Serendipity’s guidebook to Talpe, Galle
Recommendations
Guide on where to eat, shop, and what to see and do in and around Golden Heights Talpe...
Talpe and Mihiripenna are quite and beautiful beaches located in front of natural rock pools and reefs which are ideal for swimming year round.
Mihiripenna Beach
Talpe and Mihiripenna are quite and beautiful beaches located in front of natural rock pools and reefs which are ideal for swimming year round.
Located on a hill and mostly a nature reserve with a lot of biodiversity. Visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda for spectacular views and Jungle Beach while you're here. Recommended to walk/hike through the jungle while listening to birds and other species.
28 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Rumassala
Located on a hill and mostly a nature reserve with a lot of biodiversity. Visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda for spectacular views and Jungle Beach while you're here. Recommended to walk/hike through the jungle while listening to birds and other species.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, for its unique exposition of "an urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onward.
This is the top tourist attraction in Sri Lanka. You will find the trendiest shops and restaurants side by side plus many temples, churches, and mosques as well as museums. Set a full day aside to explore. Walk the ramparts during sunset for an unforgettable experience.
245 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Galle Dutch Fort
Church StreetA UNESCO World Heritage Site, for its unique exposition of "an urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onward.
This is the top tourist attraction in Sri Lanka. You will find the trendiest shops and restaurants side by side plus many temples, churches, and mosques as well as museums. Set a full day aside to explore. Walk the ramparts during sunset for an unforgettable experience.
An ancient way of fishing. Recommended to visit after 4pm close to sunset. Since this has become so touristic recently they will expect you to pay a small fee to take pictures of the fisherman or get on stilts. Negotiate the price in advance to avoid unpleasant situation.
Traditional Stilt Fishing
An ancient way of fishing. Recommended to visit after 4pm close to sunset. Since this has become so touristic recently they will expect you to pay a small fee to take pictures of the fisherman or get on stilts. Negotiate the price in advance to avoid unpleasant situation.
A beautiful lake in Koggala where you can take boat trips and enjoy natural beauty. Rich bio diversities and eco systems.The Lagoon is scattered with eight small islands. The islands consist of lush mangrove swamps. Anchored in mud, the mangrove roots are coated with a variety of creatures, including barnacles, oysters and crabs. The dense, intertwining roots serve as nurseries for many fish species. There are seven islands in the lagoon, that can be reached by boat. The most famous of the islands is ‘Madol Doova' (Mangrove Island Sinhala: මඩොල් දූව)’, which is described in detail by Martin Wickramasinghe in his novel, Madol Doova.
Recommenced day trip.
54 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Koggala Lake
A beautiful lake in Koggala where you can take boat trips and enjoy natural beauty. Rich bio diversities and eco systems.The Lagoon is scattered with eight small islands. The islands consist of lush mangrove swamps. Anchored in mud, the mangrove roots are coated with a variety of creatures, including barnacles, oysters and crabs. The dense, intertwining roots serve as nurseries for many fish species. There are seven islands in the lagoon, that can be reached by boat. The most famous of the islands is ‘Madol Doova' (Mangrove Island Sinhala: මඩොල් දූව)’, which is described in detail by Martin Wickramasinghe in his novel, Madol Doova.
Recommenced day trip.
Sri yoga Shala
Call for schedule of yoga and meditation classes.
Don’t miss the iconic stairway here! Beautiful oceanfront hotel with large gardens!
8 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Jetwing Lighthouse
Don’t miss the iconic stairway here! Beautiful oceanfront hotel with large gardens!
Palutagaha Beach
Closest and one of the most beautiful swimmable beaches.
Angel Beach Unawatuna
436 ගාලු පාරA chic beach club with pool.
Good place to have a tea estate tour and tasting in the Southern province.
12 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Handunugoda Tea Estate
Handunugoda RoadGood place to have a tea estate tour and tasting in the Southern province.
UNESCO heritage site with amazing restaurants, cafes, and walkways. Plenty to do and discover here.
Galle Fort
UNESCO heritage site with amazing restaurants, cafes, and walkways. Plenty to do and discover here.
This is where you could drop off all recyclables you use at the villa. They take plastics, cardboard, aluminum and glass. No food perishables or polytene waste is taken.
Please drop off all recyclable items here. It’s easy and on your way to Unawatuna or Galle. Just five minutes from us.
Thalpe Recycling Center
This is where you could drop off all recyclables you use at the villa. They take plastics, cardboard, aluminum and glass. No food perishables or polytene waste is taken.
Please drop off all recyclable items here. It’s easy and on your way to Unawatuna or Galle. Just five minutes from us.
Turtle Beach
Lovely beach and good chance of seeing turtles 🐢
Best place for surfing specially if you’re a beginner or intermediate. You could take surf lessons from many of the air school located along the beach.
7 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Dewata Beach
540 A2Best place for surfing specially if you’re a beginner or intermediate. You could take surf lessons from many of the air school located along the beach.
Supermarket
Specialty shop carrying both local and imported products you cannot find in supermarkets. Imported cheese, coffee, pastas, sauces etc
8 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Sea Fair Food City
16 A2Specialty shop carrying both local and imported products you cannot find in supermarkets. Imported cheese, coffee, pastas, sauces etc
Large one stop supermarket with all food and necessities.
30 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Arpico Supercenter
Matara RoadLarge one stop supermarket with all food and necessities.
Tienzin Wine Store
Liquor store for wines, beers, and hard liquor at retail prices.
Cargills Food City (Express) - Habaraduwa
Cargills Food City (Express) - Unawatuna
LightHouse Wine Shop
Good selection of wines and spirits.
Food scene
Surf 'n' Turf - Koggala
Matara RoadGreat seafood and burgers and in a cozy relaxed setting.
Popular restaurant in Dalawella Beach. Great pizzas. Recommended for sunsets. Popular spot for turtle watching...
66 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Wijaya Beach
A2Popular restaurant in Dalawella Beach. Great pizzas. Recommended for sunsets. Popular spot for turtle watching...
Unawatuna
Many restaurants and bars on the beach.
Galle Dutch Fort
Church StreetVariety of restaurants to choose from.
A beautiful boutique hotel with a wide beachfront in Koggala. They accept outside guests to their chic restaurant. Ideal for sunsets or that special meal. Reservations recommended.
8 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
The Fortress Sri Lanka
A beautiful boutique hotel with a wide beachfront in Koggala. They accept outside guests to their chic restaurant. Ideal for sunsets or that special meal. Reservations recommended.
Amangalla
A class of its own. High tea recommended here.
AQUA Pizza
Beat authentic Italian thin crust pizza.
AQUA Forno
Super cute cafe serving up breakfast and Italian street food in Historic Galle fort
The Shack Beach Cafe
472 Matara RdGood food and laid back vibes
KiXi
A cute cafe serving by amazing desserts and coffee.
If you love Gelato look no further. Artisan Italian Gelato crafted by very passionate and picky Italian gentleman. Closed on some days when it’s not ideal to serve Gelato! But it’s worth tying and trying until you taste this delicious stuff.
Love Gelato
146 Devala RdIf you love Gelato look no further. Artisan Italian Gelato crafted by very passionate and picky Italian gentleman. Closed on some days when it’s not ideal to serve Gelato! But it’s worth tying and trying until you taste this delicious stuff.
Hotel de Uncles
CRUST AHANGAMA
Shanti Shanti
Close restaurant with good reviews near the villa (1.7 km)
The Hideout Unawatuna
Yaddehimulla RoadGood Mexican dishes and cocktails
Thaproban Beach Restaurant
Yaddehimulla RoadUnawatuna seafood restaurant. Many more nearby.
Selection of restaurants and bars both on the ground and first floor levels. Some with views of the ocean
Galle Dutch Hospital
Hospital StreetSelection of restaurants and bars both on the ground and first floor levels. Some with views of the ocean
Beach club with pool and sun beds. Serves international food, wines, cocktails and beer. Live an DJ music some evenings.
6 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Angel Beach Unawatuna
436 ගාලු පාරBeach club with pool and sun beds. Serves international food, wines, cocktails and beer. Live an DJ music some evenings.
Thai inspired menu and oyster bar. Highly recommend their oysters and unique take on shots. Offer daily happy hours.
21 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Kingfisher Hotel
Devala RoadThai inspired menu and oyster bar. Highly recommend their oysters and unique take on shots. Offer daily happy hours.
Salon & Spa
Best salon is Galle area. By master hairdresser Ravi! Highly recommend.
Bien Etre salon
Amazing Spa Ceylon products & Spa in historic Galle
Spa Ceylon Heritage Spa & Boutique II – Galle Fort
Amazing Spa Ceylon products & Spa in historic Galle
Sightseeing
Galle Fort
Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya
Shopping & Retail
Specialty high-end designer women's active-wear store. For all you yoga, running, fitness needs. Carrying some of the most exclusive brands made to order in special batches. Some of the clothing is specially made for the store.
Sports Boutique
Specialty high-end designer women's active-wear store. For all you yoga, running, fitness needs. Carrying some of the most exclusive brands made to order in special batches. Some of the clothing is specially made for the store.
tpv store
43 Leyn Baan StWaves Store Galle
Cool and funky island flip flop store where you can customize
Department store. Specially recommended for home goods and accessories.
10 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
MANJARI Galle (මංජරි)
116 Wakwella RdDepartment store. Specially recommended for home goods and accessories.
Payo sa lungsod
Mga paraan para makatipid
Hard to find items to bring with you
If you're a smoker it's best to bring your supply. Cigarettes' are super expensive in Sri Lanka comparing to other things and only a few brands are available as it's monopolized by BAT.
It's very difficult to find good sunscreen. The locally made brands does not do it and the rare imported brands cost a fortune!
Flip flops are essential for the beach so is a pair of snickers. Your feet will get tired walking on gravel roads in flip flops and you'll crave a pair of good snickers that you won't find anywhere other than in Colombo.
Paano makapaglibot
Transport
Trains in Sri Lanka are great and inexpensive. Galle is a major train station and connects to lots of local as well as regional travel. You can buy tickets at the station or reserve in advance for long distance travel to make sure you get a seat. Busses are also available as above but less comfortable for long distance travel. AC buses are available in Galle that goes to a Colombo. Tuk Tuks (three whalers) are easy to flag down. Please make sure you agree to the fair before getting in.
Mga kagawian at kultura
Local customs
It is not recommended to walk in the streets in swimwear. Cover your knees and shoulders when visiting temples and other religious places.
Mga paraan para makatipid
Shop like locals
Shop at markets with fixed pricing. Don’t fall into tourist traps. Walk where you can… if the price is not clear don’t buy or get into taxis.