Joanna James
Galle, a coastal city, is located one hundred and thirty kilometres away from Colombo in the southern region. If you are planning to visit Galle this season, then the two chief places you need to explore will be Galle Fort and the Unawatuna area. Without visiting these two regions, your trip here wouldn't be complete. Here are some of the top things you need to explore in Galle.
As mentioned before, this is a must do. The fort is surrounded by thick walls of the ramparts which were constructed and established when the Dutch traders took control over the city back in the seventeenth century. You can take a stroll along the rampart walls. This stroll is a must, from where you can capture beautiful scenic views of the sea in your camera. Other things to check out would be the lighthouse, the ancient prison, and the clock tower. If you're looking for boutique hotels in Galle for accommodation, places the likes of The River House, offer a good experience.
If you are into architecture, then the Galle Fort is a must visit. During the time of the Dutch, they built various structures which you can still witness today. Other places to check out are the Dutch Architecture Maritime Archaeology Museum, Amangalla hotel and the Groote Kerk.
You will be thrilled to know that around the Galle Fort area there are cobbled alleyways with shops and cafes dotted along them. In here, you can purchase those souvenirs and can get your shopping done. From jewellery and gems to linen and sarongs, all are available here. Once you have completed your shopping, sit down in one of the cafes to chill and enjoy a cup of coffee.
Head to Unawatuna which is a popular beach town in south Sri Lanka. Unawatuna has the perfect waves making it the ideal surfing location. They're not gigantic ones, but good enough to have a fantastic time surfing which is also perfect for beginners. You can hire the gear onshore. Unawatuna is also a good place for the divers. The place is proud of a host of vivid coral reefs which you can check out on your dive. Moreover, you can also check out the Rangoon which is a one-hundred-year-old wreck.
Unawatuna is the perfect weekend getaway for the ones looking to spend time in a beach town. There are many restaurants dotted along the coastal area. You can swim, walk along the beaches, try out some seafood, drink coconut water and relax on the beach. The place is an ideal location for families!
Another place you shouldn't miss out on in your travels to Unawatuna is the Japanese Peace Pagoda. Here you will be exposed to local history and their culture. As the Pagoda is atop a hill, the views here are breath-taking. You can spot the Galle Fort and the lighthouse from here too. Check it out during the sunset for some epic views.
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