Galle Lighthouse

Built in 1938, this 26-meter white lighthouse marks the southeastern point of Galle Fort and remains operational. The lighthouse sits on Flag Rock, a popular spot for watching sunsets and ocean views. It replaced an earlier beacon destroyed in a fire and serves as a navigation aid for ships entering Galle Harbor. It ranks among Galle's most visited sights, and for good reason - most itineraries include it on day one.

You'll walk to the fort's edge where the white lighthouse tower stands against blue ocean backdrop. Waves crash against the rocky coastline below while the lighthouse beam sweeps across the harbour entrance each evening.

Capture the classic image of Galle Fort with this working lighthouse framing ocean sunsets. That puts it near the top of any Galle visit, and it deserves the spot. Combine it with Flag Rock and Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct - they are close enough to walk between and together make the strongest half-day in Galle. Afternoon tends to work best here.

It is in the Galle Fort part of Galle. See where it ranks among the things to do in Galle. The Galle guide covers transport, costs and when to go.

We plan trips to Galle and the rest of Sri Lanka. Tell us your dates and we will put a route together. Our routes are on the tours page.