Things to do in Galle

Galle Fort – It is situated in 113 kilometers away from Colombo. Galle was known as Gimhathiththa (although Ibn Batuta in the 14th century refers to it as Qali) before the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century, when it was the main port on the island. The fort, like most of the forts in Sri Lanka, is built on a small rocky peninsula, belonging to the sea as much as to the land. As it exists today, it covers an area of 52 hectares (130 acres). Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century, during the Dutch colonial period. Galle is the best example of a fortified city built by the Portuguese in South and Southeast Asia, showing the interaction between Portuguese architectural styles and native traditions. The city was extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards. The Galle fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers. , The heritage value of the fort has been recognized by the UNESCO and the site has been inscribed as a cultural heritage UNESCO World Heritage Site under criteria IV, for its unique exposition of “an urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries.” The Galle Fort, also known as the Dutch Fort or the “Ramparts of Galle”, is a historical, archaeological and architectural heritage memorial, which even after more than 423 years maintains a polished appearance, due to extensive reconstruction work done by Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka. Enter through the imposing stone bastions that encircle the sea-facing promontory and step back in time. Inside the Fort you will find that it exudes old-world charm. The narrow streets are dotted with Dutch colonial villas and there’s a welcome absence of vehicular traffic. There are several museums and antique shops that display curiosities from the island’s colonial era. Of the many colonial buildings, perhaps the most absorbing is the Dutch Reformed Church, containing ornately carved memorials to the city’s Dutch settlers. The Fort also hosts some of the island’s most exclusive boutique-style accommodation in former villas restored to their colonial glory. The atmosphere of the Dutch era is still very much alive around the fort with many historical buildings. The fort has a colorful history, and today has a multi-ethnic and multi-religious population. The Sri Lankan government and many Dutch people who still own some of the properties inside the fort are looking at making this one of the modern wonders of the world.The ramparts and the bastions bring to life the old world. Some of the buildings are converted into beautiful up market places of tourist accommodation. The old part of town is compact so you can explore by foot. A tour of the fort’s fortified walls is the highlight of a visit to Galle. The Portuguese established the first fort in Galle. This was captured by the Dutch in 1640, after which the fortifications were expanded and the grid street system established. Further extensions were made during the British period. The passenger port gained importance, but with the construction of a breakwater at Colombo, Galle slipped into maritime decline. Stroll along the massive ramparts at dusk. Experience the tranquil ambience of a bygone era yet see life as it proceeds: children flying kites, games of softball cricket, and couples canoodling behind the privacy of umbrellas. They all seem to enhance the magic of the fort.

Hikkaduwa Beach – It is situated in 15 kilometers away from Galle. Along the Galle road to Colombo, you will found this mesmerizing town with a fabulous reef, waves made for surfing and people made for partying. It used to be popular only for a stopover on the way to Galle and mostly worldwide surfing fans but now the town has taken over the hearts and minds of everybody who just basically hears about it. Hikkaduwa is one of the best surfing wave’s spots in Sri Lanka, offering a clear hot water base. Surfing in the Hikkaduwa area is fairly well known and gets the best surfing during its dry season, surfers gather here from November to April, using the advantage of wide beaches with perfectly formed shorelines. The waves rise from 4 to 11 feet and even though the surfing period is well packed, a few surfers will always be wondering the beach at any given time of the year. Hikkaduwa has emerged as a modern goal for sun-seekers and wave-worshipers. (Distance from Colombo – 99km, Distance from galle – 15 km). Hikkaduwa appears to have been an early tourist destination in Ceylon, for J. W. Bennett reported in 1843 that it “is most pleasantly situated, and a great resort of picnic parties from Galle”. Hikkaduwa National Park one of the three marine national parks in Sri Lanka. The national park contains a fringing coral reef high degree of biodiversity. The area was declared a wildlife sanctuary on May 18, 1979 and then on August 14, 1988, upgraded to a nature reserve with comprehensive land area. The reef was affirmed a national park on 2002. The coral sanctuary along the coast of Hikkaduwa is a large shallow body of water surrounded by a reef, decorated with layers of multicolored corals, and is home to countless colorful fish. Off the beach there is a collection of small islets surrounded by beautiful coral formations. Many species of fish and large turtles are found here. The beaches are beautiful and wide and swimming is safe here. The impressive coral reef lies just offshore and is still populated with exotic fish and sea turtles. After a short distance south of the center of the reef, it decreases and begins a wider sandy beach with good wave’s ideal for board surfs and body surfing. Snorkeling and Diving, Scuba, Glass Bottom Boat Ride (you can see the marvelous underwater wander land). Glass bottom boats are available for visitors who want to admire the wonders of deep while keeping their feet dry! Scuba diving and diving in clear waters are a major past time along this stretch and is the most ecological way to see the colorful fish that dart around. A long stretch of beach packed with restaurants serving deliciously fresh seafood, an equally long stretch of memento shops for the serious customer, Mask Factories & Battik Factories guesthouses and hotels in great quantities, from the cheap and cheerful to star-class, partygoers looking for a crazy night out and travelers looking for the perfect getaway. From July onwards everyday at Hikkaduwa is a night life. Hikkaduwa is infamous for its perfect blends of ingredients served with rotti and almost any restaurant will offer a form of rotti. Rotti shops are placed all by the side of the Galle road and varieties offered are from cheese and chicken, devilled chicken to chocolate/ banana and avocado. Just stop by any rotti and pick your choice.

Unawatuna Beach – Unawatuna Beach is among the best 10 beaches in the world. It is a suburb of Galle, about 5km southeast to the city center. Unawatuna is located at an altitude of 5 meters (16 ft.) above the sea level. The beach at Unawatuna is considered to be one of the safest beaches in Sri Lanka with the reef defensive it. The water is truly beautiful and displays the true turquoise blue of an ideal sea. Off the coast of Unawatuna, beneath the Indian Ocean lie a number of coral reefs, shipwrecks, and a great variety of fish and turtles. The turtles still wade onto the coast to lay their nests and eggs. Underwater expeditions between corals and school of fish can be arranged with activities such as windsurfing, snorkeling and scuba diving to truly make your vacation a more special time.

Turtle Hatchery – (Sea Turtle safari) – Seven species of sea turtles representing two families, Dermochelyidae and Cheloniidae are the only living members among the turtles. These seven species include the largest among the turtle, the leatherback and the smallest, the olive ridley turtle. The other five species are the hawskbill turtle, green turtle, loggerhead turtle, Kemp’s ridley and flatback turtle. Five of the seven known species of sea turtles are reported form the Sri Lanka. All the species of sea turtles found in Sri lanka are presently endangered and are protected by law. Olive turtles are predators by their nature and they eat jelly-fish, shrimp and crabs, but actually there is no need in hunting as human are for all time glad to feed the creatures. In the morning turtles swim up to Hikkaduwa beach to make people happy by eating luminaries from their hands. Swim with sea turtles while the latter sun their carapaces on soundings. By the way, carapaces of old olive turtles can reach the size of 60-70 centimeters and weight of 40 kilos. On the fringes of Bentota and Kosgoda have turtle hatchery. Guests can see vast tanks filled with new born sea turtle hatchlings. In an effort to promote responsible tourism and conservation, the hatchery buys turtle eggs off fishermen, in an attempt to discourage them from poaching & selling the eggs for food. Although October to April is the main laying period, at night marine turtles come ashore, dig a hole and lay their eggs, covering them up before heading back to see. Some eggs can be found at Kosgoda beach & Bentota beach throughout the year. As well the wide sandy beaches that exist round the island of Sri Lanka are utilized by several of the marine turtles for laying their eggs. Guests are educated on the importance of defensive turtle life, via the hatchery’s facilities that care for newborn sea turtles until they are ready to be released back into the ocean, an experience that some lucky visitors may even have the opportunity to do themselves first-hand. After being fed, the newborn sea turtles are taken to the sea and released when they are 2-4 days old, usually during the safer hours of night.

Dooli Water Fall – Many secrets and wonders of nature lie hidden within the Sinharaja Forest Reserve. One such wonder is the Dooli Ella; a beautiful waterfall a beautiful creation of nature. A rivulet cascading down the slopes of Sinharaja forest forms into a nearly 500ft. waterfall at Kosmulla a village of Neluwa. A four wheel drive up to a point and a walk down a narrow foot path take you the foot of the falls. The flow rate of the waterfall is constant all year through, and the spray creates a misty halo around the area. Dooli Ella gets its name from the falling waters spreading over the surrounding area. The name ‘Dooli’ means ‘fine dust’ –therefore we can assume that the natives compared the water spray to a dusty look and hence the waterfall was named Dooli Ella. The road up to the Fall from galle, you going through the Kottawa Jungle. A short foot path from the tea factory through a dense thicket leads to the base of the waterfall which is a beautiful creation of nature. There are many indigenous plant and animal species to be establish in this pure environment surrounding the waterfall. It has retained its natural habitat due to its location, which is not easily easy to get to by motor vehicles. A number of smaller waterfalls, about 50 to 60 feet high, can be spotted on the path to Dooli Ella, point of view you on towards the vision of beauty ahead.

Stilt Fishing – Ritipanna is the Sinhalese expression for stilt fishing, which is a long-established method for fishing practiced by most fishermen along the southern coast of Sri Lanka. A stick standing up with another piece of wood tied to it to create a seat where fisherman climb on to during the low tide to fish in the increasing waters of the high wave, though is a lovely sight is a hard and uncomfortable task of few hours fishermen on stilts usually catch small fish like the spotted herring and tiny mackerel it’s enough to feed few mouths. Stilt fishing season is at its hit the highest point during the southwest monsoon because fishermen using boats also end up on stilts since the sea is too rough. A narrow pole is tied to a stick that is anchored on the ocean bed. Fisher folk climb onto this stick and settle on the pole for a few hours in an effort to catch some fish. Each stilt can accommodate only one fisherman. For catching fish, they produce a bar made of Kithul, and a small bag is tied around their waist to hold the fish that they catch. With one hand they hold onto the stilt and with the other they hold the bar that catches fish. The habit of stilt fishing will always be practiced by those who cannot have enough money to invest in modern fishing tools. Still fishing is twice a day. It is on sunup and sundown, stilt fishermen gather together on the southern shoreline. The morning sitting goes on till about 9.00a.m., or pending they have sell their day’s catch to nearby village buyers who come to the stilt fishing location. Stilt fishing is a huge attraction for tourists. If you need to get that experience, on your request, you can get an opportunity to test their skills at stilt fishing in exchange for cash from the stilt fishermen, you should have to come to Ahangama Beach; it is a 15-minute drive from Galle. Fish bites the best early in the morning or evening, go fishing earlier. The only things you need are fishing line and a needle, Sri Lanlkan fishermen will gladly give up their stilt seats to you for additional pay or they can even let somebody use their tackle. The main thing is to go up the stilt and take hold till the first catch. Actually the sundown stilt fishing session is usually to entertain foreigners, and this ends at sunset. Tourists are fond of to climb up on the stilt and truly skill this activity as well as capture photographs for memoirs. According to stilt fishermen, this art requires a lot of patience and endurance. The first lesson is to strike a balance while sitting on the narrow wooden stick. Then the process requires quite a few hours of waiting in full quiet while catching the fish. They should not move or make any sound because if there is even a minor trouble in the atmosphere, the fish will swim away.

Moonstone Mine – Have you ever wondered where that pretty little moonstone on your finger actually comes from? Head inland 7km to Mitiyagoda and you can descend into the mucky world of mining – 18th-century style! Moonstone has been mined in these sweltering forests forever and the moonstone mines, little more than muddy rabbit holes, 6m or 7m long, are fascinating – as is the process of filtering out the precious stones, cutting them up and polishing them up ready for sale. Entrance is free, but expects a hardcore sales pitch in the on-site shop afterwards. To get there head towards Kahawa and turn inland to Mitiyagoda after which it’s clearly signed.

Koggala Beach & Lake – Koggala home for the famous writer Martin Wickramasinghe. Koggala famous among the visitors, because there is a amercing beach and a marvelous lake. Koggala Beach is one of the longest beaches in Sri Lanka. The beach of Koggala is tidy tourist destination. The beach is a nesting area for marine turtles, who visit the island during the breeding season, although the opportunity to actually see the laying process is very rare, The ancient practice of stilt fishing on the coastlines, may see at Koggala beach. Koggala Beach is 8 km from Galle City. In a great dry season begin from December to March, and tiny dry season begin from July to August. The largest lake in the island, Koggala Lake is an unspoiled ecological haven a few hundred meters away from the resort. The small islands scattered in the lake ideal for bird watching at sundown. Koggala Lake near Koggala in Sri Lanka is a freshwater lagoon which sits 3 meters above the sea level near the south coast of Sri Lanka. This gorgeous turquoise lagoon is just a couple of kilometers away from the town; dotted with stony islands & fringed with mangroves. The cerulean Koggala lagoon was once a haven to a rich ecological system. It was also a beauty which was described with much fondness by the well-known writer Martin Wickramasinghe in his masterpieces such as Madol Duwa. There have famous five islands. Those are Spice Island, Cinnamon Island, Temple Island, Bird Island and Madol Duwa Island.

Spice Island has about 4000 residents; they grow many spices then made into oils and tonics used for indigenous healing.

As you come up to Cinnamon Island there is a little jetty, when jumping off the boat you notice that are two holes filled to the brim with golden fish, you get to stick your feet in the water to have them nibbled upon. It feels very strange to begin with but slowly becomes more soothing. You head to the top of a steep lane; this island has a much smaller community than the Spice Island. Only four families are living here. It is surrounded by cinnamon trees. This cinnamon flavor is much more delicate that the king you buy in supermarkets back home. You can see and joined in a woman making cinnamon powder, she gathered a few dried out sticks and placed them in the major mortar and pestle you have forever seen. She then bashes the sticks until powdery, spoons the mixture into a fine sieve and taps the powder through leaving behind the rubbery bark fragments – again the flavor is delicate, you are able to drink a cup of helthey cinnamon tea.

There is a island is called Temple Island. It has a temple; this island seemed eerily quiet, a very distinct lack of noise or persons. It was a very small temple but pretty nevertheless. That is very beautiful on full moon days. Surrounded by jungle this is a landscape rich in wildlife.

Bird Island is a little deceptive, bird according to Sri Lankan’s are, in this case, bats. As you get closer to the island you see lots of bats flying into the air, they aren’t afraid of birds why should you be afraid of bats, because they stay very much high the tree tops. Alive with birds and small islands rich in tropical greenery, Koggala Lake feels like you’re the very first to discover this sanctuary of untouched natural world.

When your boat ride at Koggala lake also offer a chance to go have a look the famous Madol Duwa Island, which Author Martin Wickramasinghe wrote a book on. The navel was fist publiched in 1947, telling a story of Upali & his friend Jinna. They lived on the Southern coast of Sri Lanka during 1890. It later leads to Upali and Jinna trying to live in a deserted island, which was Madol Duwa. The novel has been made into a movie in 1976. Take a tour of the lagoon in boat; find there have famous 4 islands. Those are Spice Island, Cinnamon Island, Temple Island and Bird Island and visit cinnamon farmers at their home and the only others you might wave hello to are a fisherman or two on the water. The abundant mangrove-fringed lake provides them with prawns, crabs, fish and oysters. The lagoon teems with birdlife & supply prawns in abundance. Motor boat trips & catamaran rides take you to the minor islands around the lagoon, each showcasing an exclusive practice in itself. I can say, you can overall a very marry day on a boat at Koggala Lagoon.

Koggala have the oldest Airport in Sri Lanka has its own motivating record stories to tell. Since the lake was used as a landing point for seaplanes when World War II was in its throes, a fixed water runway was built here and it became the chief flying-boat base in the eastern world. As well as Koggala played a part for the QEA/Imperial Airways route from London to Sydney. Because of the Japanese livelihood of the Malay Peninsula they misplaced their crucial fuel stop-off point in Singapore and another route for Britain–Australia needed to be created at Koggala. A tarmac runway was developed for Air Ceylon after the war and this continued to be hub until 1978. As calm as Koggala is today, the present landing strip is still capable of servicing Sri Lanka Air Force planes.

Jungle Beach & Rumassala Mountain – Jungle beach situated at Rumassala Mountain boarder. This place has Golden sandy shore and rich bio diversity backgrounds and suitable for swimming without waves. This area is known as the Jungle Beach because of its natural beauty; a secluded coastal line emerging from the forest lands that surround it. The beach is rich with coral reefs and marine biology. Rumassala Mountain is closer to jungle beach. The beach is located about 7.5 km from the main city, Galle and few kilometers from Rumassala. You can reach by a climb up Rumassala Mountain and then by trekking down through greenery through a small route which leads to beach. The beach is small and secluded. Snorkeling is also a great thing to do this area, you should take. The reef and secluded beach is popular among locals for recreation and is visited by tourists from nearby areas. It is a one of nudist beach in Sri Lanka. Rumassala which is located close to the Galle natural harbor area is therefore an important marine archaeological site, while the watering point on Rumassala was important during the colonial period. Rumassala famous for the tourist and naturalists, because jungle beach filled with many uncommon birds, animals, plants. As well as this place famous for rare medicinal plants. The mythology surrounding Rumassala dates back to the Ramayana times. According to the Ramayana legend the Rumassala Mountain is a piece of Himalaya in India. The monkey-soldier, Hanuman was sent back to India to bring four rare medicinal herbs from the Himalayas to make well Lakshman who was wounded trying to save Princess Sita, abducted by the devil King Ravana. Hanuman forgot the name of the herb, lifted the entire part of the mountain where the herbs were supposed to grow and carried it to the combat zone trying to save Lakshman. A large piece fell down in the location of Unawatuna. That name villagers gave ant its meaning is “fell down”. That fell down piece is currently recognized as Rumssala Mountain. Rumassala is rich in its biodiversity. Over sixty species of endemic birds as well as rare species such as the lesser whistling duck, the Asian palm swift, the white-breasted waterhen, the Loten’s sunbird and the black bittern have been sighted in the locality by the ornithologist, Clive Byers. These birds are mostly sighted in the remaining marshy area and Rumassala Hillock. The Rumassala coral reefs at the east end of the Galle Harbor attract divers; Eco treks in the shrub jungles of Rumassala are also obtainable. Your final segment will be at the Japanese Peace Pagoda When you went to the jungle beach and Rumassala Mountain, don’t forget to worship Japanese Peace Pagoda there. It is a beautiful shrine with a miraculous view of the sea. It can be spotted from the Jungle beach and from Rumassala Hill. The Japanese Peace Pagoda was built by the Nipponzan-Myōhōji order. It is a monument planned to inspire peace among all races and creeds.

Sinharaja Rain Forest – Sinharaja Rain Forest is a national park and a biodiversity hotspot in Sri Lanka. The reserve’s name translates as Kingdom of the Lion.It is of international significance and has been designated a Biosphere Reserve and World heritage Site by UNESCO. This is the only virgin rain forest in Sri Lanka with rare species of flora and fauna, which was reason to be declared a World Heritage Site. The forest takes up about 2300 hectares and about 20% of it is in the Southern Province. The average annual temperature of Sinharaja is approximately 23.6C. It annually receives more than 2500mm of rainfall. Therefore no dry season spell throughout the year. There are four main access routes to Sinharaja. The northwestern road is Kalawana-Weddagala road, North-East Rakwana-Morning side road, the Southwest Hiniduma-Neluwa road and the Southeast Deniyaya-Pallegama road. Among these roads, the Hiniduma – Neluwa road is closer and easier for visitors traveling from Galle. The hilly virgin rainforest, part of the Sri Lanka lowland rain forests ecoregion, was saved from the worst of commercial logging by its inaccessibility, and was designated a World Biosphere Reserve in 1978 and a World Heritage Site in 1988. An interesting phenomenon is that birds tend to move in mixed feeding flocks, invariably led by the fearless greater racket-tailed drongo and the noisy orange-billed babbler. Of Sri Lanka’s 26 endemic birds, the 20 rainforest species all occur here, including the elusive red-faced malkoha, green-billed coucal and Sri Lanka blue magpie. Reptiles include the endemic green pit viper and hump-nosed vipers, and there are a large variety of amphibians, especially tree frogs. Invertebrates include the endemic common birdwing butterfly and the inevitable leeches. Had an awesome trip to Sinharaja where you and Mother Nature meet and grate each other, natural pure spring water and clean oxygen with beauty of its own. After the hustle and bustle of city destinations this was simply perfect to rest our minds listening to bird calls and the concert of cicadas. There are 8 very beautiful waterfalls and unlimited waterways at Pitadeniya enterence to Sinharaja forest. Those are Kekuna falls, Pathanoya falls, Malmora falls, Brahmana falls, Galdoru falls, Uran Wetuna falls, Thattu falls and Dhooli falls. All those waterfalls and categories in Sri Lankan major waterfalls list and it may see various sceneries in various angles. Some waterfalls are very higher and some are narrow once. Dhooli falls is most beautiful waterfall in Sinharaja and Galdoru falls is somewhat different shape of waterfalls.