Galle

Tucked away in the south western corner of the country, Sri Lanka’s Koggala beach is a serene Paradise for beach lovers, far away from the busy bustle of city life. The unexplored and pristine beach of Koggala, with palm trees dotting the wide stretch of sand, is the longest beach of Sri Lanka.The open blue waters at Koggala Beach is one of the most popular destinations for watersports in Sri Lanka. Apart from a number of fish species, the waters of Koggala also abound in sea turtles and white sea sharks. The reef break in this region makes it a perfect spot for surfing enthusiasts. The rich marine life of the Sri Lankan waters in this region also provides a perfect diving and snorkeling opportunity. Windsurfing and Kitesurfing activities can also be enjoyed here.A number of small food shacks and restaurants line the beach, catering to the necessary requirements of its visitors. Hammocks and beachside chairs that line the place allows Koggala’s guests to simply lounge under the open sun and enjoy the rolling blue waters of the Indian Ocean.The scenic beach is an ideal locale to observe the stilt fisherman at work. These traditional fishermen, indeginous to the country, practice their art in a unique method and style, and are a sight to behold if never seen before. 

Sinharaja Forest Reserve is an important national park in Sri Lanka. Recognized as a Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Sinharaja Forest Reserve is home to numerous rare flora and fauna. The area is covered with rare plants and animals that are endemic to Sri Lanka. It is also considered as the country’s last area of tropical rainforest and is thus of great importance.This reserve spans an area of about 21 km from east to west and 7 km from north to south and densely covered by vegetation that forms a kind of canopy. This thick canopy of tropical trees blocks sunlight and traps in humidity turning this entire Reserve into a massive greenhouse. The mammal population mostly comprises leopards, elephants and purple-faced langur. The green pit vipers and the hump nosed viper constitute most of the reptile population and tree frogs are an integral part of the amphibian species found in the Sinharaja Forest Reserve.  Sri Lankan Blue Magpie, Red Faced Malkoha, Orange Billed Babbler, Crested Drongo are a part of the 20 endemic bird species found in this forest reserve. Invertebrates including leeches, various species of butterflies and so much more. Along with the dense fauna of the forest reserve, there are multiple streams, waterfalls in the Sinharaja Forest Reserve that makes it a completely natural ecosystem for the flora and fauna thriving here. There are about a dozen villages that are built along the border of the Sinharaja Forest Reserve and comprises local and tribal people. These tribal groups and the inmates of the Reserve have been living in harmony for centuries.

The Galle Dutch Fort happens to be one of the treasured historical monuments of Srilanka located on the southern coast of the country. The fort was constructed by the Portuguese in the course of their reign in Srilanka and was later renovated by the Dutch. The fort is one of the most important UNESCO world heritage sites out of many in Srilanka. This is because of its wonderful illustration of European Architecture and South Asian Traditions of the 16th and 19th century. The fort displays an amazing amalgamation of age-old architecture and antiquity in the middle of astounding natural beauty.You will come across a number of lively shops, cafes, exhibition halls, lifestyle stores, and villas, which adds to the beauty of the place. It would be just amazing to move by the walls witnessing the intricate artworks and sheer craftsmanship. At the present time, the fort is still home to multi-ethnic and multi-religious population, as some properties inside the fort are still owned by many Dutch people and local Srilankan people as well. 

Also renowned as Pointe de Galle Light, Galle Lighthouse is a prominent tourist attraction of Galle. Situated on the shores of Galle, the lighthouse makes a postcard-perfect scenario against the emerald waves hitting the fine beige sands of Galle. Also, it is situated inside the architectural marvel of the city, Galle Fort, which defines its scenic beauty further.Taking shape in the year 1939, this lighthouse has been constructed as a replacement for the pre-existing lighthouse which was destroyed by fire in the year 1934. It is an automated lighthouse that is still in use as well as it serves a perfect tourist spot for the foreigners and locals alike. With a height of 26.5 meters, the lighthouse is 2 meters taller than the former lighthouse.People come here to witness the classic beauty of the lighthouse and laze around the nearby beaches. Also, visitors love to engage in various water sports like swimming, scuba diving, surfing and many more offered at the nearby beaches. Must try the authentic Sri Lankan cuisines which are being sold by the local restaurants and food corners which you could pair with a refreshing king coconut drink.Along with the lighthouse, one can also enjoy the Galle Fort, Dutch Reformed Church, Galle Dutch Fort and Galle Fort Clock Tower in the same premises itself. All these factors make this place a not-to-miss while visiting the Sri Lankan city of Galle.

Located west to Unawatuna, Jungle Beach is a pretty bay nestled in a forested area. It is one of the secret gems of Sri Lanka which has everything to make your holiday experience one of its kind. The place retains its pristine natural charm as it is not ventured by a large number of tourists throughout the year due to its secluded location.Jungle Beach offers a plethora of water sports such as snorkelling, scuba diving, swimming, boat ride and many more. The reefs jutting out of water a few metres offshore make a good site for snorkelling which introduces you to the exotic marine life of the region. Apart from schools of colourful fishes you will spot moray eels, encounter crabs, barracudas, trigger fish and many other reef dwelling creatures. The other activities you can indulge in Jungle Beach include whale watching, visiting historical ruins, jungle hiking and many more.There are top notch resorts and cabins at Jungle Beach furnished with plush amenities and offering you a tranquil retreat amidst the jungle settings. The resorts and cabins have private walkways which will lead you to the calm shoreline caressed by the lapping waves of the Indian Ocean. You can savour traditional Sri Lankan cuisine in a communal restaurant or enjoy private dining on a beachside restaurant. In a nutshell, Jungle Beach is the place which awaits you to explore its hidden treasure and spend your vacation in style and luxury.

One of the finest and most traditional Tourist attractions in Galle which is worth to visit and admire is the Galle Fort. The Dutch Reformed Church is the ancient building located in the premises of the fort. The building’s date goes back the 18th century during the Dutch period. A walk through the Fort ground along with the humble caretaker, immersing in his never-ending fancy stories will take you back to the era whence it was built. The Church is also known as Groot Kert. Highlights: Many tombstones dating back to the 17th can be observed; this church also is a Cruciform with shorter transepts separated by two arches. The floor is marked with gravestones. The beautiful pulpit made from Malaysian wood, calamander is a beautiful sight and near to the pulpit is the memorial of De Ly Family. Location: Church Street, Galle fort Timings: 9 am to 5 Pm

After a tiresome day, if you wish to end it with some peace and watch the sun set on the horizon, hear the seagulls beckoning you and also observe the waves crash the rocks forming a soulful music then Galle Flag Rock Bastion is where you need to go.  The Flag Rock an ex-Portuguese Bastion, situated at the southernmost end of the Galle Fort, today is a popular destination for tourists to witness the sunset. This Rock was a natural defence center during the Dutch period, from where ships were alerted about dangers lurking and also from the unseen rocks underwater by firing Musket shots from the Pigeon Island. Location: Rampart St. Galle Highlights: Scenic surrounding; to your west, you will be able to locate the lighthouse and the Gunpowder Museum opposite to the Meeran Masjid.

This building is one of those areas that have preserved their charm for quite a few centuries now. Constructed during 1681, this building crossed many stages before getting converted into a shopping complex that it is today.%place_in_between_here%%Location: This shopping arcade is located in the Galle Fort area, at Hospital Street.Highlights: This is the most ancient building in Colombo Fort and was set up with the main purpose of providing medical assistance to people working for Dutch East India Company. Do not miss to visit Odels, one of the most decent joints selling high-quality souvenirs and clothes. If you are interested in shopping and eating good food, you have to visit this area as it lined with lots of cafés and eating joints.Timings: It is open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on all days of the week. Price: Entry to this place is not chargeable.