Galle
Galle is a city replete with elegantly-tall Dutch-colonial buildings showcasing a gracefully sophisticated system of well planned city. The most exotic city of Sri Lanka, Galle, affirms to be the place which is adorned with the scent of the zesty spices and dominated by the salty breezes by the beach side. It is a city which bestows numerous surprises one after the other to lure its visitors.
Galle is a town of mystic beauty with having classic architectural marvels that perfectly melds with the stunning tropical essence of the place. The city has an exquisite setting as it has been drenched in water from three sides. Such amazing adornments make Galle an undoubtedly the most desired tourist destination in Sri Lanka. The place has been so fortunate in terms of architecture and natural beauty that even wandering on the streets itself is a treat to eyes. The architecture of the place dates back through centuries and every piece holds some stung past behind its emergence. Some of the best marvels of the place are as follows:
Galle Fort: The best thing about this place is that at present it is the largest fortress that has been left behind in Asia. The charismatic essence of the place infused with its Dutch architecture has earned it the title of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. Another unique thing to this for besides being an abode to enigmatic beauty is that it works as a community centre having a lot of hustle-bustle around with museums, clock tower, temples, administrative offices, courts, export companies etc.
Unawatuna Beach: Standing perfectly at the south coast of Galle, Unawatuna Beach because of its mesmerizing tropical beauty has been ranked among the premier twelve beaches of the world. The crustal clear water of the sea on white sand lures the surfers to get drenched in the sanctity of the beach.
Dutch Museum: The history of this elegant museum dates back to the 17th century. It comprises some elegant paintings, artistic prints, fascinating furnishings, cute earthenware and various intriguing artifacts. All of the artistic and cultural stuffs in the museum dates back to the Dutch colonial era primarily reflecting the influence of the Southern Province.
Turtle Hatchery: Turtle hatchery, is the outcome of one of the most genuine efforts made by the Wild Life Protection Society of Sri Lanka. It has been operated by the same institution since 1981 in order to protect and preserve Sri Lanka’s turtles from extinction. It’s very fascinating to witness the New born turtle hatchlings that are kept in the massive tanks.
How to reach Galle: Galle is well connected to other regions of the country and is effortlessly accessible from everywhere in Sri Lanka. From Colombo, the most preferable way to travel would be by car/cab. Driving through, enjoying the vistas from the beach towns of Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna enroute.
Best time to visit Galle: May to September Galle is drenched in rainfall therefore spring is the best time to visit the place to relish a relaxed holiday by the pool or on the beach. However, the best month is February.
Festivals in Galle: Galle Literary Festival is the festival to celebrate the power of the pen. In other words it is a festival of writing where great authors, Whitbread prize winners and such enthusiasts from all over the world participate. It is held in January.
In March there is a festival named The Great Night of Shiva which showcases the sacred Hindu rituals at temples celebrating the birth as well as the wedding anniversary of the great Lord Shiva.
In December Galle Film Festival is held for five days in which people have a gala, debates, workshops and discussions depicting how media affects our lives.