Situated some 119 kilometres from the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo, the historic city of Galle is the capital of the island’s Southern Province. The city, with its wealth of attractions, should be high on the itinerary of any foreigner visiting the country. The most famous attraction in the southern city is the iconic Galle Fort. It was the Portuguese who first built a fort in that area. However, they had to surrender it to the Dutch in 1640. The current fort was constructed in 1663 by the Dutch and has remained fairly unchanged since them.
The fort encompasses a small town and the entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are many buildings here from the Dutch colonial era. The Dutch Reformed Church is a popular tourist attraction inside the fort. Built in 1640 it has undergone many renovations since then. An interesting visit, the Dutch Reformed Church contains marriage records dating to 1748. One odd aspect for a church of its size is the lack of pillars. Other attractions inside the Galle Fort are the National Maritime Museum, the Meera Mosque, the Dutch government house, the Great Warehouse and the All Saints Anglican Church.
Visitors should also try the Folk, Art and Culture Museum in Koggala. Constructed at the former residence of the celebrated Lankan writer Martin Wickramasinghe, the museum offers an interesting insight into the island’s past. Full of interesting items such as traditional masks, antique furniture, various costumes and household items, the museum should not be missed. Tourists in Galle can also take a trip down to Hikkaduwa. Hikkaduwa is known for its terrific beaches and is a terrific spot to go snorkelling.
There are plenty of buses connecting Galle and Colombo although the train is a much quicker option. Tourists looking for a good hotel in Galle can try Era Beach. The beachside Galle boutique hotel offers guests a quiet refuge from which to explore the city. While one can find plenty of buses in Galle the most convenient way of travelling is by metered three wheel, although some may negotiate a price beforehand.
– Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
