If you are a cricket fan and a traveler, you might want to visit the Galle International Cricket Stadium, one of the most scenic and historic cricket grounds in the world. Located near the Galle Fort and the Indian Ocean, the stadium offers a stunning view of the sea and the fort, and a thrilling experience of watching a cricket match at one of the most picturesque venues in the world.
In this article, we will provide you with information and tips on how to visit the stadium and the nearby attractions, and what to expect from a cricket match there.
History of the Stadium
The Galle International Cricket Stadium has a rich and fascinating history, dating back to the 19th century. The stadium was originally a race course, established in 1876 by the British colonial rulers. In 1892, the first permanent pavilion was built, and the race course was converted into a cricket ground. In 1945, the Colombo Cricket Club helped to introduce a turf wicket to the ground, making it suitable for first-class cricket matches. In 1998, the stadium was upgraded to host international cricket matches, and the first Test and ODI matches were played there.
The stadium has witnessed some memorable matches and performances over the years, such as the 500th Test wicket of Shane Warne in 2004, the highest Test score by an individual (374) and a partnership (624) by Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara in 2006, and the most wickets by a bowler at a single venue (111) by Muttiah Muralitharan.
The stadium also faced a major challenge in 2004, when it was severely damaged by the tsunami that hit the coast of Sri Lanka. The stadium and the surrounding area were flooded and destroyed by the waves, and many lives were lost. However, with the help of international support and donations, the stadium was rebuilt and restored, and hosted its first international match after the tsunami in 2007.
How to Reach the Stadium
The Galle International Cricket Stadium is located in the city of Galle, which is about 120 km south of Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. You can reach the stadium by various modes of transport, such as air, train, bus, car, taxi, or tuk-tuk, depending on your budget and preference.
By Air:
The nearest airport to the stadium is the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, which is about 150 km away. You can take a domestic flight from Colombo to Koggala, which is about 15 km from Galle, and then take a taxi or a tuk-tuk to the stadium. Alternatively, you can take a road or a train journey from Colombo to Galle, which will take about 2 to 3 hours.
By Train:
The train is one of the most convenient and scenic ways to reach the stadium, as it runs along the coast and offers a beautiful view of the ocean. You can take a train from Colombo, Kandy, Matara, or any other major city or town in Sri Lanka, and get off at the Galle Railway Station, which is about 2 km from the stadium. You can then take a taxi or a tuk-tuk to the stadium, which will take about 10 minutes.
By Road:
The road is another option to reach the stadium, as it is well-connected by highways and roads to other parts of Sri Lanka. You can take a bus, a car, a taxi, or a tuk-tuk from Colombo, Kandy, Hambantota, or any other city or town in Sri Lanka, and reach the stadium in about 2 to 3 hours. The bus fare is the cheapest, while the taxi fare is the most expensive, and the tuk-tuk fare is somewhere in between.
You can contact the stadium for more information and queries, or visit their website for online booking and ticketing. The contact details and website of the stadium are:
Phone: +94 91 2 234539
Email: gallecricketclub@gmail.com
Website: [Galle International Cricket Stadium]
Things to Do at and near the Stadium
There are plenty of things to do and see at and near the stadium, whether you are a cricket lover or a traveler. Here are some of the activities and attractions that you can enjoy at and near the stadium:
Watch a Cricket Match:
The main attraction of the stadium is, of course, watching a cricket match there. You can witness the skills and talents of the Sri Lankan players, especially Muttiah Muralitharan, who has taken the most wickets at the stadium, and the visiting teams, who have to face the challenge of the spinning pitch and the humid weather. You can also enjoy the view of the sea and the fort from your seat, and the atmosphere of the crowd and the music. The ticket prices vary depending on the type of match and the seat, and you can book them online or at the stadium. The best time to watch a match is during the dry season, from December to March, when the weather is pleasant and the chances of rain are low.
Visit the Galle Fort:
The Galle Fort is a 16th-century Dutch fort that overlooks the stadium and the ocean, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can explore the fort and admire its architecture, history, and culture, and visit its various landmarks, such as the lighthouse, the clock tower, the ramparts, the Dutch Reformed Church, the Dutch Museum, the Maritime Museum, etc. You can also shop and eat at the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct, which is a restored colonial building that houses various shops, cafes, and restaurants, and sample some local and international cuisines and delicacies.
Enjoy the Beach:
The beach is another attraction that you can enjoy near the stadium, as it offers a scenic view of the ocean and the fort, and a relaxing and fun experience. You can swim, sunbathe, surf, snorkel, dive, or just chill at the beach, and indulge in some water sports and activities. You can also visit the nearby islands, such as the Hikkaduwa Island, the Unawatuna Island, the Koggala Island, etc., which are known for their coral reefs, marine life, and turtle hatcheries.
Shop and Eat:
The city of Galle is also a great place to shop and eat, as it offers a variety of options and choices, from traditional to modern, from cheap to expensive, from local to international. You can shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, clothes, jewelry, spices, tea, etc., at the various markets, bazaars, malls, and boutiques in the city, and bargain for the best prices. You can also eat at the various restaurants, cafes, street stalls, and hotels in the city, and taste some of the delicious and diverse cuisines and dishes of Sri Lanka, such as rice and curry, hoppers, kottu, roti, lamprais, etc.
The Galle International Cricket Stadium is a must-visit destination for cricket lovers and travelers, as it offers a unique and unforgettable experience of watching a cricket match at one of the most scenic and historic venues in the world, and exploring the city and the nearby attractions.
You can plan your visit to the stadium and the nearby attractions by following the information and tips provided in this article, and enjoy the thrill and beauty of the stadium and the city.
We hope you have a wonderful time at the Galle International Cricket Stadium, and we look forward to hearing from you about your experience.
