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The 26.5 m white lighthouse on Point Utrecht Bastion, built in 1939, is the most photographed building in Galle Fort and a favourite sunset spot.
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Galle Lighthouse
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In short
Galle Lighthouse, a 26.5 m white tower built in 1939 on Point Utrecht Bastion at the southern tip of Galle Fort, is the most photographed building in the fort and a favourite sunset spot. The tower cannot be climbed, but the bastion and the beach below are free. About 30 minutes suits a stop while walking the ramparts.
Galle Lighthouse, the white tower on Point Utrecht Bastion at the southern tip of Galle Fort in Galle, Sri Lanka, is the most photographed building in the fort. It is described as Sri Lanka's oldest light station, and it suits anyone walking the ramparts, especially at sunset.
The 1848 iron tower that burned in 1936
The British put up the first lighthouse here in 1848: a 24.4 m iron tower of cast-iron plates shipped from England, designed by Alexander Gordon, whose fixed light could be seen about 19 km out. It burned down in July 1936.
The 1939 tower and its 47-mile light
The present 26.5 m concrete-and-stone tower went up in 1939, about 100 m from the original site. Its light sits 28 m above the sea and reaches 47 nautical miles, flashing white twice every 15 seconds. It is automated and run by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.
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Key information
🗼Built: 1939
📏Height: 26.5 m
🔥First lighthouse: 1848, burned 1936
🎟️Entry: Free (exterior)
🕐Time Zone: Sri Lanka Standard Time (UTC+5:30)
Explore the area
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Plan your visit to Galle Lighthouse
Dates, opening hours and how to get there are below. Booking ahead secures your preferred day.
Highlights Include:
Experiences
- Point Utrecht Bastion
- Sunset views
- Small beach below
What They Offer
Visit duration
30 minutes
Timed entry required No
Tours & experiences
Guided tours and experiences that include Galle Lighthouse. See tours
Accessibility
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Age limits
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What to pack
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What to wear
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Not allowed
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Amenities
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Tips for visiting Galle Lighthouse
- Come for sunset.
- The tower cannot be climbed.
- Swim at the small beach in the dry season.
Driving
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Public transportation
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Address
Inside UNESCO-listed Galle Fort; fits into a walk around the walls.
Opening Hours
The tower is not open to climb; the bastion and the beach below are free to visit.
Special events
No special events on record for Galle Lighthouse.
Best times to visit
Sunset from the bastion; the small beach is calm enough for a dip in the dry season.
Best days to visit
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Best months to visit
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Visitor policy
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Children and admission
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Groups
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Pets
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Photography
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Bags
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Smoking
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Accepted payment
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General
On Point Utrecht Bastion in Galle Fort.
26.5 m.
The first iron lighthouse went up in 1848 and burned in 1936.
The Sri Lanka Ports Authority.
No, the tower is not open to climb.
The small beach below is calm enough for a dip in the dry season.
Yes.
The closest hotel listed on bookingMentor is Amangalla, 700 m away.
Pedlar's Inn Cafe is the closest restaurant listed on bookingMentor, 460 m away.
Timing & weather
In 1939.
At sunset.
Most visitors spend 30 minutes at Galle Lighthouse.
Prices & payment
No, the exterior is free.
Getting there
Its range is 47 nautical miles, with two white flashes every 15 seconds.
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the airport for Galle Lighthouse, about 134 km away in a straight line.