Sunday 19 November 2023

Things to do in Galle, Sri Lanka

 

Things to do in Galle Sri lanka

Galle

Galle is a beautiful and historic quaint little town in Southern part of Sri Lanka about 130 km from Colombo. During the 1600’s Galle was occupied by the Dutch who build a strong walled fort around the coastal town. Even today you can see the well preserved remains of the fort walls against the backdrop of turquoise blue waters of the Arabian Sea. Galle is a melting pot of cultures and you see it all around you from the cobble stone streets to the beautiful colonial buildings, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must visit on a trip to Sri Lanka. 

Here are my top things to do in Galle, Sri Lanka:

Explore the Dutch Fort: One of the first things to do in Galle is to make your way to the beautiful fort walls. The best time to visit the fort would be morning or late evening, the Galle sun can be quiet harsh in summer. If you want to really explore the fort follow the 'Fort Walk' which starts at the Iconic Clock Tower, then moving on to the Main Gate into the interior of the city where you can stop over at the Reform Church and Finally Reach the Dutch Hospital 
Fort hospital Galle Sri Lanka

Take photos of the Old Lighthouse: The Galle light house station also called “Pointe de Galle Light” is Sri Lanka’s oldest light station dating back to mid-19th century. The light house is functional to date and it a good vantage point for photographers.

Sunset at galle lighthouse in Sri Lanka

Stay at a Boutique Hotel: There are many old boutique hotels in Galle and we stayed in Thambili-House. A 300 year old villa built by a Dutch spice trader. The house was filled with antique furniture and contemporary local art. Some boutique hotel recommendations:  Mango House, The Bartizan, Fort Bazaar, Taru Villla

colonial house in Galle, Sri Lanka

Stroll along the Colonial Streets of Galle: The streets of Galle are beautiful and lined with well preserved old colonial buildings that have stood the test of time. You can spend couple of hours just exploring the streets and taking in the old world charm. Make sure to visit Peddler's street for its charming buildings and hipster cafe's.



Visit the Historic Mansion Museum: Located in Rampart Street inside Galle Fort the museum is worth a visit if you like antiques and history. The museum houses the private collection of an eccentric businessman Abdul Gaffar. You can find ancient blue pottery from China, currency collection from all over the world, an amazing collection of antique cameras, old watches and all sorts of curios and trinkets.

Historic Mansion Museum in Galle Sri Lanka

Sunset from Flag Rock: Due to its strategic location the Flag Rock was used to signal incoming ships. These days this massive rock formation at the end of Galle Fort is a perfect vantage point to catch the beautiful Galle sunsets.



Hit The Beach: Head to Unawatuna, easily one of the most popular beaches in Sri Lanka. Known for its palm tree lined beaches and coral formations. Unawatuna is less than 10 KM from Galle and can get crowded during season due to its popularity.



The Old Gate: The Old Gate is the entry point to Galle Fort near Queens Street. It was originally built by the Dutch but later modified by the British. This Gate is the last remaining link with the Portuguese builders of the original fort built in 1588 and is located on the North wall. The Coats of Arms that are visible date from the Dutch and British colonial eras. 



Galle Dutch Hospital: This is one of the most notable and popular building within the famous Galle Fort. The hospital was constructed to attend to the sick seamen of the Dutch East India Company and in later years was converted to an army barrack to house troops and weaponry. Today the hospital has been renovated to a shopping precinct with a buzzing night life scene.



Galle has something for everyone; for the nature lovers, history buffs and for the culinary inclined. The best time to visit Galle is between December to April when there is less rain and the terrain is lush and green. In conclusion, Galle, Sri Lanka is a truly unique and special destination that should be on every traveler's bucket list. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or simply relaxing on a beautiful beach.


Thursday 26 August 2021

A Sri Lankan Holiday - Last Day in Beruwala

Reflecting back on our stay in Beruwala, it far exceeded our expectations. Compared to Colombo the mood was slow and relaxed and the same was to be said about our Airbnb. We spent most of the time in Beruwala on the beach at Amuura. The water was calm and the sunsets were beautiful. During the day we took shade under a cozy canopy of palm trees that had a long swing attached to it. 
The Sky turned purple blue after the sun went down 

The mood all along 
Initially the plan was to stay for 2 nights but we extended our stay by one more night at Ammura. The villa was big and beautiful with really nice furniture laid out for the guests. Morning there was yoga classes followed by breakfast and then we used to head out to explore places near by. Lunch was usually at some restaurant and we had a really nice meal at Hilda's Seafood Bar, recommend going there to watch the sunset. Cinnamon Beruwala is another option for fine dining; the food is good but expensive.
Catching the last light 

Zen
One last time
We didn't plan much for our 3 days at Beruwala other than deciding where to stay. We did explore a little during the day time but were back to our little beach at Amuura for every sunset. Our last night at Amuura we were treated to a yummy Sril Lankan dinner with  steamed fish and the best coconut sambal. 
Beautiful Sunset in Beruwala, the sky was different shades of pink and purple
Sunset Hues 


Saturday 7 August 2021

A Sri Lankan Holiday - Beruwala Sunset

Watching the golden orb dip below the gentle waves is a sight to behold. On our last day in Beruwala we were blessed with one of the most mesmerizing sunsets we had ever witnessed; A magical sunset that completed our holiday, a perfect end to a perfect day in paradise.
Barberyn Island Lighthouse
Barberyn Island Lighthouse in the background
The following day took us to the final destination of our holiday, Galle. We had taken a risk by staying at an Airbnb instead of a typical beach resort; And oh, boy! Was it rewarding? The community experience that Amuura offered was something we could never have experienced at a luxury resort. From dining with a couple from Switzerland to having breakfast with a family from Australia, it truly was a unique and enriching experience.
Sri Lanka Photography
Picture perfect 
We spent that evening at the beach taking in Beruwala sunset one last time. Next day we were off to Galle for the final leg of our Sir Lankan adventure. 
Beruwala Travel Blog
Our little beach 
Barberyn Island Lighthouse

He kept us company when ever  we  at the beach

Golden Light 


Thursday 9 April 2020

A Sri Lankan Holiday - Kechchimalai Mosque Beruwala

On our second day in Beruwala we had a late lunch at Hilda's Seafood Bar and in the evening we visit Kechchimalai Mosque. This was one of the oldest Mosque's in Sri Lanaka built by the Arab traders in 12th century. The Mosque is situated on top of a rocky hill with a beach on one side and fishing harbor on the other. The Mosque itself was pretty small but the views from up there was really nice. 
Fishing Boat docked at the harbor 

Kechchimalai Mosque Beruwala
Kechchimalai Mosque
Wanted to share with my fellow travelers a few tips to keep in mind while visiting a Mosque:
  • Remove your hat,shoes and sunglasses before entering 
  • Be respectful do not speak inside and keep your phone on silent 
  • When you sit do not point your feet in the direction of the shrine 
  • Dress appropriately and women should cover their head 
  • Photography is permitted ( in most ) but not during prayer time 
Sri Lanka Travel Blog
The harbor opens out into the sea
Beruwala Travel Blog
Vendors by the mosque 
Vendor selling all kinds of chips 
There was prayers happening when we reached the mosque so we explored the grounds around the mosque. The views were really nice from up here, highly recommend carrying a tele-lens to get close up shots of the colorful fishing boats docked in the harbor. 
Kechchimalai Mosque Beruwala
Beruwala Harbor at golden hour 
St.Anne's Church 
On our way back to our Airbnb we stopped by St.Anne's Church; it was a Sunday and we had missed to attend mass. The church was old and had a really nice altar, we spent 15 minutes praying inside before heading back. Next up .... one of the most amazing sunsets I have seen in my life. Stay Tuned !

Sunday 5 April 2020

A Sri Lankan Holiday - Beruwala Day 2

Second day in Beruwala started with a beautiful morning walk by the beach. The sky was blue and the sea was green dotted with fishing boats by the horizon. I spotted a lone fisherman who was venturing out onto the rocks to cast bait, at one point I got him in my frame along with Lighthouse Island in the background.
Vacation in Paradise Sri Lanka
Swing by the beach at Amuura Villa 
Beruwala
 Fisherman and  Barberyn Lighthouse
Sri Lanka Beach
Vanbug at the beach 
Barberyn Lighthouse
Barberyn Lighthouse
Modelling Sri Lanka
Taking in that fresh air 

Sea Urchin Sri Lanak
I caught a Sea Urchin and it was alive !
The fisherman in the picture saw me taking his snap and wanted to see it; I showed him the photos and this was my reward. He took a spiny sea urchin from his basket and put it on my palm; it had a spiny chalky texture. And then it moved ! I almost dropped Mr.Spiny.
Instaclicks 
Dog lover Beruwala
Neeti is a dog lover and she had a blast petting this guy; me ... I stayed away clicking pictures
For lunch we went to Hilda's Seafood Shack, it came highly recommended and did not disappoint. We had a Seafood Salad, Golden Jumbo Shrimp and a seafood  fried rice that had a generous portion of crab meat. The food was tasty, service was excellent and we were sitting less than 50 meters from a beach. Highly recommend Hilda's for a sundowner. 
Hilda's Seafood Shack
Lunch at Hilda's Beach Shack 
After a heavy lunch and siesta we went to see the Kechchimalai Mosque ..... coming up