One of the best free views in Colombo: Galle Buck Lighthouse
Saturday, 19 July 2014 00:09
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Standing tall on an elevated base on Chaithya Road, the Galle Buck Lighthouse offers panoramic views of the beautiful Indian Ocean and is a distinctive city landmark that is seriously underrated.
If you’re viewing it from the road, the lighthouse is a faded orange but from the seaside, the lighthouse is painted like a chess board in alternating black and white squares – it’s actually pretty funky! The entrance has two sets of steps that will take you up to a base that has four lion statues guarding it.
The lighthouse is 29 metres high and its light is said to flash thrice every 10 seconds.
A great view
From the lighthouse you get stunning panoramic views. It’s possible to see the port on the far right and parts of Galle Road on the left. There’s a really nice sea breeze here as well and it’s a pretty awesome spot to chill out and get some fresh air. You can pop into the ‘Lighthouse Gallery’ located opposite the lighthouse for a light snack or a drink once you’re done.
The Buddha Jayanthi Chaithya (a stupa built high up on a platform supported by two interlocking archers) can be seen from the lighthouse as well. It’s just down the road, so it’s worth checking out if you are in the area.
Did you know?
There is a naval gun battery located at the base of the lighthouse that is used for traditional gun salutes. Each year, on Independence Day, the Navy fires a ceremonial 25 gun salute to the nation from the lighthouse.
Best time to visit
Evenings or early morning would be the best times to visit the lighthouse since there isn’t really much shade from the scorching sun.
