Galle is a perfect mix of Sri Lanka's historical past combined with a busy market town and its colorful markets.
Nearby beach resorts like Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna are making Galle an ideal gateway to the activities and attractions of Sri lanka's South.
The Fort
First build 1589 by the Portuguese, the Galle Fort was taken over and enlarged by the Dutch in 1640. Finally the British took possession in 1796 and held unto it until the independence of Sri Lanka.
It is very pleasant just to walk around and to enjoy the quiet, colonial atmosphere.
A dusk stroll on top of the massive walls is an experience nobody should miss.
Diving
A good alternative to Hikkaduwa, Galle not only offers fine diving in its own right, it's also the jumping-off point for even more spectacular dive sites to the north and south. On the edge of Unawatuna Bay - the next bay along from Galle Harbor - there's a rock and coral reef with some big boulders where divers can often see triggerfish, pufferfish and other species. This is also a good spot for beginners. Further off this coast are a couple of wrecks that have flourished into spectacular artificial reefs and are home to a number of very large resident groupers.
Shopping
It is worth visiting some of the many antique shops in Galle. During the centuries of trading, which reaches back to the days of King Salomon, many precious pieces found their way to shops.
Even if it is too heavy to take back home with you, the beautifully restored furniture from the Dutch- and British periods is reason enough for a visit.
A visit to Galle is not complkete without having seen the dazzling range of gem stones and ready-made jewellery of Millenium Gems inside the Fort area. Mr Mahesh, the owner, has over 20 years experince in custom made jewellery with over 4 generations behind him.
All offered jewellery is hand-made and the Millenium Gems are lisenced exporters with a specialisation in Moonstones. Millenium Gems can be found at 70 Church Street, Galle Fort. Tel.: + 94 (0)91 438 1621
milleniumgems70a@yahoo.com 10% discount for all go-lanka customers!
In the Fort you will find many "designer" handicrafts shops, offering quality products you might wear or use at home.
On the cheaper side are the small stalls and shops along Galle's main street. Just pass the police station and you'll see already the bazaar-like entry.
Excursions
Galle is a good starting point for 1/2 or one day trips to the Yala National Park, the Kottowa rainforest, Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna or the Dodanduwa Lagoon with its millions of fruit bats.
Very recommendable are visits to the Doovili Ella waterfall in Hiniduma and the Kaneliya Nature Reserve, close to Imaduwa about 15 miles from Galle. At this nature reserve you can find plenty of unique flora and fauna and various insects, small waterfalls etc.
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Don't leave home without our go-lanka Galle Travel Guide.
