Joanna James
Galle is a fascinating place to visit. Its colonial charm is the main draw for both tourists and locals. Watersports, religious sites and natural attractions are all part of Galle's allure.
Galle is everything crammed into one package. The city has colonial attractions, historical sites, religious sites, street markets, boutique shops and cafes; it has everything a tourist would want on vacation. Luxury boutique hotels in Sri Lanka are a common sight in Galle. Accommodation in Galle, with the likes of KK Collection in high availability, is exemplary.
The principal highlight of Galle, Galle Fort is a Dutch structure built during the colonial era. It was initially built by the Portuguese, but Dutch added several sections to the Fort after they took over the country. Although it is thought to be a fort, it really is more like a small, walled village with all the facilities available inside; you'll see houses, shops, cafes, restaurants and a church inside the Fort.
One of the many features of Galle Fort, Galle Fort Lighthouse is a must-see attraction on your Galle tour. This is the most unmistakable feature of the Fort, and it frequents Instagram pages. The lighthouse has a history going back to 1848, although it was renovated in 1939. It was its beacon that guided ships safely into Galle Harbour, a role it still performs.
For the best ocean views, walk on the ramparts of Galle Fort. The starting point of the Fort Walk is the clock tower, and the second point is the Main Gate before moving into the Fort. The last stop of the walk is Star Bastion that brings you views across the coast. Local kids and adults playing cricket is a common sight here. The best time for a stroll is in the morning or evening when the heat is not so strong.
Located not too far away from Galle is Unawatuna Beach. The beach is popular with both locals and tourists. One side of the beach has sunbeds on offer for those who want to lounge. You can also try various watersports here, including swimming, diving and snorkelling. If you are new to the arena of watersports, you can enrol for a course and get certified. The beach is lined with eateries and cafes selling various Sri Lankan dishes; the most delicious are the seafood dishes.
Galle offers many shopping opportunities. Inside the Fort are numerous boutique shops selling a selection of items, including clothes, crafts and souvenirs; batik garments are the most popular with tourists. The prices inside the Fort can be a little too high, but if you head to one of the street markets, you can enjoy some budget shopping. The fresh produce market is the most visited by locals. It's packed with small stalls selling various fruits and vegetables. Even if you don't plan on buying anything, you should still visit the market for the experience.
Sri Lanka is popular with tourists for its food. The local cuisine is one that offers a delightful culinary experience. There's a long list of Sri Lankan dishes you can try in Galle. Curries are the main component of any Sri Lankan meal, and rice is usually served for all three meals. Roti, bread, string hoppers, pittu and short eats are some of the Sri Lankan food choices. If this is your first time trying Sri Lankan food, you need to be a little careful, most Sri Lankan dishes are very spicy, and you may want to request the cook to reduce the level of spiciness.
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.
