Galle, a historic city on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, is a captivating blend of colonial charm, cultural heritage, and stunning coastal beauty. Known for its well-preserved Dutch Fort, Galle offers travelers a unique glimpse into Sri Lanka’s past while boasting modern attractions and breathtaking ocean views. Galle is the administrative capital of Southern Province, Sri Lanka and is the district capital of Galle District.
History and Heritage:
Galle's history dates back over 2,000 years, with references in ancient trade records. However, it gained prominence during the Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial eras. The Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built by the Portuguese in 1588 and later expanded by the Dutch in the 17th century. Today, it stands as one of the best-preserved forts in Asia, housing colonial-era buildings, museums, and boutique shops.
Galle had been a prominent seaport long before western rule in the country. Persians, Arabs, Greeks, Romans, Malays, Indians, and Chinese were doing business through Galle port. In 1411, the Galle Trilingual Inscription, a stone tablet inscription in three languages, Chinese, Tamil and Persian, was erected in Galle to commemorate the second visit to Sri Lanka by the Chinese admiral Zheng He.
The "modern" history of Galle starts in 1502, when a small fleet of Portuguese ships, under the command of Lourenço de Almeida, on their way to the Maldives, were blown off course by a storm. Realising that the king resided in Kotte close to Colombo Lourenço proceeded there after a brief stop in Galle.
In 1640, the Portuguese had to surrender to the Dutch East India Company. The Dutch built the present fort in the year 1663. They built a fortified wall, using solid granite, and built three bastions, known as "Sun", "Moon" and "Star".
After the British took over the country from the Dutch in the year 1796, they preserved the Fort unchanged, and used it as the administrative center of the district.
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. 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 world heritage site and is the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers.
Top Attractions in Galle:
1. Galle Fort – Wander through the cobbled streets of this historic fort, lined with charming cafés, art galleries, and boutique hotels.
2. Galle Lighthouse – The oldest lighthouse in Sri Lanka, offering panoramic views of the coastline.
3. Dutch Reformed Church – A beautiful colonial-era church with a rich history and impressive architecture.
4. National Maritime Museum – Showcasing Galle’s maritime history, shipwrecks, and ancient seafaring artifacts.
5. Jungle Beach – A secluded, picturesque beach ideal for snorkeling and relaxation.
6. Unawatuna Beach – One of Sri Lanka’s most famous beaches, known for its golden sands and vibrant nightlife.
7. Hikkaduwa Coral Reef – A short drive from Galle, this marine sanctuary is perfect for snorkeling and diving.
8. Japanese Peace Pagoda – A serene Buddhist shrine offering breathtaking views of the ocean.
Things to Do in Galle:
Stroll Through Galle Fort: Explore its narrow streets, shop for unique souvenirs, and enjoy local cuisine at quaint cafés.
Surfing and Water Sports: Galle’s nearby beaches, like Hikkaduwa, offer excellent waves for surfers and water sports enthusiasts.
Whale Watching: Take a boat tour from nearby Mirissa to witness magnificent blue whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.
Cooking Classes: Learn to prepare authentic Sri Lankan dishes with expert local chefs.
Visit Spice Gardens: Discover the region’s rich spice heritage with guided tours of local plantations.
Best Time to Visit Galle:
Galle enjoys warm, tropical weather year-round. However, the best time to visit is from November to April, when the skies are clear, and the sea is calm. The monsoon season (May to October) brings heavy rains but also fewer crowds and lush green landscapes.
How to Get to Galle:
By Road: Galle is about 120 km south of Colombo and can be reached via the Southern Expressway (around 2 hours by car or bus).
By Train: A scenic coastal railway connects Colombo to Galle, offering stunning ocean views along the way.
By Air: The nearest airport is Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo, with transfers available by car or domestic flights.
Where to Stay in Galle:
Galle offers a variety of accommodations, from luxury beachfront resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses. Some popular options include:
Amangalla – A luxury heritage hotel inside Galle Fort.
Fort Bazaar – A boutique hotel offering a blend of colonial charm and modern comfort.
Jetwing Lighthouse – A stunning seafront hotel designed by Sri Lanka’s renowned architect, Geoffrey Bawa.
Unawatuna Beach Resorts – Ideal for beach lovers looking for vibrant nightlife and water sports.
Final Thoughts:
Galle is more than just a historical city; it’s a fusion of the past and present, where ancient forts meet modern cafés, and pristine beaches complement centuries-old architecture. Whether you're a history buff, a beach lover, or a foodie, Galle has something for everyone. With its laid-back atmosphere, warm hospitality, and stunning coastal views, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Sri Lanka.
For more details:
No comments:
Post a Comment
Stay updated with our blog for more quality content! Your feedback is appreciated. Contact us at harshrex@outlook.com with any suggestions.