Joanna James
Galle is a charming place to visit when you are in the down south part of Sri Lanka. There are many amazing things you can get up to while in this coastal beach town.
The Galle Dutch Fort is a definite must-visit location during your visit to the place. Any trip to this part of Sri Lanka is incomplete if you don't take a look at the Galle Fort and take a picture in front of the Lighthouse. This place was built by the Portuguese back in 1588 and was further developed in the 17th century when the Dutch took over. The Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site and this place is what attracts tourists mostly to come to pay a visit to the town. The structure is surrounded by ramparts over the ocean, and you can even walk to the edge to take a look at the ocean below. The Fort also has cobblestone streets that are filled with a number of sophisticated restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops. To get the best of everything this little town by the beach has to offer, you might want to stay at a central place in the South, like Araliya Beach Resort & Spa or some other Unawatuna hotels.
If you want to do some street market-style shopping when in this town the Dutch market is the best place for you to go to. This Dutch market is full of life and the colourful set under a 300-year-old roof of a building displays have been in action since the year 1861. Nowadays, the people of the town come here to buy the daily needs too.
This part of Sri Lanka is one of the best places to whale-watch in all of the world. You will be able to spot bluebells, humpback whales, sperm whales and dolphins if you are lucky. This is a great place to take a look at these magical creatures in the water as they go about their daily routine. You can check with your hotel and see if they offer whale watching excursions and book it along with your accommodation.
You can't be in a coastal part of the town in Sri Lanka and not attempt diving and surfing. If you are an amateur surfer and diver, this place will provide a memorable experience for you. The waves are perfect for people who are trying to surf for the first time but if you are a pro, then you might want to head to one of the other more challenging spots in the area. While underwater, you will be able to witness colourful coral reefs plus wrecks and various kinds of fish.
This might sound like a daredevil act, but it is quite a popular thing you might see when you are in Galle. You will be able to watch the cliff jumpers take a dive into the water right from the edge. These men usually hang out at the flag drop point which is a spot you definitely must go to to see the sunset. The cliff jumpers will jump for you if you pay them as little as $10.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
