2015 Dec 7
The most used exit on the smooth southern highway is the one at Galle. The approximately one and a half hour drive from Colombo to Galle is a quick escape route for a spontaneous trip to destination which is located at the tip of the coastline in the south of the island. Bordered by the sea and coconut trees, the tropical city offers a spectacular eye catching view and a bunch of tourist attractions.
The Galle Fort, which was built in 1663 by the Dutch, is an overwhelming mix of history and culture that earned the status of being an UNESCO world heritage. It is with no doubt the main and most astounding attraction in Galle as it traps a unique experience within its high stone walls. The fort is famous for its history tours which take you to spots that are exploding with the roots of western influenced Sri Lankan culture. At the corner of the fort lays the clock tower that literally towers over you with magnificence and ironic timelessness; it’s the best version of any antique clock you will ever see. The All Saints Anglican Church is another place within the fort that really highlights the architectural brilliance and structural beauty that acts as a time machine to soak up the history of a glorious era. Most importantly, the vital ‘must see’ is the Galle lighthouse which is the true essence of this destination both back then and now. It’s a hotspot for striking a pose and its rotating light not only attracts incoming ships but also a charge of sightseers.
However, the southern city is not only known for its ancient charms. It has successfully taken on a modern twist within history itself with the use of fancy boutique hotels, chic souvenir shops and a line of cosy cafes and bistros. Food being the most important part of a trip to anywhere, Galle is filled with yummy places to pig out. Whether it is restaurants which offer spicy rice and curry with the fresh catch of the day and a soothing cool glass of coconut water to an artistically dinky little coffee shop, this city has it all. My favorite amongst these is a homely restaurant named ‘Crepe-ology’ which serves an array of sweet and savory crepes with a puff of shisha on the side.
As you’re bound to want to remember this trip there are many souvenir shops that sell distinctive products such as fabrics with vibrant local designs and cute little trinkets like rustic elephant earrings and pretty stone bracelets to give as gifts when you get back. To enrich your holiday further Galle hosts a range of top class hotels such as Jetwing Lighthouse, Heritage Villa, Galle Fort Hotel and many more which have been known for its 4 star service and quality because there’s nothing like relaxing in style.
After all the de-stressing you’ve been doing one thing that will give you that adrenaline rush is an unbelievable and exclusively crazy activity that has not only been the talk of the town but also the world; it’s the cliff jumpers at Flag rock! The edge of the city which was previously used to flag down approaching ships by the Dutch is now used for something refreshingly different. The cliff jumpers actually dive off the ramparts into the swallowing ocean just missing the skull cracking rocks in the water as a way of earning a living by getting paid by their audiences. This sight is a jaw dropping heart stopping experience which is my most favorite and unconventional attraction of them all. Galle is no doubt a place I would re-visit a million times as its timeless beauty and rich history is one of a kind!
