Galle is the provincial capital and largest city of Southern Province, Sri Lanka and is the capital of Galle District.
The city of Galle located in the southwest coast of Sri Lanka was one of the most famous sea ports in the 14th Century where extensive trade was conducted especially with the Arab traders. The Galle Fort, or the fortified old city was founded by Portuguese colonists in the 16th century which was subsequently extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th Century. The Fort consists of Stone Sea walls, which encircle car-free streets with architecture reflecting Portuguese, Dutch and British rule.
The Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers.
This living monument is inhabited by a bustling community, within the great ramparts, massive bastions and pepper pot towers which has now been transformed in to a dynamic locality with a distinctively Mediterranean atmosphere.
The Galle Fort is a well-preserved historical fortress which is popular among tourists. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site characterized by a rich historical ambiance narrow cobblestone street, quant historic buildings, and a fortress wall that offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.
Visitors interested in the history of the old Fort can explore many sites including the Dutch colonial Buildings, the Dutch Reformed Church with its fascinating interiors built in 1755 and considered the oldest Protestant Church in Sri Lanka, The Dutch Museum built in 1656 and considered the oldest Dutch Building in the Fort the Old Dutch Hospital which has been converted to a shopping and dining complex and British monuments.
Also located above the old Fort Gate, The National Maritime Archaeology Museum built in 1671 is housed in a Dutch warehouse considered the longest Dutch building in Southeast Asia. The museum displays Sri Lanka’s history of navigation and marine life.
The Galle Fort Lighthouse with its grand name the Pointe De Galle Light stands at a height of 26 meters. This monument is also situated within the historic Galle Fort and is a costal light house built on the ramparts by the British in 1848. This picturesque maritime landmark is one of the most visited attractions of the fort due to its beautiful surroundings and it continues to guide ships. It is important to note that visitors are not allowed to climb to the top of the lighthouse.
The main aim of the sea turtle hatchery is to protect endangered sea turtles who perish due to getting entangled in fishing nets or from those who hunt for turtle meat. The hatchery provides a safe environment to hatch the turtle eggs ,
The hatcheries main aim is to create awareness and educate the people on the importance of preserving the bio diversity and provide its visitors with a glimpse of the work done to preserve and conserve this species from extinction and care for those who are injured and need attention.
The sea turtles swim to shore during the hatching period and lay their eggs . The newborn turtles are cared for and set free into the ocean . There are approximately five types of sear turtles viz Olive Ridley, Green Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, and Leatherhead Turtle.
Unawatuna is one of the best beaches in the Galle district located approximately five kilometers from Galle and popular due to its coral reefs, palm lined golden sandy beaches where tourist could rent sun beds. The area has been transformed into a popular Tourist resort with the many trendy restaurants, bars, beach properties, night life, shopping with several water sport activities that can be undertaken. It is a great place to unwind, relax and also engage in diving, snorkeling, canoeing, paddle boarding and to learn surfing. Those who desire more peace and quiet can walk over to the more secluded Jungle Beach which is a perfect spot to chillout and view the Rumassala hill.
Surrounded by the legendary Rumassala Hill, the sanctuary is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Galle, especially for trekkers and nature lovers. The sanctuary is a mix of rare and exotic plants, medicinal herbs, and wildlife and many rare species of endemic birds with a stunning view of the India Ocean.
The Rumassala Hill has a connection with the Indian epic Ramayana as it describes that a piece of the Mountain Himalya was dropped in this location by Hanuman. A small cemetery located close to the sanctuary is considered the resting place of many British Civil servants who worked in the then Ceylon and sailors who visited the port .
Another attraction in Unawatuna Dallewella beach is the palm tree rope swing which is an Instagram sensation. The rope swing will enable people hang onto it as they fly over the beach and sea, with the sun setting behind them.
Located approximately 35 kilometers from Galle, the Kanneliya Forest Reserve is the second largest primary forest area in Sri Lanka giving it an ambiance of a tropical rain forest . Straddled between two major rivers in the country the Gin Ganga and the Nilwala Ganga, it is one of the richest areas in Asia in terms of its flora, fauna bird and animal species, many of which are endemic to Sri Lanka. 301 species of plants have been identified with almost one quarter native to Sri Lanka some of which are considered endangered. Over 120 varieties of birds have also been spotted of which 20 are endemic to Sri Lanka. The Forest reserve also boasts of over 15 species of endemic fresh-water fish, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies and dragonflies.
The forest is surrounded by almost 78 villages and the inhabitants frequent the forest to collect medicinal herbs and rattan to weave handicrafts and furniture.
A number of winding trails are available to give nature lovers the opportunity to experience the best of the bio diversity available in Sri Lanka along with the Anagimala water falls and caves inhabited by bats . In addition , visitors can also trek to the top of the Kabble Kanda which is a pleasant experience offering a breathtaking view of the Galle town. The trails include Cave Lane, Anagimala Ella Trail, Yoda Puswale Trail, Giant Nada Ganga Path, Narangas Ella Trail and Kabbale Kanda.
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