Joanna James
Galle, a coastal beach town, located in the Southern province of Sri Lanka, is a place every traveller jots down in their itinerary, as there are many things to do and explore here. Here are the top picks.
The Galle Fort is a must visit place and your trip to Galle wouldn't be considered complete without it. The Galle Fort was constructed by the Portuguese back in 1588 and was further fortified in the seventeenth century when the Dutch took over. The Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This formidable place is what attracts tourists to come pay a visit to Galle. The Fort is surrounded by the ramparts, over which you can walk and bask in all the glorious views of the sea. The Fort also has cobblestoned streets and alleyways that are dotted with a number of sophisticated cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops. Some other places to explore around the area will be the lighthouse, churches and museums. You can book your stay at many a hotel and resort in Galle, you can start by checking out places like Le Grand Galle which is located only 1.4 kilometres away from the Galle Fort.
If you want to do market styled shopping in Galle, then the Dutch Market is the place to explore. This market is full of life and is set underneath a three-hundred-year-old roof. The space has been functioning since the year 1861. Today locals flock here to buy their daily needs.
The Indian Ocean is the perfect place to spot some humpback whales, blue whales, sperm whales and dolphins. Galle is the perfect place to witness these fine creatures of the sea world, as they roam around these waters during their yearly migration. Dondra Point and Mirrisa have whale watching excursions that you must try.
For the surfers and divers, Galle offers a memorable experience. As Galle is known for its fort and ramparts, not many know the perfect surf turfs in the region. The waves are perfect for the individuals trying surfing for the first time. However, if you are a pro, then the Hikkaduwa beach might be the best spot for you, and it is only a thirty-minute drive from Galle. For the divers, the underwater world offers a treasure trove of wonders, from colourful coral reefs, innumerable fish species and wrecks to explore.
Approximately five kilometres south-east from the Galle town is Unawatuna which is a beach town well known for the parties it hosts. Besides this, the place is also perfect for swimming, sunbathing, snorkelling, diving, surfing and plenty more!
Cliff jumping is a popular activity in Galle Fort. You can watch the jumpers take a dive into the water from the ramparts. These men usually hang out at Flag Rock, which is located right at the end of the Galle Fort. The cliff jumpers take a dive if you pay them $10. It is thrilling to watch as these experts dive into the ocean and masterfully avoid the rocky outcrops of the sea.
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