Galle Sri Lanka is one of the most memorable cities of the world to visit.
A trip to Sri Lanka is not worth it if Galle is not included.
Galle, also known as Point de Galle, is Sri Lanka’s southern capital, located on the island’s getaway to the South. The entire stretch of road from Colombo to Galle is in fact known as the Galle Road. Galle is not only historic but is an ancient seaport, where people from multi cultural backgrounds merged and formed the community back in the day.
But you must visit Galle outside the popular locations everyone keeps talking about. Galle that bares his soul and creates vistas only Galle can.
Check out the 10 things to do in Galle Sri Lanka off the beaten path.
Take a tour around Galle Sri Lanka old mansions –
Galle is full of old mansions some of which have been turned into hotels. They can be found down long winding roads but most are not really identified except as private residences. Galle is home to many such homes which are built in Dutch style , reflecting Galle’s strong influences of Dutch occupation.
Some of the mansions may not be accessible while some can be viewed from outside. Many of them today are elegant hotels and villas, bringing back the grandeur that would have been there in their heyday.
Among notable such mansions are the Noor Gedacht alongside the Galle Road and Amarasuriya Mansion along Galle Road towards Matara.
Visit Galle’s grand old churches –
Having been under the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British, Galle is home to some of the most picturesque churches that can be found in this part of the world.
Inside the famous Galle Fort, you can find many churches that have been put up during the different time periods.
Start with the Dutch Church, its architecture reflecting the Dutch Calvinistic style, watching the sea in front. The massive doors of this church put up when the Dutch were ruling Galle in 1640, are still intact and work perfectly. The church still maintains regular services and can be viewed.
Then there is the Anglican All Saints Church which is close by. The foundation stone for the church was laid in 1868 by the first Bishop of Colombo Rt Rev. James Chapman. The church reflects the easily recognisable English style. The church has held its first Baptism in 1871 when there was a thriving English community in Galle.
The most well known Catholic Church in Galle, The Queen of the Holy Rosary Cathedral Kaluwella stands atop a hill and is a picturesque sight to behold.
There are many other churches that can be visited in Galle.
Visit Rumassala hill –
Climb the Rumassala hill – at the top, the view is picturesque. There is a Hindu legend that Rumassla came into being after Hanuman, the monkey god of the Ramayana, brought herbs from the Himalayas to Sri Lanka and some of the herb carrying earth fell and turned into Rumassala. The hill is a steep climb bit it’s worth it when you take the view into consideration.
The Fort where the old Bastions stand –
Visit the Fort but look for the remnants of the old Dutch Fort that still exist. The bastions and the gunner positions still exist but you have to look amidst the hustle and the bustle. The clock tower stands tall but there are the rampart walls and hidden areas which were used by the Dutch garrison back in the day.
Galle Fort is best explored on bicycles or walking. Discover the hidden cafes, the nooks and corners of this world heritage site. Sit at an outdoor cafe and sip a Ceylon tea as you take in the flavours and fragrances of this ancient town.
Galle Sri Lanka captures the heart of every visitor to its boundaries. Visit Galle to discover for yourself that vibe and the mood that is Galle.
