Joanna James
With an expanse of coastline that's 130 kilometres long, Galle is a city that's located south of Colombo. The city is fortified by the Galle Fort which, as it happens, is the main highlight.
The fort was built during the Dutch colonial era with the purpose of withstanding cannon fire. It achieved more than that by minimising the damage done by the Tsunami back in 2004. The main highlight of Galle, the fort is visited by those who like to appreciate architecture; the Dutch architecture is the main draw, and many visitors, in addition to admiring the architecture, take to walking on the ramparts in the full view of the sea. Dispersed over the region are Galle hotels accommodating those who visit, one example would be Fortress Resort and Spa.
Another Dutch creation, the Galle Lighthouse was built in order to guide the fishing boat safely up the shore. Still very much in use, the lighthouse dates back to 1848, but some renovations were done in 1930. Now, the lighthouse has assumed another role; as part of the tourism sphere in Galle, the lighthouse makes up a charming backdrop for tourists who want to take selfies.
Galle has quite the shopping scene endowed by boutique hotels that line the streets. There's a range of products on offer, especially the ones that are manufactured locally which exude Sri Lankan authenticity; local souvenirs and gift items make up a splendid collection of memorabilia. There are many jewellery and gem shops as well, and in the clothing department, you find handwoven clothing items and linen.
After you are thoroughly worn out from all the exploring, you can pop into one of the small shops and sample some kottu roti. The Sri Lankan classic is made of shredded roti, vegetables and meat. Also, you can have the added ingredient cheese if requested.
One of the most captivating things you can do in Galle is to enjoy the sunset. Tourists and locals alike gather around by the fort walls to watch the sun go down. This is one of the amazing things one can do in Galle, and the experience isn't repeated anywhere else. Sitting in front of the ocean in the evening with the soothing breeze for company is the definition of tranquillity.
Sri Lanka has retained some of the habits that were introduced by the colonial era; having afternoon tea is one of them. You can find little tea houses all over the city that deliver both the upscale experience as well as the authentic local experience; both are equally satisfying.
The coastline that so wonderfully lines the city has much do with the booming tourism industry in Galle. Beach holidays are synonymous with Galle, and many travellers come to Galle to enjoy the coastline. You can spend a whole day at the beach enjoying the sun, and when the hunger hits, there are plenty of beach restaurants that offer a variety of food.
If you take a little detour to Unawatuna, you can do some surfing. The Unawatuna beach is known as one of the best surfing spots in Sri Lanka. The waves are just the right amount of ferocity for beginners. If you haven't attempted surfing before, you could learn the sport at one of the surfing schools.
Another watersport you must try out is scuba diving. The marine life is spectacular, and you can try wreck diving too. If you've booked yourself on a tour, you are most likely to be taken to the Rangoon, which is a British ship that sank into the ocean about a hundred years ago.
To get a close up look at the pagoda, you have to endure a bit of hiking. The pagoda is situated at the top of a hill, and the views you get once you are at the top are quite amazing.
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