. And an excursion into the history and architecture of the city will be successfully complemented by inexpensive shopping in local shopping malls and markets. By the way, even in biblical times when Galle was called Tarshish, it was from this port that King Solomon exported gems to his legendary treasuries. Perhaps, among all the variety of jewelry, you will find something for yourself.

How to get there

Any city in Sri Lanka from Russia can only be reached by plane. Directly from Bandaranaike Airport to get to Galle will not work. First of all, you need to get to the Colombo Central Bus Station. You can do this on shuttle number 148. Transport can be found to the left of the exit from the terminal. Arriving in Colombo, you can then go by bus or train. The relevant train stations are within walking distance.

By train

There are 7-8 trains from Colombo to Galle during the day. The schedule can be viewed. Distance - 112 km. Travel time - 2.5 hours. Choice of 2nd or 3rd class of carriage comfort. Ticket prices vary - 1.3 USD (180 LKR) in 2nd class and 0.8 USD (100 LKR) in 3rd class. Travel for children under 3 years - free of charge, from 3 to 11 - half the cost of an adult.

The ticket price is fixed throughout the year and does not depend on the time when you purchase it.

Some carriers have the ability to purchase tickets via the Internet, for example, but the reservation still needs to be exchanged for a "live" ticket at the station. In addition, such routes are organized only between major cities. And if you need to buy tickets for non-intermediate stations, then this can only be done at the ticket office of the railway station directly in front of the train. Advance ticket sales start 45 days in advance and are conducted at special Reservation Offices, which are available only in Colombo and major cities.

By bus

The capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, and the city of Galle are connected by several bus routes.

• First of all, express bus EX001 which departs from Maharagama. This is one of the areas of greater Colombo. You can get to the stop from Colombo Central Bus Station by buses 112 and 138. Since this bus goes along toll road Southern Expressway, the travel time is only 1 hour, and sometimes 45 minutes. This is the most fast way get to Galle. The ticket price is 3 USD (420 LKR), and the departure goes every 20 minutes, starting at 5 am and ending at 20.40. Tickets are purchased directly from the conductor on the bus.
• Another bus option to Galle is route EX 1-21, which departs from the stop Kadawatha (Kadawatha). Buses also start their movement at 5.30 am. The cost of a one-way ticket is 3 USD (420 LKR). Travel time is only about 1 hour, as the bus goes on a toll highway.
• Optional express route option in Halle - EX 1-23 from Kaduwela. It is also one of the districts of Colombo. The first bus leaves at 6 am and leaves for Galle every 40 minutes. The fare is 2.7 USD (400 LKR).
• Buses also leave from Colombo Central Bus Station route 02 that go along the picturesque ocean coast to Galle for about 3 hours. Of course, this option is not the fastest, but the buses leave all the time. Including you can find an option with air conditioning (see AC on the plate).

Routes EX 1-21 and EX 1-23 are suitable for those who spend a few days in Colombo, living near these areas, and then go to the coast, for example, in Galle or Matara. I still advise you to choose options EX001 or 02.

Description of routes and tariffs on the official website.

By car

From the airport by car, you can get to Galle in 2.5-3 hours (toll road) or 3.5-4 hours along the coast along Galle Road. At the same time, the distance to be overcome is about 160 km. I still recommend using toll road E03 (from the airport) and E01 to Galle (Pinnaduwa exit). The cost of using 2 paid autobahns on the way to Galle will be 1.3 USD (200 LKR) plus 3.2 USD (500 LKR). You can read more about tariffs. Also consider the cost of gasoline. The average price of 1 liter in Sri Lanka is 0.77 USD (120 LKR).

You can also get there by taxi. At the exit from the airport, there are a lot of people who want to let you down, but if you have chosen this most expensive, but the most comfortable way of transportation, I advise you to use the standard Bandaranaike airport taxi service. The fare will be: 55 USD (8650 LKR) for a car without air conditioning or 60 USD (9500 LKR) with air conditioning.

Clue:

Galle - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow - 2:30

Kazan - 2:30

Samara − 1:30

Yekaterinburg - 0:30

Novosibirsk 1:30

Vladivostok 4:30

When is the season. When is the best time to go

The weather in Galle is stable, but quite hot - around 30 degrees. Although this does not affect visiting the main attractions, so you can come here at any time of the year.

Basic tourist season on the southwest coast, where Galle is located, lasts from December to April. From May to November there are small, but heavy rains, and the sky is not as azure as in other months.

Galle in summer

The most windy time is in summer, when the rainy season approaches. The waves on the ocean are raging. The air temperature during the day is +30, and at night +27.

Halle in autumn

Rains continue in Galle in autumn, but by November the weather is getting better and better. At the same time, it still feels cool at night. The air temperature during the day is +31, and at night - +25.

Halle in spring

The hottest period in Galle is spring. The temperature during the day is +32 and above, and at night - +27.

Galle in winter

Winter - best time for travel to Sri Lanka, including a visit to Galle. Sunny and dry. Weather during the day +31, and at night +24.

Galle - monthly weather

Clue:

Galle - monthly weather

What are the prices for holidays

The old part of Galle near the fort is touristic, so prices are 20-30 percent higher than in the new part - behind Galle Road. Most likely you will be passing through the city, so there is no point in going somewhere in search of a cheap cafe. Inside the fort, between sightseeing, you can often find interesting cafes and restaurants. Don't waste your time stopping here for lunch or dinner. If you stayed in Halle for more than a day, then a summary of prices in supermarkets and cafes in the city may come in handy:

• Business lunch - 4.5 USD (700 LKR)
• Lunch in a cafe - 10-15 USD (1500-2300 LKR)
• Dinner in a restaurant - from 20 USD (3000 LKR)
• Water 1.5 liters - 0.5 USD (80 LKR)
• Local beer 0.5 l - 2.9 USD (450 LKR)
• Bottle of table wine - 13 USD (2000 LKR)
• Cocktail in a bar/club – 8 USD (1200 LKR)
• Assorted fruits 1 kg - 0.3-1.3 USD (50-200 LKR)

A simple accommodation option in the old part of the city will be 20-30 USD (3000-45000 LKR). Excursions in Halle for 3-4 hours with a Russian-speaking guide - 70-80 USD. You can save money if you see all the sights on your own. Read this article first.

Clue:

The cost of food, lodging, transportation, etc.

Currency: Rubles, rub. Dollars, $ Euro, €

Main attractions. What to see

Top 5

Beaches. Which is better

The beach in the city of Galle itself is small, dirty and rocky. Only locals swim here. Good beach holiday you will find in . This is a neighboring village good areas relaxation and stunning lagoon. When they mention on the Internet that there are good beaches in Galle, they mean this particular area, 5 km east along Galle Road. You can get there by bus or tuk-tuk in 15-20 minutes. You can read more about the beaches of Unawatuna.

Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit

Each period of the colonial past left its religious traces in Halle. In particular, inside the fort you can find Dutch, Portuguese, Anglican churches, and of course Buddhist temple.

Dutch Reformed Church

The oldest church of Galle is located in the historical part of the city inside the fort. It was built in 1754 at the own expense of the wife of one of the commanders, as a thank you for the birth of a child. Previously, only the military were among the parishioners, but now anyone can enter. Inside, above the entrance there is an old organ, on the floor, according to the Catholic tradition, tombstones of wealthy local parishioners 100-200 years old, bright stained-glass windows on the windows. In general, the church, which has survived so many years, historical eras and rulers, leaves a positive impression and helps to look into the past of Halle.

All Saints Church (All Saints Anglican Church)

Of all the temples of Galle, the most popular is the Anglican Church of All Saints. Perhaps the most attractive is the style of her performance - Victorian with elements of Gothic. In the basilica, opened in 1871, services are still held to this day, and all cataclysms, including the tsunami, bypass it. The special elegance of the interior decoration is betrayed by carved wooden columns and arches. Many decorative elements are made of durable teak, so this monument of the colonial era was able to survive intact to this day.

Meeran Jumma Mosque (Fort Meeran Jumma Masjid)

A typical postcard or photo from Galle is a lighthouse and a mysterious white building against the backdrop of the ocean and blue sky. This is the main mosque of the city of Miran Jumma. True, from a distance it looks more like a Catholic church or some kind of European building (the Portuguese baroque style speaks for itself), but close up you can see all the attributes and symbols of the Muslim faith. Since the mosque is active, only men can visit it. The interior is designed in light colors, which give the building the lightness of a cloud. Women can admire this architectural object only from the outside - snow-white carved arches, towers and portals.

Museums. Which are worth a visit

The Galle museums are located in the northeastern part of the fort.

Maritime Museum (Galle Maritime Archaeological Museum)

This is the main museum of the city. It is located above the Old Gate of Galle Fort in a former Dutch warehouse from the second half of the 17th century.

As part of the exhibition, you can see samples of the fauna and flora of the marine ecosystems of the southern seas - from mangroves and coastal plants to corals, deep-sea fish and large mammals. Children will be interested in the huge whale skeleton.

It will also be informative to look at the dioramas on the life of fishermen, their fishing activities, ships used for passenger transportation and maritime trade. There is also a modern track - exhibits showing the causes of ocean pollution and ways to deal with this disaster.

The museum also has a repository of artifacts from ships sunken near Sri Lanka - utensils, maps, barrels, ropes, weapons, pipes, etc., some of them are over 800 years old.

The museum is open from 9.00 to 17.00, except Sundays, Mondays and public holidays. Ticket price: adult - 2 USD (300 LKR), child - 1 USD (150 LKR).

Historical Mansion Museum

Behind this loud name is private mansion, which has a large collection - antique dishes, household items, watches, tools and gramophones, old cameras and typewriters, coins, stamps and chests. The exposition ends with stone-cutting tools and a small workshop where jewelry is made. It's interesting to watch, but the guide, which is provided for free, all boils down to you buying something from precious stones and decorations. If this circumstance does not bother you, then look here.

Entrance to the museum is free.

parks

Dharmapala Park is within walking distance of Galle Fort. The road to this small green corner, located on the ocean, lies through the Butterfly Bridge. The park is named after King Dharmapala, a staunch ally of the Portuguese who colonized the island in the mid-16th century. Mostly local mothers walk on playgrounds with children. Sometimes events for children and schoolchildren are held here - concerts, dances, etc.

The current view of the park was formed after the 2004 tsunami and maybe the greenery is not as lush as it used to be, but nevertheless you can spend about an hour here relaxing in the shade of the trees. The park is under the jurisdiction of the relevant ministry, so they approached its design wisely, although, of course, it cannot be compared, for example, with.

What to see in 1 day

1 day is enough to see the sights of Galle. Moreover, you can go the whole way on your own and on foot. Of course, if you wish, you can use the local tuk-tuk, which are here on every corner and at every attraction. I offer you the following plan of action, which you can vary and supplement depending on your preferences.

The first thing to do is to go around Galle Fort along the perimeter, then make the second circle, seeing the main sights, and then take a free flight through the streets of the old part of the city, look into souvenir shops.

• 8.00 - in the morning go around the perimeter of the Fort, it will take no more than 1-2 hours; along the way, visit the Meeran Jumma Mosque (Fort Meeran Jumma Masjid) and the Lighthouse (Galle Lighthouse).

• 10.00 - Dutch Reformed Church and All Saints Anglican Church. Go inside, feel the atmosphere and find 10 differences.
• 11.00 - Maritime Museum(Maritime Archaeological Museum). An hour to see the exposition will be more than enough.
• 12.00 - Lunch at a restaurant in the old town.
• 13.00 - A small Buddhist temple inside the Fort.
• 13.30 - International Cricket Stadium and Dharmapala Park.

• 14.30 - We go to the main shops and markets - first in the old part of Galle, then we return to the new part, where we have dinner at sunset in a restaurant overlooking Galle and the ocean. You will need a tuk-tuk to get to the restaurant.

What to see in the surroundings

There are many interesting places to visit in Sri Lanka. Practically every province is famous big list attractions. Galle and neighboring cities are no exception. I offer only a few options for what you can see in the area:

• fishing in Balapitiya (35 km);
• folklore museum in Koggala (16 km);
• Peace Pagoda in Unawatuna (6 km);
• mask museum in Ambalangoda (32 km);
• lighthouse in Dondra (53 km);
• Sinharaja rainforest (97 km), etc.

I would like to talk about the latter separately, since this attraction, like Galle Fort, is included in the list world heritage UNESCO. The Sindharaja Game Reserve is home to over 50% of Sri Lanka's endemic mammal and butterfly species, as well as many species of insects, reptiles and rare amphibians.

The best period to visit is from December to April. There is plenty of rainfall in this area, and it is not safe to travel through the forest during the rainy season. The entrance fee to the park is 4 USD (600 LKR). Be sure to take a guide, because there are a lot of living creatures in the forest and you need to go through it only along proven paths. An organized tour from Galle to Sinharaja forest will cost about 50 USD. If you decide to get here on your own, then the distance from Galle to the Sinharaja forest is about 97 km. It is more convenient to drive up from the city (Deniya).

Food. What to try

There are many places in Galle where you can have lunch or dinner in a chic atmosphere, but there are also more modest, but with tasty and inexpensive dishes. Often restaurants are located in hotels of the same name. Therefore, you can go for lunch or dinner at any hotel. If there are any restrictions, then the guards will inform you about it at the entrance.

Eateries, cafes and restaurants in Galle serve both local and European, Chinese and Arabic cuisine. There are also a number of highly specialized institutions, for example, based only on French. Each cafe and restaurant has its own features and features, with which they try to stand out from competitors and attract as many visitors as possible.

If you live in an apartment or a guest house and cook on your own, then the addresses of the main grocery stores and supermarkets behind the tourist part of Galle will come in handy.

I also advise you to look at the local Green Market, where you can buy fruits and vegetables. The assortment on the market is large, and the rows look more neat than usual street markets. Here you will be helped to pack fruit in long way before flying home. Most importantly, don't forget to bargain!

Rows are located not far from the fruit fish market Municipal Fish Market, where you can find everything your heart desires. If you cook on your own, then this is a great find. The freshness and variety of fish and seafood will pleasantly surprise you, and the prices are much cheaper than in restaurants.

I noticed that Europeans often eat burgers. Of course, it is very difficult to find decent ones, but it is possible in The Original Rocket Burger. Fans of this fast food praise. The price of a burger is from 3 USD (900 LKR).

Lucky Fort Restaurant is not only the best Sri Lankan cuisine in the perimeter of Galle Fort, but also the cheapest. The average check per person is 7 USD (1000 LKR). As for Arabic cuisine, I can recommend Chambers Restaurant. The price range is about the same.

There are more iconic places in Galle, which are often mentioned in guidebooks. I looked into them, and I advise you to do the same:

• The Old Railway Cafe - and a cafe with various cuisines, and a souvenir shop, clothes and various designer stuff. The proximity to the railway station gives a good flow of tourists to the establishment. Chefs cook from fresh products and very quickly, and they also sell delicious cakes here. After a hearty meal, hands are reaching out to buy something in the store. Probably, this was the calculation of its owners.
• The Ladyhill restaurant (at the hotel of the same name) serves Sri Lankan cuisine, quite hot due to spices, but moderate in prices. I advise you to try curry and fish and seafood dishes. Portions are large, often one is enough for two. And most importantly, since the restaurant is located on a hill, you can enjoy a magnificent view of Galle.

Budget

Eateries and cafes with an average check of 2-7 USD (300-1000 LKR):

• Lucky Fort Restaurant
• Spoon's
• The Blockhouse
• Cafe Punto
• Indian Hut
• Cafe Hula Hula

Intermediate level

Establishments with an average check of 10-20 USD (1500-3000 LKR):

• Chambers Restaurant
• Crepe-ology
• Pedlar's Inn Cafe
• The Shack Beach Cafe
• Poonie's

Expensive

Restaurants haute cuisine, or located at expensive hotels with an average check of 20 USD (1500-3000 LKR) and more:

• The Fort Printers
• Amangalla
• Galle Fort Hotel Restaurant
• Jetwing Lighthouse
• Nihal's
• The Sun House Restaurant

Holidays

Each season in Galle has its own holidays and events.

• In January, you can participate in the Literary Festival (Galle Literary Festival). An annual event with an extensive program not only for professionals, but also for lovers of literature. Here you can meet both novice authors and Nobel, Booker, Orange, etc. laureates. Lovers of literature foreign languages can buy interesting copies at the fair, as well as watch scenes from works performed by local actors.
• In March, the Great Night of Shiva takes place. You can see how Hindus perform sacred rituals in temples during this one of the most important Hindu festivals.

• April is traditionally associated with the Sri Lankan New Year. By the nature of the holiday, treats, festivities of the Sri Lankans, it is very reminiscent of our Maslenitsa, but has its own national characteristics.
• May holiday Vesak Poya (Vesak Poya) is celebrated throughout Sri Lanka, including in Galle. This is a full moon day associated with the birth, enlightenment of the Buddha. I call this day the Lantern Festival. Everywhere hang openwork lanterns, garlands, sometimes of a huge size, on mechanical drives. In a word, captivating.

• Halle also hosts a film festival. Moreover, with a special moral connotation, which is typical for Sri Lankans. One of the December weeks is devoted to film demonstrations, seminars, discussions about the influence of society and the environment on human behavior and values.

Safety. What to watch out for

The cost of souvenirs that are often bought in Galle:

• Tea - from 1.3 USD (200 LKR) for regular and 4 USD (600 LKR) for elite (100 gr);
• Spices - from 0.3 USD (50 LKR);
• Coconut oil - from 2 USD (300 LKR) per 100 ml;
• Coins - from 1 USD (150 LKR);
• Jewelry - from 10 USD (1500 LKR) and up to infinity.

How to move around the city

Inside the Fort in the old part of the city, it is best to move around on foot to see everything carefully. To move around the city along the coast towards Unawatuna (Unawatuna) or Rathgama (Rathgama), it is better to use a bus or tuk-tuk. On the latter, you can easily move inland.

Buses

Most cheap way moving along Galle Road with neighboring cities- It's a bus. The fare is 0.03-0.2 USD (5-30 LKR) depending on the distance.

Galle - holidays with children

Walks in Halle will be of interest primarily to boys. They are happy to climb around the Fort with its towers and trenches, presenting themselves as pirates or medieval travelers at the end of the world. It will also be exciting to see the cricket teams at the Galle International Stadium, the best country. And if the children are sad and want to go to the sea, then only 6 km from Galle, which means that the best place on the coast of Sri Lanka is always at hand for children to relax.

Your trip will be great if you follow the basic safety rules. And be careful if you go to the city with children, because Galle is quite busy in terms of traffic.

The nearest airports to Galle are 2 international - Bandaranaike ( Bandaranaike International Airport , code - CMB, 148 km. from the city) and Ratmalana (Ratmalana Airport, code - RML , 103 km. from the city). There are no direct buses and trains from the airports to Galle, so the traveler will first need to get to Colombo and continue there.

At Bandaranaike Airport, you can order a taxi to Galle at the counters of local carriers located in the arrivals area. The journey by car takes 3-3.5 hours, and the cost of a trip to Halle by taxi is 9000-12000 lan. rupees (2390-3187 rubles).

How to get to Galle by bus

Galle is connected by bus routes to all major cities in Sri Lanka. The most popular way to get to Galle for most tourists is to take an intercity bus (or shuttle minibus) departing from Colombo's main bus station Pettah Bus Stand.

The bus fare from Colombo to Galle is 300-350 lan. rupees (80-93 rubles), and travel time - 3-4 hours. Minibuses get to Halle a little faster (using the E1 expressway), but the fare is much more expensive - 500 lan. rupees (133 rubles).

The central transport point in the routes of intercity and local buses in Galle is the city bus station.

Galle bus station

Address: Galle Central Bus Station, Colombo Rd., Galle, Southern Province 80000, Sri Lanka
Phone: + (94 9) 139-385-75

Galle Central Bus Station, after a significant reconstruction and modernization in 2011, has become the largest bus station in all of Sri Lanka. The length of the Galle bus station terminal is 168 m, and the number of platforms is 29.

Galle bus station on the map

How to get to Galle by train

Galle is an important junction station on the "Coastal Line" of the Sri Lankan railway network going from Colombo to Matara. Daily from main to central station Galle makes flights of 5-10 trains, spending 2.5 hours on the way (tickets - 100-350 Sri Lankan rupees). You can see the Colombo-Galle train schedule.

Galle railway station

Address: Galle railway station, Colombo Road, Galle, Southern Province, Sri Lanka
Phone: +(94 9) 122-322-71

Train Station Galle is located in the city center, next to the Fort, the town hall and the main bus station. His terminal is beautiful building with smoothly curved lines in the art nouveau style, next to which is a grocery supermarket.

You can get from Colombo to Unawatuna comfortably by taxi, as well as budget by train or bus. The cost of a taxi to Unawatuna is no more than $ 60 from Colombo, from the airport they take an average of $ 70-90. The cheapest way to get there is by rail - $1-2 per person. Buses will cost about $5-7.

How to get from Colombo to Unawatuna by bus

At the bus station in Colombo we find the Galle or Matara buses. On buses English letters these cities are written. As a last resort, you can ask one of the barkers. The city of Galle is called "Gol" by the locals. Buses to Galle run more often, but you will have to change in this very Galle. The bus from Galle to Unawatuna costs 20 rupees per person. It is not difficult to find it, usually these are Galle-Matara buses or neighboring ones in the same direction. In any case, always check with the driver or conductor about Unawatuna.

Halle bus station

Taxi to Unawatuna from Colombo

If you arrive in Sri Lanka late in the evening or early in the morning, with children and large suitcases, then the 5-hour road to public transport in the heat will not give you pleasure, it is better to book a transfer from Colombo to Unawatuna. The fastest way to get to Unawatuna from Colombo is by taxi, because you need to travel by bus with transfers, and you also need to get to the train with a transfer. But keep in mind that you can and should bargain well with street taxi drivers, otherwise they will be ripped off at exorbitant prices. After a long flight it would be better to order personal transfer Colombo - Unawatuna and don't get on your nerves.

• Order a taxi to Unawatuna from Colombo >
• Taxi to Unawatuna from Colombo Airport >

Taxi fare from Colombo to Unawatuna

Train from Colombo to Galle

At the station we find the 6th path.

How to understand what class of wagon? On each wagon, near the doors, there is a number indicating the class of the wagon.

By train, you can get to Halle ("Gol"), then change to a bus. The bus station is a two-minute walk: we left the station building, turned left across the bridge, crossed the road and ended up at the station. The bus to Unawatuna costs 20 rupees per person. If you take a tuk-tuk, then the fare from Galle to Una is 150-200 rupees. The later the time, the more expensive.

The cost of a train ticket in the second class is 180 rupees. The third class is 2 times cheaper, suitable for state employees. Checked, you can live. Travel time is about 3 hours. There is a rush hour, then you have to go standing up. Who cares. To get from Colombo to Galle by train at the station, you need to climb the bridge and go to the 6th track. When a train comes up, the locals fight to be the first to get on the train and take a seat.

Also, if the train is to Matara, then you can drive a little further than Galle to the Unawatuna station, then take a tuk-tuk to your hotel. The cost of the trip is not more than 200 rupees. But not all trains stop there. At the Colombo Fort station, you need a 6th track. Do not forget to buy tickets, there are controllers on the way. This is what the tickets look like:

Second class carriage

Hotels in Unawatuna

Sea View Deepal Villa A room in a villa with a large balcony overlooking the ocean. There are large family rooms. Rating 8.4

Unawatuna sea ​​view hotel Air-conditioned rooms with a large balcony overlooking the ocean. Rating 7.5

Nature Villa Air-conditioned rooms, landscaped grounds and swimming pool. Rating 9.3

No Name Rest Guesthouse with good rating and reviews three minutes from the beach. Rating 9.2

Amaranthe Bay Resort(Calamander) One of the nicest hotels on the coast. Balcony overlooking the sea. Well-groomed territory, swimming pool, restaurant on the beach. Rating 8.7

The Grumpy Elephant Modern hotel, there are family suites and houses by the sea. Rating 7.9

french lotus Cozy rooms in a well-maintained two-story villa. To the sea 3 minutes walk. Rating 9.1