Galle Face green, Sri Lanka is a narrow stretch of beach (of about 1600ft along the coast) and sea, surrounded by a highly commercialised and modern setting. Placed in the heart of the commercial capital of Colombo, this ocean- side urban park is within arm’s reach of the tourist hotels and luxury apartments Sri Lanka such as the Capitol TwinPeaks.
The historical significance of Galle Face green dates back to the Dutch colonial period. This open space overlooking the ocean was cleared by the Dutch, and was used to find a clear line of fire for the cannons of fort. This is also placed right in front of the old parliament building of Colombo.
This is common date spot for the youngsters as it is also often thronged with tourists, children and families mostly in the evening. This is the perfect place to sit back and have nice long chat with your friends and loved ones, to watch the marvelous sunset over Colombo, in serenity or to fly a kite with your kids enjoying the evening bliss.
Street food vendors and small ice cream carts are launched along the beach at Galle Face. The ‘isso wade’ and ‘kottu’ at the Galle Face are the best you will ever have in the country. ‘Isso wade’ is a crispy snack with an average size fried shrimp placed right on the centre and is quite easily one of the best Asian street snacks you will ever get the privilege of trying.
Galle Face green is surrounded by several commercial and luxury hotels of the island such as the Galle Face hotel, Kinsbury hotel and Thaj Samudra, thus the area is often vibrantly lit up at night, appearing as a busy carnival from between the glorious sea waves; this is a stunning vision at night.
Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
