Joanna James
Galle Fort, located on the Southern coast of Sri Lanka, has managed to keep its olden charm to this day. Here are some places you need to visit with a range of things to do, see and enjoy!
Just as you enter the fort, to your right, you'll be able to spot the sea and a tall, white lighthouse where the road comes to an end. Take this opportunity to stroll towards the lighthouse, with the old building on your left and the sparking blue ocean to your right, with coconut trees decorating the area. You'll be met with a few street vendors selling tempting ice creams and popsicles of all colours and shapes, balloons, and other interesting finds. The lighthouse, which towers over you, dates back to the year 1848, guiding ships into Galle Harbour to this very day.
Saying the Sri Lankan locals are adventurous is quite an understatement! During your stroll, you're likely to spot a few cliff divers jumping off the ramparts of the fort. What's so special about jumping into the ocean you may ask? Well, these cliff divers need to jump with clear precision, to plunge between the rocks present and into the sea. These jumpers earn a living out of their dives.
Galle Fort brims with quaint boutiques and stores, selling unique keepsakes, trinkets, crafts and even clothing! For a shopping spree, you will not be disappointed. Among the many things to do in Galle, checking off your Sri Lankan shopping list is a possibility. In fact, you can save your souvenir shopping for Galle Fort, where you're likely to find the most eccentric items.
Built in 1640, this Church, although dark and quiet, is said to hold plenty of secrets. It doesn't get more interesting than hidden secrets! The architecture outside is equally as mesmerising as the inside and stands out among the cobblestone streets of Galle Fort. If you're interested in more religious buildings enveloped within the walls of Galle Fort, you need to visit St Mary's Cathedral, Meeran Jumma Mosque and Sri Sudharmalaya Buddhist temple for a well-rounded religious expedition. This calls for an early start from Kahanda Kanda, although these monuments and temples are within walking distance of one another.
The best part about being in Galle is that you're gifted with front-row seats to witness the most spectacular sunsets! If you're a lover of sunsets, Galle Fort is the ideal location to head to just as the sun is setting to take in the mesmerising beauty of the sunset, and the hues of reds, oranges and pinks. You can witness the sunset from practically any location in Galle Fort, but somewhere with the backdrop of the ocean and from a higher point of view would be the perfect setting. Sip a cool cocktail while you're at it!
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.
