Tales of History and Ecology - Galle Excursions
Galle has long been a gateway to the south of Sri Lanka and is an ideal point to plan excursions around the city and surrounding areas further afield. Several of Sri Lanka's ecological and historical sites are within easy reach of the city.
Founded in the 16th century by the Portuguese who called it Point De Galle, taken over by the Dutch in 1640, then the British in the 18th century and influenced by itinerant Arab traders, Galle has been an interesting melting pot of people who changed the landscape of the area giving rise to the many interesting places to visit. Combined with ecological sites of exceptional value and famous southern beaches Galle presents many options for excursions to visitors.
A whole day excursion can be planned around the city with its many monuments and buildings. Galle Fort is a fine example of Dutch military architecture which has seen many uses over the 400 years of its existence. It is currently the main attraction in the city with its quaint alleyways, colonial buildings and residences now turned into museums and hotels. Views from the ramparts of the fort of the sea and the surrounding area can be quite lovely on clear days. The Dutch Reformed Church built in 1754, at the entrance to the fort is quite remarkable in concept and design. The interior does not have any pillars. The roof is supported entirely by the walls providing a clear uninterrupted space. There is also a bellows organ there. The fort is also home to several museums such as the Dutch Museum that offer glimpses into the days of the East India Company through paintings, prints, documents, furniture and ceramics. The Historical Mansion Museum, a private museum, features an amazing collection of British memorabilia from maps and guns to artefacts. The National Maritime Museum is located in a Dutch warehouse built in 1671 near the old gate of the Galle Fort. The National Cultural Museum is housed in a Dutch building in Church Street and displays colonial and indigenous weaponry including a rare Dutch cavalier sword, jewellery, masks, lace and other crafts. There are also a great many temples and mosques in the area. The Peace Pagoda and the Muran Jumma Masjid Mosque built in 1750 are worth a visit. The Galle lighthouse built in 1939 on Point Utrecht bastion on the eastern end of the fortress walls offers beautiful sea and land views from the top.
Galle is a good starting point for excursions to Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna beach resorts and ecological destinations such as the Yala National Park, the Sinharaja Forest Reserve (a UNESCO Heritage Site), the nature reserves in Kaneliya and Hiyare, the Kottawa Forest Reserve (arboretum) and the Dooviliella waterfall in Hiniduma. All these sites, within easy reach from Galle, support unique species of flora and fauna and natural biodiversity can be seen at its best.
Awaken to birdsong and fall asleep to the chirping of myriad insects in the tropical night. Set in a tropical wetland Jetwing Kurulubedda offers a great eco getaway where time stands still. The design of the facility well integrated into the environment in keeping with the eco-rural theme offers guests a unique experience from the boat ride to the bungalows, to the warm hospitality and unobtrusive service ensuring privacy and comfort. Beautiful natural surroundings sets this apart as a unique boutique hotel in Galle. Up to date facilities and amenities ensure connections with the modern world. The relaxed slow pace of the hotel with no time bound activities, personalized service and the surrounding greenness is a hard to beat combination making this one of the exceptional Sri Lanka hotels.
Founded in the 16th century by the Portuguese who called it Point De Galle, taken over by the Dutch in 1640, then the British in the 18th century and influenced by itinerant Arab traders, Galle has been an interesting melting pot of people who changed the landscape of the area giving rise to the many interesting places to visit. Combined with ecological sites of exceptional value and famous southern beaches Galle presents many options for excursions to visitors.
A whole day excursion can be planned around the city with its many monuments and buildings. Galle Fort is a fine example of Dutch military architecture which has seen many uses over the 400 years of its existence. It is currently the main attraction in the city with its quaint alleyways, colonial buildings and residences now turned into museums and hotels. Views from the ramparts of the fort of the sea and the surrounding area can be quite lovely on clear days. The Dutch Reformed Church built in 1754, at the entrance to the fort is quite remarkable in concept and design. The interior does not have any pillars. The roof is supported entirely by the walls providing a clear uninterrupted space. There is also a bellows organ there. The fort is also home to several museums such as the Dutch Museum that offer glimpses into the days of the East India Company through paintings, prints, documents, furniture and ceramics. The Historical Mansion Museum, a private museum, features an amazing collection of British memorabilia from maps and guns to artefacts. The National Maritime Museum is located in a Dutch warehouse built in 1671 near the old gate of the Galle Fort. The National Cultural Museum is housed in a Dutch building in Church Street and displays colonial and indigenous weaponry including a rare Dutch cavalier sword, jewellery, masks, lace and other crafts. There are also a great many temples and mosques in the area. The Peace Pagoda and the Muran Jumma Masjid Mosque built in 1750 are worth a visit. The Galle lighthouse built in 1939 on Point Utrecht bastion on the eastern end of the fortress walls offers beautiful sea and land views from the top.
Galle is a good starting point for excursions to Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna beach resorts and ecological destinations such as the Yala National Park, the Sinharaja Forest Reserve (a UNESCO Heritage Site), the nature reserves in Kaneliya and Hiyare, the Kottawa Forest Reserve (arboretum) and the Dooviliella waterfall in Hiniduma. All these sites, within easy reach from Galle, support unique species of flora and fauna and natural biodiversity can be seen at its best.
Awaken to birdsong and fall asleep to the chirping of myriad insects in the tropical night. Set in a tropical wetland Jetwing Kurulubedda offers a great eco getaway where time stands still. The design of the facility well integrated into the environment in keeping with the eco-rural theme offers guests a unique experience from the boat ride to the bungalows, to the warm hospitality and unobtrusive service ensuring privacy and comfort. Beautiful natural surroundings sets this apart as a unique boutique hotel in Galle. Up to date facilities and amenities ensure connections with the modern world. The relaxed slow pace of the hotel with no time bound activities, personalized service and the surrounding greenness is a hard to beat combination making this one of the exceptional Sri Lanka hotels.
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