A good alternative to Hikkaduwa, Galle not only offers fine diving in its own right, it's also the jumping-off point for even more spectacular dive sites in fact some of country's best dive spots to the north and south. On the edge of Unawatuna Bay - the next bay along from Galle Harbor - there's a rock and coral reef with some big boulders where divers can often see triggerfish, puffer fish and other species. This is also a good spot for beginners. Further off this coast is a couple of wrecks that have flourished into spectacular artificial reefs and are home to a number of very large resident groupers. One notable wreck is of the cargo ship the Lord Nelson which has a cabin large enough to explore in comfort. Diving is best from December to March and Scuba diving in Sri Lanka is specially near Unawatuna in Galle is an rewarding experience.
The 17th c. Dutch Fort at Galle, close to the island's southern most point, 173km from Colombo, has the distinction of being the best-preserved sea fort in South Asia. Enter through the imposing stone bastions that encircle the sea-facing promontory and step back in time. Inside the Fort you will find that it exudes old-world charm. The narrow streets are dotted with Dutch colonial villas and there's a welcome absence of vehicular traffic. There are several museums and antique shops that display curiosities from the island's colonial era. Of the many colonial buildings, perhaps the most absorbing is the Dutch Reformed Church, containing ornately carved memorials to the city's Dutch settlers. The Fort also hosts some of the island's most exclusive boutique-style accommodation in former villas restored to their colonial glory.
Just inland from Galle is Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya. This temple is built around and within giant boulder-like rock formations at the top of 120 steps, the 1,200- year-old Yatagala Temple, carved directly into the rock of a hillside, is one of the oldest in the region, and is set in a beautiful valley lined with rice terraces. It won't take much time to visit, but Yatagala is worth a look. High on the headland of Unawatuna Bay is Rhumassala Temple. With beautiful views stretching out over the Indian Ocean, a walk around the headland near the temple is very special. Famed for the natural medicinal herbs nearby you will walk through hidden villages and verdant wooded valleys eventually finding yourself on "Jungle Beach"- a little known and secluded beach. If you are there on a poya day (full moon), join the locals in their late-afternoon Pooja offering of fresh flowers and incense.