Galle
The historic Galle Fort was established by the Portuguese in the C15th, and
was completed by the Dutch 100 years later. The British came in the C18th,
and in 1988 it was designated a World Heritage Site.
The narrow streets of Galle Fort are lined with Dutch merchant villas, with
pillared verandahs, carved doors and windows. Offices dating back to the
Dutch and British periods are still in use today.
A stroll along the streets or along the ramparts offers the visitor a unique
insight into a patchwork of bustling life - Buddhists, Tamils, Muslims and
Europeans all living in harmony - commerce such as lace-makers and jewelers
alongside tourists, and the ever present cricket match!
One of the great joys of the Fort is to visit the Ramparts around sunset, a
popular activity for local and tourist alike!
Galle town is best explored on foot, or by tuk tuk. It is a sprawling
metropolis, with the exotic fruit market to the myriad of shops in Main
Street, selling everything from sarees to televisions!
Water Sports
At Bentota, there is water skiing, wind surfing and jet skiing, as well as
deep sea fishing.
Mirissa Water Sports Centre have a 54 ft Indonesian fishing trawler for
sports fishing and coastal cruises, as well as a 24ft gaff rigged for bay
sailing.
Scuba Diving
There is a dive centre at Unawatuna, run by Sumith. They provide advanced
and beginner courses, as well as night dives.
Guided Bike Tours
Galle resident Alex Barrett will take you on an unforgettable gentle 3 hour
bike ride through paddy fields, past jungle and temples. Suitable for all
ages!
Tea Estate and Factory
You may take a gentles wander around the tea estate here, or for a fullwer
experience, The Handunugoda Estate is 10 minutes away and provides a
fascinating tour for visitors, highlighting the production of white tea.
Yala Safari Park
Leave Galle at 0300 hrs and get to Yala for sunrise. Sightings of leopard
are good, along with lots of elephants, bears and crocodiles. Head back to
Galle, with a stop at one of the beaches near Tangalle to break your
journey.
Turtle Sanctuary
There are several in the area, including a good on in Habaraduwa - ten
minutes away!
Temples
They are everywhere. Particularly interesting are the ones at Yatagala and
Kalatuwa. Be warned that all temples are crowded on Poya days (Full moon).
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