| Travel Destination Guide - Galle |
Travel Eye on Galle
(Sri Lanka)
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Overview:
A 17th-century Dutch colonial fortress town and busy latter-day port, Galle is notable for its towering British-built lighthouse and well-preserved ramparts which encircle the old town's quaint narrow streets (many still have Dutch names). Several interesting churches and varied architecture, including Victorian mansions and several grand public buildings erected during British rule. Beyond the walls lie typically chaotic residential shanty developments, shoddy roads and motley businesses. Some of Sri Lanka?s most famous cricketers originate from Galle and the cricket ground is the site of international matches.
Locality:
Galle is located on extreme SW corner of Sri Lanka, 75 mls S of Colombo, 99 mls S of Bandaranaike international airport. It is set on coastal strip with large natural harbour, backed by paddy fields and verdant hills.
Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:
History buffs and day-trippers from the more N resorts tend to love this area. There is a heavy German/Dutch presence in nearby beach hotel areas.
Accommodation consists of a selection of properties from small central hotels to modest beachfront establishments in the E reaches; one modern beachfront property on N outskirts of town.
The beaches here are relatively poor and studded with rocks but the hotel N of town has a better sandy section. Unawatuna Bay, E of town, has a good curving sandy beach protected by an offshore reef.
The town has a lively little bazaar, fish market and fruit and vegetable market; more suitable for viewing than participating. Best local buys include handicrafts, leather goods and gems from shops that serve the passing cruise-ship trade.
Local excursions consist of half day trips: Galle town tour; Kosgoda and Bentota turtle hatcheries. Full day trips: Yala National Park safari; Rawana Ella Falls.
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