Galle Face Green
ගාලු මුවදොර පිටිය
A seaside lawn in central Colombo facing the Indian Ocean, where locals gather in the evening to fly kites, eat street snacks and watch the sunset.
Galle Face Green is a seaside lawn about 500 meters long in central Colombo, facing the Indian Ocean. In 1859, British governor Ward turned it into a racecourse and promenade. Today it is where locals fly kites, stroll and meet in the evening. It is busiest around sunset. Stalls along the lawn sell isso wade (fried prawn fritters), grilled corn, kottu (stir-fried chopped roti) and ice cream, and the seaside walkway offers views of the sunset over the Indian Ocean. At the south end is the Galle Face Hotel, which opened in 1864, where you can enjoy a sunset cocktail on the seaside terrace. At the north end, across the road, are the old Parliament building and the Fort district. Admission is free and the lawn is open all day, though it is best to arrive after 17:00. Notes: the daytime sun is strong. Street-food hygiene varies, so those with delicate stomachs should choose carefully. Be wary of touts who approach you.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Old Dutch Hospital Precinct
- Colombo Fort
- Old Colombo Lighthouse (Clock Tower)
- Pettah Market
- Port City Colombo
- Dutch Period Museum
- Beira Lake & Seema Malaka
- Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque)