Galle is known for its Dutch walled fortress, today a world heritage site. Wandering the old walls and streets yields one architectural surprise after another as you explore the amazing collection of structures dating back through the centuries.
There is much to see and explore within the fort. The Dutch Reformed Church is the oldest church in the region. The Galle lighthouse, Peace Pagoda, a Buddhist temple, and Meeran Jumma Masjid are also other prominent landmarks. In cricketing circles, Galle is known for its cricket ground, which has rebuilt itself successfully after the tsunami destruction.
Today the historic Fort area is full of little boutique shops, cafes and hotels. The Dutch Market is known for selling the freshest fruits and vegetables and dates back 300 years. Elephant Walk has a good selection of spices, potions and handicrafts. Kanthisiri is a good option to buy good quality cotton fabrics. For those interested in gems and jewellery, Millenium Gems offers a range of gem stones and jewellery.
Beyond Galle, lies a stretch of coast with a series of beaches like Unawatuna, Thalpe and Hikkaduwa. Unawatuna also being famous for its stilt fishermen. Trips to the Koggala lagoon, the Sea Turtle Hatchery, whale watching from Mirissa and Kottawa Rainforest and Arboretum are excellent day trips. Surfing at Midigama and Ahangama is another option for surfing enthusiasts.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN GALLE
GALLE FORT
This fort, initially built by the Portuguese, was taken over by the Dutch in 1640. They further fortified it over the next 6-7 decades, also building a new elaborate system of sewers. Every high tide they would be flooded, taking the sewage out to the sea. This walled city, within the city gives a peak into Galle's colonial past. The pillars and the facades, courtyards full of the shops selling spices and sarongs, antiques and modern curios give a glimpse of the old times.
One of the most pleasant strolls you can take in town is the circuit of the fort walls at dusk. As the daytime heat fades away, from the lighthouse walk clockwise around the top of the ramparts all the way to the main town-facing bastions. Flag Rock, is a part of the wall where it is a great place to be at sunset.
Dutch Reformed Church
The Dutch Reformed Church is worth a visit for its atmosphere and architecture. Originally built in 1640, the present building dates from 1752 to 1755. Its floor is paved with gravestones from the old Dutch cemetery. The organ from 1760 still sits in the building and the impressive pulpit, made from calamander wood from Malaysia, is an impressive piece.
Maritime Museum
With an entrance behind the iconic old Bell Tower, this is easily the more engaging of Galle's two maritime museums. Exhibits include interactive displays and ancient artefacts that illuminate the town’s maritime past, including the many shipwrecks in the surrounding waters.
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