Joanna James
Considered one of the most popular beach towns in Sri Lanka, Galle continues to reign as a favourite among both locals and foreigners. Whilst the city holds the key to countless charms you will not experience anywhere else, some of the most amazing things to do in the city include visiting the Galle Fort, exploring the Maritime Archeology Museum, heading to the Japanese Peace Pagoda and unwinding by the golden sandy beaches of the area.
When looking for things to do in Galle, heading to the famed Galle Fort is a must. Brought to life by the Portuguese and fortified by the Dutch and the English, this iconic world heritage site bespeaks glamour, beauty and historical significance. Tucked away in fifty lighthouse street, the Galle Fort provides the perfect opportunity for you to discover the elegance of Galle. As you stroll along the ramparts, you will come across the popular Galle Lighthouse, Galle Clocktower and the Groote Kerk. Venture a bit further and decadent museums, historic buildings and landmark sites will be within your easy reach.
Exhibiting artefacts of the maritime age including models of boats, artillery, other relics and even statues and video presentations to educate the public on marine biological and anthropological facets of the Southern Coastal areas, the Maritime Archeology Museum is bound to take you back in time. The museum was vastly affected by Tsunami which occurred in the country on December 2004. However, within a span of 3 years, the museum was restored to its full glory and today serves the public as a centre of education for explorers and researchers.
Perched on a hillside in Rumassala, Unwataruna, the serene Japanese Peace Pagoda is a symbol of peace for the Buddhists of the country. The giant white stupa that stands in the epicentre is surrounded by gold statues and you can find a flight of stairs within proximity that lead to a walkaway promising panoramic vistas of the turquoise blue oceans, the jungle and the charming Galle Fort.
The biggest allure of Galle lies with its golden sandy beaches and Unwatauna continues to be a favourite among them. A short drive away from lavish hotels like Fortress Resort and Spa, the beach resonates with the sunny climes of the Southern province. The stunning beach boasts unrivalled corals and is the perfect place for you to enjoy snorkelling, scuba diving or even a bumpy boat ride.
Once used as a destination to signal to incoming ships and cruises, today Flag Rock remains a hotspot to catch a glimpse of the beauty of the setting sun. Located at the end of the Galle Fort, this huge rock is often swarmed by crowds eagerly waiting to bask in the hues of the setting sun. If you are planning to head to this popular rock, do not forget to take your camera with you because the scenery on the rock is definitely worth capturing.
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.
