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In the coastal belt of Sri Lanka, Galle deserves a due measure of attraction from both local and foreign travelers alike. If traveling to Sri Lanka is on your bucket list, never forget to include Galle in your itinerary as it would undoubtedly reward you with an unforgettable travel experience. Galle is in the Southern province of Sri Lanka and can be accessed within one hour from the commercial capital of the country, Colombo. Yet some travelers choose to come to Galle on the railway which takes nearly two and half hours while enjoying the sight of the pristine beaches. In Galle, there are plenty of places to visit and activities to experience.
Galle Dutch Fort and the Lighthouse
Galle Fort is an icon of Galle city. When walking on the alleys of Galle Fort lying amid aged old buildings, one can still smell the colonialism that prevailed then. Even when the reconstructions are conducted, the authorities make sure that the colonial ambiance of the site is kept intact. It has been the very reason why Galle Fort tops the list among the tourist destinations in Sri Lanka. To tell a bit of its history, this was initially built by the Portuguese who invaded the country in the 16th century. But it was the Dutch who upgraded this into a massive fortress equipped with military power to defend from the invaders.
Galle Fort is a place that never sleeps. The nightlife in Galle Fort is as bright as its time from morning to dusk. The lighthouse in Galle Fort was erected around 1939 and is the oldest lighthouse in Sri Lanka. Even Though access is hindered to climb its top these days, walking around the lighthouse; on the pavements, and on the stone wall lies along the golden beach gives a pleasing vibe.
There are plenty of villas in Galle Fort promising a stay of serenity. Moreover, the boutiques of gems and jewelry, antique collectibles, and dining places of multifarious varieties are lined up in the alleys of the Fort.
Kanneliya Forest Reserve
Kanneliya Forest Reserve is located 35 km Northwest of the heart of Galle. This is one of the most beautiful forest reserves in the Southern province and this is the second largest rainforest in Sri Lanka. If you visit this forest, you are sure to be carried away by the natural beauty and the environment gifted with streams, waterfalls, species of animals and reptiles, and a few natural swimming pools. They all add to the rich biodiversity of the forest.
Kanneliya forest reserve is home to a lot of species of endemic plants and endangered creatures. If you are accompanied by a tour guide, he will be explaining every detail of the forest. A few rules adhere to the travelers who enter the forest reserve to make sure that the life of the forest is left unharmed and undisturbed. On the other hand, it ensures your safety as well. For example, you can only enjoy the sight of the waterfalls and take pictures, but no one will be allowed to have a bath.
Kanneliya Forest Reserve is also linked to the two major rivers in Sri Lanka. This is a great place for travelers who visit Galle to have a wonderful hiking experience in flora and fauna. February and March are generally dry months in Kanneliya. If you are planning to visit Kanneliya except for these two months, you will have to come prepared for the humid conditions and rain. It’s amazing to reach Kanneliya within two hours from Galle city and have an experience of a rainforest.
Rumassala/ Jungle Beach
Rumassala is at the center of attraction in the Galle district. It is a mountainous jungle that paves way for Jungle Beach. As per the legend, Rumassala is a part of the Himalayas mountain in India. Therefore, the legendary mountain is believed to be a storehouse of herbs and medicinal plants. The Rumassala mountain and jungle beach are located so harmoniously that the duo renders unparalleled scenic beauty to the overall ambiance.
Rumassala mountain is in the spotlight as a tourist attraction in Galle. Any traveler who visits Galle would never miss the chance of climbing Rumassala mountain to get entrance to the jungle beach. This is almost adventurous as the path from the jungle to the beach is not on a smooth and comfortable track and that’s what makes this experience more exciting. But when you set foot on the silver sand of the jungle beach, all your fatigue is swiped away by the pleasant sea breeze.
Providing a comfortable stay for the travelers who arrive at Rumassala, there are enough resorts and villas beside the main road to the mountain. Peace Pagoda and Buddha’s Statue are another two significant milestones in Rumassala. They are not built on the same premises but in the vicinity. The walk up to the Peace Pagoda and the Buddha’s Statue from the main road is paved and you can even reach there by vehicle. At these points, you can have a spectacular panoramic view of the ocean and the miniature buildings of Galle city. Since these are religious places, it is recommended to cover your shoulders and knees and remove shoes when you enter these places. The religious vibe and the comforting sea breeze would sure to carry you to a mindful ecstasy.
Unawatuna Beach
Unawatuna beach has attracted both local and foreign travelers throughout the year. You can walk to the beach from Unawatuna town within 15 minutes. This beach is quite popular for surfing. During the season with no tidal waves, the beach creates a picturesque view with the surfers dotted on the waves.
The beach with golden sand sets the mindset for a free and relaxing vacation. You can have the experience of diving and taking tours in a boat with a glass bottom enjoying the sight of mesmerizing coral reefs and golden fish. There are enough diving centers established in Unawatuna to facilitate the tourists who come to Unawatuna to have an unforgettable diving and snorkeling experience. Apart from that, there are other boats for sea excursions and jet skies for those who want to be sporty on the beach.
On the Unawatuna beach, the sea breeze is so tempting as it carries the spicy smell of the foods being sizzled and fried in the restaurants and dining places along the beach. There is an array of food items including fried fish and oysters adding more flavor to your memories on the Unawatuna beach.
Boat Rides in Madu River
No matter how many boats ride you have taken, a boat ride on the Madu river would add to your unforgettable memories. Madu river is surrounded by a wetland that stretches over 990 hectares of land and it covers 64 isles. Imagine how relaxing it is to float in a boat when the greenery and mangroves are in your surroundings. During this boat ride, you can easily see many aquatic plants. Those who get the boat ride in the Madu river can also experience refreshing fish therapy. It is a priceless treatment for the feet of the tiresome travelers who come to enjoy the boat ride on the Madu river. A shawl of fish; perhaps hundreds of fish at once surrounding your legs is an experience worth having at least once in a lifetime. Therefore, everyone who gets the boat ride on the Madu river usually never skips the chance of having this fish therapy. It is also interesting that fish therapy, though it is such a remarkable experience, comes at very affordable rates.
The boat ride can also take you to places such as Cinnamon island and Kothduwa temple, an ancient Buddhist temple. A tour guide will also join this boat tour explaining to you the ins and outs of the mangroves and surroundings. If you want to experience freshwater and marine life, this tour would undoubtedly be a heavenly experience. The boat ride is taking nearly two hours.
Sinharaja Safari
Sinharaja forest is the largest rainforest in Sri Lanka. This major eco-tourism destination has been enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its rich biodiversity and exclusive forest density. The southern part of the forest is stretched towards Galle and this area has been allocated for Safari. You can enter the Southern part of Sinharaja within two hours from Galle city. The permission has been granted for Safari from 6.30 am to 6.00 pm. This is home to many endemic and native birds, animals, reptiles, plants, and a myriad of insects some of which are yet to be classified.
Sinharaja Safari is quite popular among the tourists who arrive in Sri Lanka because of the varied wildlife that one gets to enjoy here in this place. Apart from wildlife, the comfort of the tropical climate can also be enjoyed here.
