03/08/2019
Galle
Royal Tourism Sri Lanka
Galle is a major city in Sri Lanka, situated on the southwestern tip, 119 km from Colombo. Galle is the administrative capital of Southern Province, Sri Lanka and is the district capital of Galle District. It’s known for Galle Fort, the fortified old city founded by Portuguese colonists in the 16th century. Stone sea walls, expanded by the Dutch, encircle car-free streets with architecture reflecting Portuguese, Dutch and British rule. Notable buildings include the 18th-century Dutch Reformed Church. Galle Lighthouse stands on the fort’s southeast tip.
• 12 Places To Visit In Galle
01. Galle Fort
Galle Fort, in the Bay of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards. It is a historical, archaeological and architectural heritage monument, which even after more than 423 years maintains a polished appearance, due to extensive reconstruction work done by Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka.
02. Japanese Peace Pagoda
Located on top of the Rumassala Hill offering splendid views of the entire ocean, the Japanese Peace Pagoda is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Galle, Sri Lanka. Constructed way back in 2004 and this massive white structure exudes purity and serenity. One can quite easily spot this structure from the beaches of Unawatuna and Galle and reach there by walking or driving through the hills. You should ideally visit this place at dusk if you want to witness a breathtaking sunset.
03. Unawatuna Beach
Unawatuna is a city located 140 km (87 mi) south of Colombo. The beach is semi-circular and stretches approximately one kilometer. Unawatuna is also known for its sea turtle population and tourists are able to witness them laying eggs along the shore at various times during the year.
04. Flag Rock
Flag Rock, at the southernmost end of the Fort, was once a Portuguese bastion. Today it is easily the most popular place to catch a sunset. During daylight hours you may see daredevil locals leaping into the water from the rocks. Numerous vendors sell good street food such as fresh papaya with chilli powder from carts.
05. National Museum of Galle
The National Museum of Galle (Galle National Museum) is one of the national museums of Sri Lanka. It is located in the oldest remaining Dutch building in the Galle fort, Galle, a single storey colonnaded Dutch building built in 1656 as the commissariat store for the Dutch garrison at the fort.
06. Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple
One of the most popular Galle tourist places is the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple which stands testimony to the constant influence of Buddhism in this country. One might say that Sri Lankans have hopped from one faith to another and have transitioned a lot but one of the few things that have remained constant is their belief in Buddhism. This temple houses a sacred Bodhi tree apart from many beautiful images of Buddha in different sizes.
07. Galle Harbour
This natural harbour that has remained in existence for two thousand years now, is one of the best places to visit in Galle. The activity on this port is high and it serves as the regional port in Sri Lanka. Galle Harbour is amongst the very few places that support people who want to spend time on their yachts for it has been recognized as one of the best places to do so by the International Yacht Societies. A popular attraction on the Galle Harbour is to watch people at work and to see the inscription in three languages left behind by a Chinese man many years ago.
08. Dutch Reformed Church
Originally built in 1640, the present building dates from 1752. Its floor is paved with gravestones from Dutch cemeteries, while other impressive features include the organ and an imposing pulpit made from calamander wood and topped by a grand hexagonal canopy. You may encounter the friendly caretaker who will likely point out the (slightly bizarre) carved wooden memorial dedicated to a former Commander of Galle, Abraham Samlant – the tiny cotton shirt is said to be the one he was baptised in.
09. Sea Turtle Hatchery
Nearby there is a small turtle hatchery opened in 1996, which buys turtle eggs from the fishermen in an attempt to discourage them from poaching & selling the eggs for food. Witness how the newborn turtles are being cared for until they are ready to be released back to the ocean. The wide sandy beaches that exist round the island of Sri Lanka are utilized by several of the marine turtles for laying their eggs. The commonest of these are the Loggerheads and the Leathery turtle while the green turtle is a less common visitor.
10. Koggala lagoon
Koggala Lagoon is a coastal waterbody located in Galle District,Southern Sri Lanka. It is situated near the town of Koggala and adjacent to the southern coast, about 110 km (68 mi) south of Colombo. The lagoon is embellished with eight ecologically rich small islands.
11. Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Sinharaja Forest Reserve (kingdom of the lion), is a paradise for nature and wildlife lovers. It is home to a vast number of endemic species of birds and mammals of Sri Lanka. About 95 per cent of Sri Lankan endemic birds and more than 50 per cent of endemic mammals are known to have their habitats in this Forest Reserve. Year round, the forest is covered by plenty of rain clouds. It is one of the famous places to visit in Galle. You can experience the leisurely pace of wildlife and the splendour of dense and copious evergreen rainforests.
12. Rumassala Sanctuary
Rumassala Sanctuary is one of those places to visit in Galle that takes you back on an epic journey of the tale of the Ramayana. It is told that Hanumana dropped his mountain somewhere here during the episode when Princess Sita is kidnapped. This sanctuary grows several herbal and medicinal plants.
