Galle Face Green, Colombo: How To Reach, Best Time & Tips

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Galle Face Green Overview

Explore Galle Face Green, Colombo’s vibrant oceanfront promenade. Stretching along the coast, this historic park invites visitors to enjoy breathtaking sunsets, local street food, and kite flying. Ideal for strolls and family outings, Galle Face Green offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban charm, making it a must-visit destination in Sri Lanka.

Galle Face Green, a popular urban park in the middle of Colombo in Sri Lanka, runs along the Indian Ocean. This ancient promenade, founded in 1859 by Sir Henry Ward, the then-Governor of British Ceylon, is known for its gorgeous views and energetic atmosphere.

Visitors at Galle Face Green can participate in a number of activities. The expansive lawn is ideal for leisurely walks, picnics, and kite flying. As the day progresses into the evening, the neighbourhood comes alive with food vendors selling native delicacies like isso wade (prawn fritters) and fresh coconuts, giving visitors a real experience of Sri Lankan street cuisine.

The spectacular sunset over the Indian Ocean is one of the park's greatest highlights, luring many who come to see the sky's brilliant colours. Galle Face Green also has the famed Galle Face Hotel, a colonial-era monument that adds to the neighbourhood's ambience and historical significance.

With its natural beauty, recreational activities, and historical landmarks, Galle Face Green offers a unique and enriching experience, making it an essential visit to Colombo.

Highlights

• Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Galle Face Green, where locals and tourists gather for leisurely activities along the scenic oceanfront.
• Enjoy breathtaking sunsets over the Indian Ocean, making Galle Face Green a perfect spot for relaxing with stunning photo opportunities.
• Savour authentic street food from numerous vendors, offering delicious treats like isso wade (prawn fritters) and fresh coconuts.
• Explore the historic Galle Face Hotel, a colonial-era landmark that adds charm and historical significance to your visit.
• Experience local culture through performances showcasing the lively ambience of Colombo's premier promenade.

How To Reach

There are a number of ways you can travel from the Colombo airport to the Galle face green.

Cab:

One of the fastest ways is to take a direct cab from the airport to the place. It will cost you around SLR 2000 to SLR 2500 and will not take more than 30 minutes to reach.

Bus:

If you are looking for a cheaper option, bus services from the airport are available that will drop you off at the nearest bus station from Galle. The journey, although long, will not cost you more than SLR500.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Galle face green is during the dry season in Colombo which is between the months of January and March. Although the urban park is open to the public all year round, during these months the humidity is much less and the atmosphere is far more welcoming.

During the day, one should visit the place between 9:00 AM in the morning and 6:00 PM in the evening. If you want to relax, unwind and enjoy the sunset, the best time you can visit the Galle face green is between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

Other Essential Information

Location: Galle Face Green, 56 Colombo - Galle Main Rd, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Timings: 24 Hours a day, all-day

Entry Fee: Free of cost

History of Galle Face Green

The notion for construction of the Galle Face Green was commenced in the late 18th century by Governor of the British Ceylon, Sir Henry Ward. A number of stories encircle the reason for the edifice of the place. Some believe that the Grand park was brought together as a place for "fair ladies" to take a stroll and enjoy a breath of fresh air.

While other tales tell that the Dutch made the enormous park, spread in more than 12 acres to defend themselves from any Portuguese invaders arriving from the sea. After years of treacherous work and labor, Galle Face Green was finally constructed in 1859.

Galle Face Green, since its inception, has been through a number of changes. Earlier the place served as a spot for many to enjoy adventures like Horse racing and admire recreational activities that included golfing and football.

The current state of the place is that of a public urban park. Many visit the place to enjoy the beach, local food and much more. Picnics are also one of the most commonly admired activities in the park apart from the number of events that happen here throughout the year.

Tips for visiting Galle Face Green

There are some necessary pointers one must consider before visiting Galle Face Green.

- Wear loose clothes, in other words, summer clothes as the humidity in Colombo can rise drastically, especially in the summertime.

- Make sure you enjoy the delicious local food served by vendors here. However, most of the dishes can be spicy so, if you are not a lover of spicy food, perhaps.

- Visit either early morning or late in the evening. Although the park is open 24 hours a day, the best time to visit it in the evening or early morning.

- If you are with your friends, you can get you can enjoy activities like football and volleyball.

- If you are here in the evening, wait till the sunsets to enjoy the soothing orange sky.

Galle Face Green FAQs

What time food vendors open? Are they open in the morning?

Food Vendors at Galle Face Green are in abundance. They open early in the morning and stay up till late in the evening. However, one would not be able to find a lot of them in the first half of the day. As the day passes and the sun starts to set, this is the time when maximum food vendors put up their shop in the Park. This is also because the park sees an upsurge of tourists in the evening when compared to early morning or day.

Does it take place every day or just on weekends?

Did not understand.

Is this place safe to visit with family?

Yes. In fact, Galle Face Green is one of the safest places to visit with family and the best way to enjoy the place is with family and loved ones. In the evening, around the time of the sunset, you will find a number of families visiting the place. With multitudes of activities to enjoy, delicious street food to eat and a mole space to relax and unwind, the place is quite simply, a ton of fun.

Are there any things to do for children?

Well, there is a lot to do for children at the Galle Face Green. With snake charmers, delicious local food stalls, a sea of toys and a large open area, the place redefines fun for kids. The best time to visit the place with kids is in the evening when it's thronged with vendors.

Is the beach safe for swimming?

No. Although, there are no restrictions on swimming at Galle Face Green it is better that you don't dive into the water here. The waves on the beach are strong and come in very often. Swimming in such conditions, especially if you are an amateur or a kid, would definitely not work in your favor. In other words, enjoy the sandy shore and beachside activities here but distance yourself from the water.