72 Hours In Sri Lanka: 7 Reasons Galle Should Be Your Next Travel Destination
By Kristina Tanso
Galle in Sri Lanka has been deemed the next “it” holiday hotspot by travel specialists, trend watchers, and jet setters alike. This little coastal town two and a half hours south of Colombo by car has beaches that are straight out of a postcard and haunting colonial remnants that remind visitors of its rich history. More importantly, Galle is a place yet to be discovered, which means utter privacy and untouched beaches. Here is our 5-minute guide to where to go and what to do in Galle.
1. Indulge in luxury and history at the Fort
The UNESCO accredited cultural site of The Fort is one of the most surreal experiences one can encounter. The Fort takes visitors back to the timeless era of the early colonial days. The Amangalla Hotel in the walled city of the Fort is a great place to begin your journey. It is the most luxurious hotel in Galle, and captures exactly what one imagines life to be like during the Colonial times, with a dash of 1950s Havana glamour. Their al fresco dining room, attentive staff, and delicious food makes it easy to spend an afternoon or evening dreaming away. The only time that you are brought back to the present is when you pamper yourself in their serene spa. This centrally-located property is a walk away from numerous historical sites, souvenir and trinket stores, and cafes.
2. Look out for Blue Whales and dolphins
If you’ve always wanted to see whales and dolphins up close, then this is one of the best places you can go to explore. Whale watchers convene in this little town to spot blue whales, killer whales, and dolphins from November to April. Though whale watching does require a bit of patience and an incredibly strong stomach, the sight of a whale more than compensates for it. As these expeditions commence before the crack of dawn, you will still be left with a whole day ahead of you to chill out and relax on a beach with a cocktail or two.
3. Go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Though a hot air balloon ride above Galle requires an early wake up call, it is something to experience. Perfectly timed with the sunrise, the hot air balloon experience takes you above the mists that blanket the hills of Sri Lanka. Explore Galle from the skies, and take in the unfamiliar sights of tea plantations, rice paddies, and the Indian Ocean.
4. Go for a Dive
Though the tsunami of 2004 wrecked many of the coral reefs that were once found on the coast of Sri Lanka, divers are still treated to the sightings of exotic underwater creatures, comparable to those seen in the better-known locales of the Indian Ocean. Giant turtles can be spotted close to shore, while the reef breaks offer a bold exploration opportunity for divers. Shipwrecks are also part of the dive circuit, which makes for a haunting yet memorable experience. Though Hikkaduwa is highly recommended, there are many different dive spots to check out. Your best bet would be to pinpoint what it is you want to see, then work with your hotel concierge to see which location works best for you.
5. Surf up a storm
The best part about the beaches in Galle is that you can find calm waters for a swim or strong tides for a good surf. If you are a fan of the latter option, then you are in luck, as there are a plethora of hard-core surf spots which are not for the faint of heart. Reef breaks are the rule, not the exception, and snapping surfboards are not uncommon. Daredevils will enjoy riding the waves of Hikkaduwa and Arugam Bay, while beginners will feel safe taking surf lessons in the less intimidating waters of Unawatuna.
6. Sample local flavors and explore the restaurant scene
Sri Lankan food is often overshadowed by the better-known Indian curries, but the local cuisine in Sri Lanka is healthier, lighter, and arguably more delicious. The Amangalla offers a wonderful curry sampling dinner, which is perfect if you can’t decide what you want to have or you’re an open-minded novice to ethnic food. If you find yourself craving Western cuisine, Sri Lanka’s growing expat community includes ambitious restaurateurs who have brought their country’s cuisine to the town. Hit up Why Beach for authentic Italian food cooked by a cute Italian grandma who only speaks Italian. Or, if you feel like indulging in healthy California-fusion dishes, check out Kahanda Kanda, a little boutique resort in the middle of a picturesque tea plantation.
7. Go on a safari
A holiday in Galle is simply incomplete without an excursion to one of the many national parks in the surrounding areas. Spend the day at Yala National Park, which is the second largest national park in Sri Lanka. There you will see a variety of animals that are straight out of a game lodge in Africa, including elephants, leopards, Sri Lankan sloth bear, and water buffalo. Or, spend a day at the elephant orphanage in the Udawalawe National Park. Alternatively, if you prefer to walk around and actively take part in a safari, head to Kanneliya, where you can hike through the forest among 220 different species of animals.
Source: http://guestofaguest.com/travel/72-hours-in-sri-lanka-7-reasons-galle-should-be-your-next-travel-destination&slide=1
