As you may already know, Sri Lanka is a heavenly island surrounded by the blue ocean. Thus, when you seek nature, you can experience the beauty and charm just around you, while you are here on this splendid island. However, among the most alluring parks in Sri Lanka, Galle Face Green, simply known as the Galle Face, ranks top. Indeed, it is one of the most famous beach parks that attracts hundreds of people each day.
If you have visited this park that stretches for half a kilometer along the coast of Colombo, you may know its magical power. Of course, it has some amazing capabilities to set your soul free through the rhythm of waves, the cool breeze, and the spectacular sceneries. Owing to these reasons, Galle Face has become a well-known destination for kids, teenagers, lovers, as well as kite flyers. Continue reading to know more about it!
Location of Galle Face
Beira Lake surrounds the Galle Face from the north, and the Indian Ocean borders it from the west. Further, you can find Galle Face Hotel in its South and the St Peter’s Church in its East.
Other than that there are some more significant landmarks to identify this beach park. In fact, the One Galle Face Shopping Mall, which is around 310 meters north of this park, Shangri-La Hotel, and the well-known Old Parliament Building make you realize that you are closer to this wonderful destination.
History of Galle Face
When we talk about the history of Galle Face, it takes us back to the eighteenth century. Exactly, it means that it has some association with the colonial era.
At that time, the Governor of British Ceylon was Sir Henry George Ward (1797–1860). He is the one who planned the initial structure of this park. He planned to build it on a larger scale than it exists today.
Besides, history reveals so many stories about why they built Galle Face. Accordingly, there is a belief that the Dutch built this park originally for military purposes. They used it as a way of enabling their artillery to fire against the Portuguese. However, according to another story, this place was built for fair ladies to get some fresh air.
Maybe you are wondering about the story behind the name “Galle Face”.
Records say that the name Galle Face was derived from the original dutch name which they used for fortifications. Besides, have you ever known that the Galle Face Green is the first place that Golf sport was introduced in Sri Lanka?
Yes! Back then the Governor of British Ceylon introduced the Golf sport to Sri Lanka. As per records, this park became the first place where the Colombo Golf Club was launched. Later it moved to Borella with the aim of attracting a larger audience.
Further, it is noticeable that the people have used this park to play some other sports like horse racing, cricket, polo, football, tennis, and rugby, in the past. Likewise, Galle Face has always been a significant icon in Sri Lankan history.
Present Significance of Galle Face
At present, Galle Face has a high ability to attract visitors, not only Sri Lankans but also tourists. Indeed, its location in the center of Colombo – the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, is one of the main reasons behind this popularity. A day in this park will allow you to see the sights and bright lights, explore the outdoors, witness the sunset scenery, and enjoy the best entertainment in the country.
Best Things to Do at Galle Face
So, now, let’s point out the main significant things that you can experience at Galle Face!
- Relaxing and Enjoying the Sunset
- Kite Flying
- Enjoying Street Food
As we have pointed the best amusements out there, let’s get through them briefly.
Relaxing and Enjoying the Sunset
The sunset that you are experiencing at Galle Face is romantic, beautiful, and attractive. Therefore, many visitors are coming here just to sit on a bench or sea shore and witness the sunset. By noon, when you are on the way back home after work is the most convenient time of the day to enjoy this. And yes, at this time, lovers sit together, enjoy some street food, and let that magic spark between them.
However, your age or your status is not a matter of visiting this wonderful place. All you have to do is just sit and relax. The vibrant sky that touches the blue waves, and the soothing wind will do the rest.
Kite Flying
Galle Face provides you with long stretches of sand to run along with sand and wind. And why not? The wind that blows from the ocean is simply the best. So, this place becomes a perfect place to fly kites. Owing to this reason, many kids, teenagers, and even well-grown people come to this place to fly their kites.
However, considering the weather and climate, many believe that the month of August is the best season for flying kites in Sri Lanka. Besides, it is the vacation month of school as well. Thus, people from different areas shade this park with numerous kites, especially during this time. Of course, if you can visit Galle Face in August, you can witness how people have converted the sky into a live glamorous picture.
Besides, various organizations host a number of national and international kite festivals in Galle Face during this season as well.
Enjoying Street Food
Galle Face is famous as one of the best places for street food in Sri Lanka. And yes, as the sun goes down street vendors are starting to spread the smell of yummy food throughout this land. You can taste a variety of street food like kottu, hoppers, short eats, pancakes, and most importantly saravita desserts if you visit there.
Nana’s Street Food is a well-known food stall here. You can get mouthwatering varieties of kottu like chicken kottu, mutton kottu, cuttlefish kottu, and vegetable kottu from this stall. Other than Nana’s food you can grab yummy dishes from food stalls like Street Wok, Sea Island Street Food Stall, and many more other street food huts.
Moreover, many visitors are coming to Galle Face to taste cuttlefish noodles and to have a bite of deviled seafood which are intensely yummy and spicy. And, the most important fact is you can afford them at a cheap price.
Significant Places Around Galle Face
By now, you already know that Galle Face is a fascinating place with lovely sea views, enticing history, delicious food, and impressive culture. Hence, it is clear that Galle Face has the ability to attract visitors.
Apart from the mentioned points, there are several other points that attract people to Galle Face. And yes, the significant places that it surrounds, make it a perfect stop for people to relax as they explore the city of Colombo.
Some of the most important places in the vicinity of Galle Face are as follows.
- Pettah
- Colombo National Museum
- Viharamahadevi Park
- Independence Square
- Modern Shopping Malls
- 5-Star Hotels
The following sections will provide you with good knowledge about these places.
1. Pettah
Pettah is simply the busiest area in Colombo. There are a large number of wholesale and retail stores, buildings, commercial establishments and so many other organizations, which makes this place one of the busiest. Besides, the Central Bus Station and the Train Station of Colombo are also located here.
Pettah is a word derived from Tamil; Pettai is an Anglo-Indian word used to describe a suburb outside a fort. “ Pita-Kotuwa ” is the Sinhala phrase that people use to call Pettah. It’s about 2.9 kilometers from Galle Face to Pettah.
The most noticeable building in Pettah market is the candy-striped Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque. It is also famous as the Red Mosque and has a history of more than a century.
Ghafoor Building is also a perceptible building in Pettah. This building is a four-story wedge-shaped building located on the corner of Sir Baron Jayatilaka Mawatha and Leyden Bastian Street.
Other than that, you may notice the following iconic attractions in this bustling city.
- Khan Clock Tower
- Pettah Floating Market
- Former Colombo Town Hall
- Kayman’s Gate
After all, Pettah is the best place to get the taste and sound of life in Colombo.
2. Colombo National Museum
Colombo National Museum reflects the pride in Sri Lanka’s history. In fact, this place educates the people about the history, cultural evolution, and heritage of Sri Lanka. This is also Sri Lanka’s first National Museum. Thus, the worth of visiting it is indeed high.
It takes approximately 3 minutes to drive from the National Museum of Colombo to Galle Face Green.
3. Viharamahadevi Park
Viharamahadevi Park is the largest and the oldest public park in Colombo. It consists of a large area with greenery, a children’s park, as well as amazing photography spots.
It is situated next to the National Museum and is in front of the colonial-era Town Hall building. There is a distance of around 4 kilometers from Galle Face to Viharamahadevi Park.
The name of this park memorializes Queen Viharamahadevi, the mother of King Dutugamunu. However, earlier this park was also famous as “Victoria Park ”.
4. Independence Square
Independence Memorial Hall which is also famous as the Independence Commemoration Hall is located at Independence Square in the Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs overlooks this place.
The architectural style of Independence Memorial Hall has increased the beauty of this place. And yes, many people visit this place to observe its ancient grandeur, as well as to spend some leisurely time. Besides, the surrounding area of this place is used as a jogging track. So, Independence square and its area are highly crowded mostly in the mornings and the evenings.
There is a distance of around 5.1 kilometers from Galle Face to Independence Square.
5. Modern Shopping Malls
Galle Face surrounds many of the popular shopping malls in Sri Lanka. Some of them are as follows.
- One Galle Face
- Crescat Boulevard
- Liberty Plaza
Among them, One Galle Face shopping mall is the latest addition to its surroundings, and it stands just in front of the park. It was opened on 8th November 2019 and is considered the largest shopping mall in Colombo. Besides, it is known as a mixed-use complex of buildings. However, One Galle Face Shopping Mall is no longer just a place to go to buy something, but a place with all the development of technology and entertainment.
You can find Crescat Boulevard also opposite the Galle Face park. So, you can simply walk to this shopping mall as well, and it is also a fine place to do some high-end shopping.
Liberty Plaza is around 2 kilometers away from Galle Face, and thus, the best way to reach there is by bus or a tuk-tuk. This shopping mall consists of a large variety of shops, from the normal to the high-end.
6. 5-Star Hotels
There are a number of famous 5-Star Hotels near Galle Face. And yes, this wonderful beach park acts as a free opportunity for anyone who arrives at the hotels that are located close by.
Some of the most famous 5-star hotels in the vicinity of the Galle Face are as follows.
- Galle Face Hotel
- Taj Samudra Hotel
- Shangri-La Hotel
- Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel
- Galadari Hotel
- Kingsbury Hotel
- Hilton Hotel
Now let’s dig into the interesting facts about the mentioned 5-Star Hotels.
Galle Face Hotel
Galle Face Hotel is one of the most paradigmatic hotels in Sri Lanka. And yes, it stands with majesty at the end of this wonderful beach park.
At first, this hotel started during the colonial era, as a Dutch Villa which was named Galle Face House. Owing to this reason, this place shows amazing shades of the colonial architecture style. However, later, in the 19th century, it had been called the best Hotel East of Suez.
Galle Face Hotel provides charming venues for events like weddings and meetings. Besides, here you can experience so many amusing services and facilities like a swimming pool, library, Croquet court, Concierge, museum, hotel history tour, fitness center, and authentic Balinese spa.
Taj Samudra Hotel
Taj Samudra is a luxury 5-Star Hotel in Colombo and it takes a 4-minute walk from Galle Face to Taj Samudra. And yes, this is one of the best places to experience the charm and urban lifestyle of Colombo.
TAL Lanka Hotels PLC owns the hotel and this hotel consists of 300 spacious rooms. At Taj Samudra, you can see an area of perfectly landscaped gardens. The services and facilities that they are providing for in-house guests include the swimming pool, free Wi-Fi internet access, pre-plan transportation services to plan guest rides, helpful staff at the front desk, concierge service, parking facilities, luggage storage, and safety deposit boxes, cleaning and laundry services, nice dining options from restaurants at the hotel, hotel’s bar and nightclub.
Shangri-La Hotel
Shangri-La Hotel provides a modern accommodation experience to the guests as it was built recently. And yes, it demonstrates another level of luxuriousness. In fact, this place is so special as it has the largest and most stylish event spaces. In addition, it also has 3 restaurants, 2 bars, 541 rooms, suites, and apartments. This includes Capital Bar and Grill, so here you can taste appetizing steaks and seafood grills with a wide range of whiskey.
It is 1.7 kilometers away from Galle Face.
Cinnamon Lakeside
Cinnamon Lakeside is a 5-Star resort in Colombo, located along the banks of Beira lake. It has a distance of around 2 kilometers from Galle Face.
Guests can experience eye-catching views of Beira lake and at night, you can see colorful city views with thousands of lights like fireflies. Cinnamon Lakeside provides extreme room facilities along with minibars, Wi-Fi, and cable TVs. Furthermore, Cinnamon Lakeside has an outdoor swimming pool, spa, gym, and an exclusive library. They have 3 restaurants and Royal Thai stands out among them as it is the only restaurant to receive a certificate of authenticity from the Thai Embassy of Sri Lanka.
Galadari Hotel
Galadari Hotel is at a distance of around 1 kilometer from the Galle Face park. So, yes, you can reach it within 2 minutes from the park.
This is one of the most ancient, yet classy hotels in Sri Lanka with a history of nearly three decades. Its rooms, restaurants, reception halls, as well as all the other additional facilities, make any of its guests experience a memorable stay.
Kingsbury Hotel
Kingsbury Hotel is just opposite the Galadari hotel, and thus has a distance of around 1 km from the Galle Face. This is also a modern hotel with top-class restaurants and accommodation facilities.
Hilton Hotel
There is a distance of around 1.5 kilometers from the Galle Face to the Hilton Hotel. So, yes, it is just a few minutes that you will take to reach this hotel from Galle Face.
Similar to other 5-star hotels, this too offers the perfect experience for its guests, with excellent meals, and all additional facilities, while having more than 300 guestrooms and suites.
So, now you can understand that Galle Face is an important traveling destination as it is surrounded by these luxury and outstanding 5-Star Hotels in the country.
What is GotaGoGama?
Currently, Sri Lanka is facing the country’s worst economic crisis since its independence in 1948. This crisis came up due to numerous intensifying unfavorable economical factors like money creation, Easter bombings in 2019, and the impact of COVID-19 pandemics. However, these factors are weakening Sri Lanka’s tourist trade which was a key source of earning dollars.
As a result, the authorities failed in providing the necessary facilities for the normal run of Sri Lankan lives. In fact, even at the moment of writing this article, millions of people are facing shortages of food, fuel, medicine, cooking gas (Liquefied petroleum gas), and going beyond, Sri Lanka is experiencing daily scheduled power cuts since the beginning of 2022, due to fuel shortages.
Because of these unfortunate situations, civilians started protesting. The massive protest against the Sri Lankan government began in March 2022, and the protesters demanded the resignation of then-president Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and key officials of the Rajapaksa family. “Gota go home” was a key slogan used by the protesters throughout this protest.
This was a peaceful protest with a gathering of all people irrespective of gender, age, and religion. Protesters gathered at Galle Face and day by day the number of protestors gathered around Galle Face increased. So, people started camping at the protesting area and they came up with a name for this protest site called “Gota Go Gama”. Over time, the citizens themselves facilitated Gotagogama with food, water, and medicine.
However, in August, the newly appointed president Ranil Wickramasinghe ordered the protestors to leave this place and clear out the protesting area.
How to Reach Galle Face?
Galle Face is a place that is easily accessible for tourists as well as for local visitors. In fact, there are numerous ways to get into Galle Face from any place in Sri Lanka.
There are buses to Colombo Fort from any major bus station in the country. Apart from that, there are so many trains which are passing through Colombo, or else you can hire a taxi like Pick-me or Uber to Colombo.
If you get to Pettah, or Colombo Fort, it is only 2.5 kilometers from Colombo Fort to Galle Face. From there, you can easily get a bus with the number 100 which goes along Galle Road and Duplication Road and you can get off from Galle Face.
However, if you are reaching Colombo from an area like Galle, Matara, Aluthgama, Panadura, or Kalutara, the bus that you take to reach Colombo Fort will go on the Galle road, where you can find Galle Face. If so, you can get down just in front of Galle Face, without going to Colombo Fort and coming back.
The Bottom Line
When we are framed in hectic day-to-day life busy schedules, we should find our own ways of relaxation. Besides, when you are traveling and feel a bit tired, you still need a soothing place for relaxation. And yes, Galle Face is perfect for all these!
In fact, it is a place where you can inhale the peace, and beauty of the city and exhale happiness. In other words, this place can give you deep lessons about life and humanity, and sometimes you may think how tiny you are when compared to all the things you are seeing around Galle Face. Moreover, it is one of the best places to observe Sri Lankan life, as it welcomes people of all ages, religions, casts, and statuses.
So, visit Galle Face to feel the sky above, sand below, and peace within. Happy and safe traveling!
