Galle is the capital of the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. Fort Galle, Sri Lanka: photos, attractions, reviews Areas

When we lived in Unawatuna, we came to the city of Galle to buy food, so we passed by the fort many times. Many in this country came to see him. I don’t know how much tourists pay for an excursion, but we were there twice on our own without paying a single rupee. Local residents apparently also organize excursions to Galle Fort. We saw schoolchildren, monks and just groups here local tourists. The fort is in excellent condition.

Fort Galle: photos and impressions

The Dutch fort of Galle is best visited in clear weather

Fort Galle looks gloomier in rainy weather

Everything about Galle Fort is reminiscent of Europe. Small narrow streets, architecture not typical of Sri Lanka, drawings on buildings.

Due to the fact that Halle Castle is surrounded by massive walls, it creates a feeling of tranquility. The space is large, so if you come on your own, you can calmly take a walk and breathe some air, admire the ocean, and no one will rush you or push you. The views are beautiful. It's worth going here for the views.

Where can I order a transfer from the airport?

We use the service - KiwiTaxi
We ordered a taxi online and paid by card. We were met at the airport with a sign with our name on it. We were taken to the hotel in a comfortable car. You've already talked about your experience In this article.

From afar you can see that the city lives its own life

Naturally, the place is not suitable for swimming, because strong waves hit the rocks and break into pieces.

There are no special attractions in Halle itself. People just walk and look at old buildings. Young couples sit on benches and make love. They say that renting a hotel here is not cheap. We cannot say whether this is how things really are; we were not interested. It's worth visiting this place. Just take a break from the endlessly buzzing tuk-tuks, feel the salty sea wind and let go of your thoughts.

As if Sri Lanka is far away

Self-guided tour

Firstly, it is cheaper, since admission is free, you only have to pay for the road.

Secondly, it’s nice to leisurely wander through the old streets, sit on the wall of the fort and admire the surf. There will be no such opportunity on the excursion; you will be given 15 minutes of free time to take photographs and then driven to the bus.

How to get to Galle Fort

Galle Fort is located in the city of Galle, which is easily accessible by public transport. You need to take the bus to the final stop, the Galle (pronounced Gol by locals) bus station on any bus marked “GALLE”. Then walk 10 minutes to the main gate.

On the way to the fort, locals may pester you, saying that the fort is supposedly closed or the entrance is paid or something else like that. Ignore them. The fort is always open and entry is free.

How to get to Fort Galle: If you are vacationing in Unawatuna, Koggala, Mirissa, then take the bus towards Colombo. If you are staying in Hikkaduwa, Balapitiya, Bentota, Kalutara, Panadura, Wadduwa, then you need to go in the opposite direction from Colombo - to Galle by train or bus. Many buses have their final stop here.

The city of Galle is noticeably different from many other cities and resorts in Sri Lanka. This city can boast of its interesting story, as it was first under the control of the Portuguese, then captured by the Dutch, and then passed to the British. It is now a Sri Lankan city and this mixture of different influences has made it a very interesting tourist destination. You will definitely enjoy this sanctuary of beautiful buildings, beautiful walls and a city with a pleasant atmosphere.

Video about the city of Galle in Sri Lanka

Galle on the map of Sri Lanka

The city of Galle in Sri Lanka is 110 km from the capital Colombo and approximately 140 km from Colombo Airport. Near Galle is the famous resort of Unawatuna, which is considered its suburb. Also relatively close to Galle you can find resorts such as Weligama, Mirissa, Tangalle and Hikkaduwa.

Galle city map

Weather in Galle in Sri Lanka by month

In general, the air temperature in Halle remains approximately the same throughout the year. Still, the proximity to the equator has an effect. The hottest month of the year in Halle is considered to be April with an average daily maximum of 32.1 degrees, and the "coldest" month is December with an average daily maximum of 30.2 degrees. So, as you can see, the temperatures in this region of Sri Lanka are relatively constant. However, the weather in Galle can vary greatly from month to month due to the prevailing southwest monsoon during certain periods of the year. This monsoon, which lasts from May to November, brings cloudy weather, heavy rainfall and relatively strong winds. The rainiest months of the year in Halle are October and November. These months typically receive more than 200 mm of precipitation. The driest months of the year in Halle are January, February and March, as the average rainfall in these months is 19-26 mm.

Weather in Halle now and for 14 days

How to get to Galle from Colombo

If you are wondering how to get from Colombo to Galle, then let’s say right away that there is nothing complicated about it, since buses and trains run between these cities with enviable regularity. Trains run several times a day, but be aware that they are often crowded.
I personally think that traveling by train is the most interesting way to get from Colombo to Galle, since the route passes through quite picturesque places along the western and southern coasts of Sri Lanka.
Buses from Colombo to Galle can take either the old or the new road. More interesting route is the old road, since it runs along the coast, but a trip along this road lasts noticeably longer than a trip along the new road.
Of course, you can also get from Colombo to Galle by taxi, but the costs will be several times higher than if you travel by bus or train.

Attractions Galle, Sri Lanka

Since Galle attracts tourists mainly with its attractions, the question very often arises of what to see in Galle. Although the most iconic landmark of this city is the Galle Fort, there are many others in this city interesting places, which also deserve your attention. Below we present you the main attractions of Galle.

Galle Fort in Sri Lanka

Fort Galle or Dutch Fort is one of the most unusual historical and archaeological sites in the world. The fort was first built by the Portuguese at the end of the sixteenth century, and then it was fortified by the Dutch in the mid-seventeenth century. It is a stunning combination of archaeology, architecture and history set against a tropical backdrop. Its appeal lies in the fact that it is not just a historical monument. Even today, it is buzzing with life, with a museum, magnificent villas, administrative offices, antique shops, cafes, bookstores and other facilities.
A walk through the streets of Galle Fort will allow you to admire the beautiful architecture of the colonial style buildings that still exude warmth and charm. We recommend that you definitely visit the National Maritime Museum.

Rock Flag

If you want to be in a calm place after a tiring day and watch the sun setting over the horizon, listen to the cries of seagulls, and admire the waves crashing on the rocks, then Flag Rock is the place you need.
Flag Rock is a former Portuguese bastion located at the southernmost end of Galle Fort, which today is a popular destination for tourists who enjoy watching the sunset. This rock was a natural defensive feature during the Dutch period, from where ships were warned of dangers by musket fire.

Halle Lighthouse

Located at Galle Fort, the coastal lighthouse is one of the few remaining in Sri Lanka. This Lighthouse, built in 1939, is a popular destination for travelers. It is also the oldest lighthouse in Sri Lanka.
Lighthouses played an important role in ancient times as they were a symbol of hope for sailors. Galle Lighthouse is located in beautiful place and offers panoramic view to the ocean. Here you can enjoy a relaxed, tranquil atmosphere. Although you cannot climb the lighthouse itself, the surrounding area will enchant you with its beauty.

Dutch Reformed Church

This is an ancient building located on the premises of Galle Fort. The date of construction dates back to the 18th century during the Dutch period. A walk through the Fort grounds with a guide will take you back to the era when this church was built. The church is also known as Groot Kert. You can see many tombstones here. Also noteworthy is the beautiful lectern made of Malaysian wood. Next to the pulpit is a memorial to the De Lee family.

Japanese Peace Pagoda

Situated on top of Rumasalla Hill and offering panoramic views of the ocean, the Japanese Peace Pagoda is a wonderful addition to Galle's various attractions. Built in 2004, the colossal white structure is the epitome of purity and serenity, ideal for those seeking inner peace. This huge structure is located in a place from where you can see Unawatuna Beach and other beaches around Galle. The pagoda can be reached on foot or along a beautiful hilly path. If you visit the pagoda in the late afternoon, you can witness a stunning sunset.
The Japanese Peace Pagoda in Galle is open daily from 07:00 to 21:00.

Jungle Beach

This is a place where you can enjoy the stunning beauty of calm ocean waves, golden sand, huge rocks and a spicy tropical atmosphere. Jungle Beach is a secluded beach located east of Galle, near the resort village of Unawatuna. This secluded beach is an idyllic destination for those seeking stunning scenery, solitude and serenity. A small road heading west from Unawatuna Beach past the aforementioned Peace Pagoda will take you to Jungle Beach. This beach is good place for snorkeling.

Shops and supermarkets in Halle

For tourists who decide to go on vacation to one of the resort areas of the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, many experts often advise going shopping in Galle. This city really is best place for shopping along the coast from Bentota to Hambantota. In Galle, you can easily buy tea, jewelry and many other goods, as there are shops and supermarkets on every corner. Below we will introduce some famous shops in Galle.

Lihiniya Gems

If you want to buy jewelry or precious stones in Galle, we advise you to visit the Lihiniya Gems store. This store specializes in sapphires and offers a range of jewelry self made. The store is also ready to create custom jewelry. The store is located in the Galle Fort area, so you are likely to see it while walking around the area.

Chilli Dragon Spice

Chilli Dragon Spice has everything you need to recreate the flavors of Sri Lanka back home. Trained staff are always ready to recommend certain spices and can even suggest interesting recipes. The store also sells quality teas and herbal medicines.

Luv SL Galle

This modern gift shop sells almost everything that might interest tourists. There are fashionable clothes, handicrafts and other goods for tourists. The focus is on quality, vibrant colors and style.
The store itself is also one of the most impressively restored colonial buildings.

Hello friends. This time we will talk about one of the five attractions of Sri Lanka from the UNESCO list. Once upon a time, King Solomon sent his ships here for gems and ivory. Now here is the largest surviving European fortress in Asia. Intrigued? The subject of our attention will be Fort Galle.

Sri Lanka. Administrative center Southern province - the city of Galle. City Approximately 2 hours from .

The closest beaches to Galle are Bonavista, Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa.

Story

Driving around the south of the country, it is almost impossible to ignore the city of Galle, located near Colombo.

It is believed that the first foreigners to set foot on the island were the Portuguese. They, having heard the rooster crow here, gave the city its name. "Halo" is translated from Portuguese as "rooster".

They built the first fortification, which was supposed to guard the port, in the 16th century after the battle with the Kandyans.

But by 1640 the fortress surrendered to the onslaught of the Dutch.

It was the Dutch who built a fort here, which they called Galle Fort.

An entire city with churches, mosques, a prison, residential and administrative buildings was erected on its territory. Many buildings were naturally given Dutch names.

But the main gate from the north of the fortress, as it has come to us, was already built by the British by 1873. Although before that, the Portuguese and the Dutch had a hand in their creation. The latter greatly enlarged this part of the wall and also divided it into bastions.

Tour of the fort

Well, now it’s time to move on to sightseeing the fort. The entire fortress occupies the territory of the Old Town. It is a mixture of different architectural styles.

• Old Gate

Above them is the coat of arms of the Dutch company. The National Maritime Museum is located here.

• Black Fort

Located to the left of the Old Gate. This is the oldest bastion of the fort. It was built by the Portuguese.

• The eastern part of the wall ends at the Utrecht bastion.
• By the beginning of the 20th century, an 18-meter lighthouse was built here.

• Another lighthouse was located on the Triton bastion.
• There is also a windmill there. It served the townspeople to supply water.
• In total, there are 12 bastions on the territory of the fortress.

• Not far from the gates of the fort rises a forty-meter clock tower.

Besides National Museum, which we have already mentioned, you can visit a number of others.

• Nautical Archaeological Museum, who collected many finds from sunken ships.
• The Dutch Museum is located under the roof of one of the private houses.
• And you can learn more about the history of the city in one of the oldest hotels in South Asia - the Oriental Hotel. Maps and inscriptions on the walls will tell you about the history of Halle.
• Behind the hotel you will see the Great Temple. This is a Dutch structure built by 1640. Its floor is paved with tombstones from the old cemetery.

• Opposite the temple is the bell tower from 1701 and the House of the Dutch Government.
• The space above the doorway is still decorated with the symbol of the Dutch company - a rooster.
• This house is also famous for the fact that it contains very old stoves and, according to legend, is haunted.
• Lovers of antiques and old household items should definitely visit the Historical Museum in the mansion building. Here you will learn a lot of new things about the features of Dutch architecture and life.
• Religious attractions here include the Catholic Church of St. Mary, a Buddhist temple, and a white mosque.

In fact, don't be upset if you don't have time to visit all these museums. Just take a walk around Halle: jewelry workshops, picturesque towers, antique shops and colorful streets will already give you a lot to understand this unusual place.

Working hours

The fort is open all the time.

What is the price

Entry to the fort itself is free. However, individual attractions charge different fees for access.

Where to stay in Galle

Now many housing options in Halle have appeared on the service AirBnb. We have written how to use this service. If you do not find a free hotel room, then look for accommodation through this booking site.

We offer good hotel options in Galle

How to get there

• There are trains from Colombo, Matara, and buses to the city of Galle.
• To get to the fort you need to take any bus with the inscription Galle in the city of Galle and get to the final station.

Galle Fort on the map

Address: Lighthouse St, 65a, Fort Galle

Friends, subscribe to us, tell interesting things to your friends, travel. Goodbye!

Fort Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the main attractions of Sri Lanka. The building has an ancient and interesting history.

It is not possible to find out the exact date of construction of the fortification walls and towers. It is believed that the first fortress was built by the Arabs 2000 years ago, then in 1588 it was rebuilt by the Portuguese, who arrived on the island in search of new trade opportunities; in the 17th century they were supplanted by the Dutch, who declared Sri Lanka their colony. In the 19th century, the appearance of the fort was changed by the British.

Video walk along the walls of the fort:

Today, Galle Fort is a district of the port city of the same name. Surrounded by the walls are cafes, shops, museums, a hotel, banks and even a market. Narrow streets and colonial houses invite you to plunge into the atmosphere of bygone years.

How to get to Galle?

Galle is approximately 166 km from Colombo and 140 km from international airport. There are several ways to get to the resort:

Taxi.

Simple, fast, but expensive. The trip will cost approximately 100 USD. Travel time - 3 hours.

You can also get to Galle by train or bus, but with a mandatory change in Colombo, regardless of the option chosen.

There is a bus stop near the airport terminal. Take bus number 187. On its route there are stops “Colombo Railway Station”, and after it “Colombo Bus Station”.

Bus

There are many buses from the bus station to Galle. The schedule is convenient, so you won't have to wait long. Travel time is about 4 hours. The ticket price depends on the comfort of transport.

A ticket for a regular bus without air conditioning, crowded with locals, costs a little more than 60 LKR, for a comfortable trip with air conditioning you will have to pay 150 LKR, and for a minibus - all 295 LKR.

You can take the bus to Galle not only at the bus station, but also at any stop along Galle Road. It is part of the A2 highway, which leads to the resort.

Train

About 10 trains are available daily. Travel time is approximately 4 hours. This trip will appeal to lovers of exoticism and thrills. The ticket price is determined by the train class. 3rd class - 100 LKR, 2nd - 200 LKR, 1st - 350 LKR.

The fort itself is located near the Galle central bus station, about a 10-minute walk, so you won’t have to look for it for long. Entrance is through the main gate in the wall.

Main attractions in the Galle Fort area

Entry to the fort is free. If you meet a Sri Lankan at the gate who asks you to buy an entrance ticket or says that today the fort is closed to visitors and offers to take you to see other cultural and historical places, pass by and do not pay attention to the swindler.

New Eastern Hotel

This is not only the oldest hotel in Sri Lanka, but also in all of Asia. The colonial-style building was built back in 1864 as a residence for the Dutch governor. Today, the official’s house has turned into a hotel, which has undergone virtually no changes either inside or outside. The cost of rooms there is somewhat overpriced, but wealthy tourists are willing to overpay for accommodation in an old mansion on the territory of a monument of world significance.

The entrance is free.

In the eastern part of the fort is the Utrecht bastion. A lighthouse with a height of 24.5 m was erected on its top in 1848. It was of great strategic importance - it showed the way to ships in a bay that was difficult from a navigation point of view. As a result of a severe fire in 1934, the lighthouse was destroyed. Only in 1939 did a new one appear in its place. It is a white round tower, whose height is just over 26 m and diameter is 47 m. A flash illuminates the night sky every 10 seconds.

Entrance depends on the mood of the caretaker and the time of year. In low season - 350-300 LKN per person, in high season the bar can rise to 800 LKN. Bargaining is always appropriate.

The 40 m high tower is part of a bastion built during the rule of the Dutch in 1640-1663. Once upon a time, it served as a lighthouse, past which travelers sailed when entering the port through the city gates. Over time, the need for a navigational light source disappeared, and a clock with a Roman dial was installed at the top of the tower. However, they cannot boast of accuracy.

Tourists are not allowed inside the structure, but you can explore the clock tower from the outside for as long as you like and absolutely free.

National Museum

The museum is located in one of the ancient buildings of the fort, dating back to 1656, although the exhibitions themselves opened only in 1986. They offer an opportunity to get acquainted with archaeological finds made in the south of Sri Lanka. These are ritual masks, dishes, household items, and jewelry. There are exhibits from the Dutch era - weapons and clay vessels. No photography allowed.

Opening hours: Tuesday - Saturday from 9:00 to 17:00

Entrance - 650 LKN

Maritime Archaeological Museum

This is the only museum in Sri Lanka that tells about the ichthyofauna of the region and the difficult life of fishermen. The museum operated successfully from 1992 until 2004, when a devastating tsunami swept across the island.

The Dutch government assumed all costs of restoring the complex. The museum has several halls where you can get acquainted with the evolution of local watercraft, the way of life of fishing villages, and equipment for fishing. The exhibition of corals, turtles, fish, and invertebrates deserves special attention. The highlight of the exhibition is a life-size whale skeleton. Museum workers are planning a global expansion of exhibitions.

Opening hours: Tuesday - Saturday from 07:00 to 18:00

Entrance - 100 LKN

Museum of the Dutch Period (Dutch Museum)

Located in an old Dutch house. Its facade was restored, and large-scale internal work was carried out. The modest exhibition presents things from the colonialists of bygone years.

Opening hours: from 9:00 to 18:00

Entrance - 100 LKN

Historical museum in the mansion building

This is the largest private museum in Sri Lanka, which houses antiques that once belonged to the wealthy jeweler Abdul Ghaffar. For 40 years, he collected elegant pieces of furniture, paintings, and expensive antiques. Today all this has become part of the exhibition available to the general public.

The beautiful building has a miniature courtyard, which is decorated with a massive stone slab with the monogram of the Dutch East India Company.

Opening hours: from 9:00 to 18:00

Entrance - 250 LKN

Opposite the Great Temple is a house from the era of colonial rule, built in 1701. Above the heavy entrance doors there is an image of a rooster. Real Dutch ovens are still fired inside. Alas, you can’t get inside, you can only enjoy the exterior of the building.

Initially, it was an old church, built back in 1640; in 1752, after significant alterations, the church turned into a Great Temple, consisting of 2 levels. The floor of the first level is covered with Dutch gravestones. The second one has a functioning organ, installed in 1760. The multi-colored stained glass windows deserve the same close attention.

The entrance is free.

This temple, built by the Jesuits at the end of the 19th century, is considered not only the main attraction of Galle, but also the largest Catholic church in Sri Lanka. The church is active. Services are held there regularly.

The entrance is free. Donations are welcome.

Among other religious buildings, it is worth visiting the Peace Pagoda, the Buddhist temples of Seenigama and Kalutara, as well as the Miran Jamma Masjid mosque.

Bastions

The fort is a network of fortified bastions that very successfully repelled the treacherous attacks of enemies. Anyone can walk through the ruins of the defensive infrastructure on their own or as part of an excursion.

The Rocky Cape Bastion gave signals to ships about the approach of the enemy. From the loopholes of the nearby Pigeon Island fortress, the soldiers fired heavy fire at the enemy ships.

On the territory of the Triton bastion there was a windmill that supplied sea ​​water to meet the economic needs of the town.

The bastions of the Sun, Moon and Star are located successively one after another on the narrow isthmus of the peninsula. And the bastions of Shter, Tson and Maan defended the fort from the ground. Only the Tsvat bastion has survived well to this day.

Group excursion - from 300 LKN per person.

Fort walls

The walls surrounding the fort are also a kind of landmark. Anyone can take a walk along them: the paths are wide and therefore absolutely safe. The boardwalks are especially popular at sunset, when the sun sets into the ocean, painting it in different colors. The picturesque views will impress even a snob. For long contemplation of Sri Lankan beauties, some sections of the walls are equipped with small benches.

Where to eat?

For tourists who spend several hours exploring the fort and its attractions, there are many cafes and restaurants. Their prices are slightly higher compared to establishments outside the fortress walls.

The decoration of the establishments is not particularly chic; it is a symbiosis of Asian and western cultures, but they feed you tasty and generous dishes of local and European cuisines.

It is worth checking out Pedlar's Inn Cafe, The Fort Printers, Lucky Fort Restaurant and Crepe-ology.

Shops and shops

There are even more shops in Galle Fort than cultural monuments. Trade takes place in almost every home. The leading place belongs to jewelry stores, which is not surprising, because Sri Lanka is famous for its precious stones all over the world. Tourists are also offered to buy handicrafts, masks and tea at inflated prices. There are art galleries where local artists sell the fruits of their inspiration expressed on canvas.

Galle is the third largest city in Sri Lanka. Tourists love it for its unique combination of picturesque beaches, exotic nature and rich historical heritage. Galle is very different from other cities in Ceylon. After all, its appearance in ancient times was influenced first by the Portuguese, then by the Dutch, and then by the British. The result is a cozy European town with traditional narrow streets, spacious squares, many churches, mosques and, of course, Buddhist temples. Today, about 100 thousand people live in the city. The majority of the working population is employed in the tourism sector, the rest are engaged in fishing, manufacturing of glass and textile products.

The city is small. One day is enough to walk around it length and breadth. Conventionally, Halle can be divided into two parts: old and new town. The new part is more modern. Here is the central market, shopping mall, bus stations and various cafes. Old Halle is famous for its attractions and the unique atmosphere of an ancient port town, where peace and quiet almost always reigns. Like everywhere else in Sri Lanka, Galle is a popular game of croquet. There is even a field for international competitions in this sport. Tours in Galle will be of interest to lovers of excursions and active beach holidays.

Climate and weather

Halle has an equatorial climate, which is divided into dry and wet seasons. From April to October there is frequent rain at the resort. Humidity rises to 80%. At the same time, the air temperature remains high - up to +34 degrees Celsius. The best time For a tour to Halle, the period from November to March can be considered. At this time it is dry and warm here.

	During the day	At night	Sea
January	+29	+22	+27
February	+29	+23	+27
March	+29	+23	+28
April	+30	+24	+28
May	+30	+25	+28
June	+29	+25	+28
July	+29	+24	+28
August	+28	+24	+28
September	+28	+24	+27
October	+28	+24	+27
November	+28	+23	+27
December	+29	+23	+27

Beaches

There are no equipped beaches for relaxation in the city itself. But popular swimming, sunbathing and water sports are just a short drive from Galle. First of all, this is Unawatuna Beach, which is 5 kilometers from the city. The coastal strip is not wide, on the mainland side it is planted with palm trees. The sand on the beach is fine and beige, and the ocean is very calm. This place is generally considered the safest swimming area in Sri Lanka, as it is protected from strong waves by several strips of coral reefs. This is also what attracts diving and snorkeling enthusiasts here. On the beach you can rent the necessary equipment for observing the underwater world, as well as have a snack in one of the cafes. The beach is popular with families with children and lovers of a relaxing holiday.

Just a couple of kilometers away (you can walk) is the picturesque Dalavella Beach. There are also no waves here, the entrance to the water is gentle. On both sides the beach is framed by huge stones, behind which the ocean frolics with might and main, riding surfers on its waves. The beach is not crowded; locals come here on weekends. For convenience, you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas in the cafe, as well as quench your thirst and hunger.

Hikkaduwa Beach is located 10 kilometers from Galle. This is a much noisier and party place. Loved by young people, divers and surfers. The local coral reefs are considered some of the most beautiful in Asia, and the waves on Hikkaduwa beach reach several meters. The coastline is quite wide, the sand is fine and beige. An endless string of hotels, guest houses, restaurants, 24-hour bars and shops stretches along the beach.

Hotels and inns

Halle cannot be called a “tourist Mecca”. Mostly tourists come here from neighboring resorts on an excursion. Therefore, most hotels in the city are designed for short-term stays of vacationers. Guest houses are very common - houses in which Sri Lankans themselves live, and some of the rooms are rented out to tourists. The price for such a room is usually negotiable. You can bargain and bring down the original price. For a small fee, tourists are offered a minimal set of furniture, the opportunity to use a shower and toilet, and for an additional amount they will prepare food and even bring food on a tray directly to the room.

The choice of “star” hotels in Halle should be taken carefully, since the local administration is often involved in assigning stars, without really going into the essence of the issue. Hotel categories are often overpriced. And even “fours” and “fives” cannot boast of ideal cleanliness in the rooms and good service. The all-inclusive system in Halle is quite common. Therefore, by booking a high-category hotel, you can count on a comfortable stay by the pool, with a buffet and evening entertainment.

It is worth considering that there are no hotels with private beaches in Sri Lanka. The coastal strip is free to visit by absolutely everyone: both tourists and local residents. Therefore, you will have to pay extra for relaxing on a sun lounger. When choosing a trip to Galle, you can be sure of one thing: the hotel will certainly be surrounded by the greenery of a tropical garden. This is sacred for Sri Lankans. In addition, far from the noisy resort, you are guaranteed a restful sleep. Tipping is not mandatory in Sri Lanka, but the hotel staff will not refuse a small reward and will gratefully help you throughout your vacation.

Attractions

The hallmark of Galle is the ancient fort, built in the 17th century to protect the city. The fort has been perfectly preserved to this day and is now the largest fortified monument in all of Asia. The 36 hectares are home to various churches, museums and colonial-style buildings. Walking through the narrow streets of the fort, it seems that time has stopped here. It is curious that the fortification still fulfills its function of protecting the city. In 2004, when Sri Lanka was hit very hard by a major tsunami, the people inside the fort remained safe and sound.

A few kilometers from Galle there is a turtle farm popular with tourists. Turtle eggs collected from the coast of Sri Lanka are brought here. Optimal conditions have been created for them here. The turtles hatch safely and are released into the ocean. This whole process is watched with curiosity by tourists, who are also allowed to take touching photographs with baby turtles.

There is another attraction near Galle that is listed world heritage UNESCO - Sinharaja Rain Forest. This is unique biosphere reserve. The remains of an ancient forest with an area of ​​48 thousand hectares. Sinharaja is home to a huge number of different species of animals and birds. Tours through the tropical jungle are conducted by professional people who, in a few hours, show tourists all the delights of the primeval rainforest of Sri Lanka.

Buddhist and Hindu temples, as well as the 18th century Dutch church - St. Mary's Cathedral, deserve special attention from tourists in Galle. The Maritime Museum will be of interest to the stronger sex, including the youngest. After all, ancient nautical maps and models of all kinds of ships are presented here.

Cuisine and restaurants

In restaurants in Galle, as throughout Sri Lanka, a lot of vegetables, fruits and rice are eaten. Cows for local residents- sacred animals, so meat is rarely cooked. Instead, fish and seafood are used. Curry sauce is for Sri Lankans what mayonnaise is for Russians. It is used in stewing and frying dishes, and is also served as an addition to ready-made dishes. Sri Lankans love chili peppers, so before ordering something from the menu, check how hot the dish is. Sri Lankans love to eat hoppers for breakfast. It is a flatbread with crispy edges baked into a cup shape. An egg is placed in the center and the result is a dish similar to fried eggs.

A hotel or cafe may also offer you Kiribath in the morning. This is white rice cooked in coconut milk. The dish is cut into small cubes and served. The mild taste of Kiribat is diluted with various spices and sauces. For lunch in Galle, you can try cotta. The dish is somewhat reminiscent of our stew. It is also prepared from a large number of different vegetables, adding meat, fish and eggs. A proprietary mixture of seasonings gives the cotta a special piquancy. Be careful! Sometimes the dish is truly fiery.

Buriyani and pilau have a more familiar taste to us. These are the “brothers” of our pilaf. Rice dishes with meat or seafood are prepared in cauldrons, adding a large amount of oil and vegetables. For sweets, sugar donuts kyawum and aluva, the local halva, are common in Galle. You should definitely try crystallized jaggery. In Sri Lanka it is something like caramel.

What to bring

Of course, tea! After all, you are in Ceylon - an island where tea has been grown for many years. Sri Lankans themselves drink only black tea in combination with milk. In addition to it, they also grow red, green and white teas. There are many varieties of tea. Black alone varies in strength and method of collection. The most expensive is white tea. For it, only the tops of tea leaves that have not yet blossomed are collected.

You can also buy unique handmade wooden crafts in Galle. Painted masks are considered good amulets against everything: diseases, evil spirits and failures. And skillfully carved ebony ebony figurines are a real talisman. Sri Lanka has long been considered the birthplace of spices. Cinnamon, curry, pepper, vanilla, cardamom, turmeric, saffron and much more are grown here. You won't see spices growing in Galle, but you can definitely buy a rich mixture of spices to take home.

The fair half of tourists will certainly enjoy the textiles presented in shops and souvenir shops. In terms of the amount of fabric produced, Sri Lanka is not inferior to China. As a souvenir, you can take home handmade batik and national silk sari from Galle.