Galle - Sri Lanka: Exploring Famed Sightseeing Spots

Our day started at the Okrin Hotel in Kataragama with a breakfast that truly awakened my senses. The buffet offered two choices: Western or Sri Lankan. While my four companions went for the Western option, I opted for the Sri Lankan breakfast. Despite a brief 20-minute wait, the meal that awaited me was well worth it. The flavors of Rice Cakes, Coconut Sambol and Fish Curry were so captivating that even those who had chosen the Western breakfast couldn’t resist sneaking a bite from my plate. I felt deeply grateful for this mouthwatering experience as we prepared to leave Kataragama and head towards Galle (KATARAGAMA & KANDY).

Located on Sri Lanka's southwestern coast, Galle is a major city in the Southern Province, approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) from Kataragama. Our road journey was expected to take around 3 to 4 hours, offering scenic views of the Indian Ocean and passing through several coastal towns and fishing villages.

Our journey took us through the Monaragala District in the Uva Province and onward through the Hambantota and Matara Districts in the Southern Province. Along the way, we paused at Tangalle Beach, getting down from the scope from the main road to a serene area away from the usual tourist spots. The beach's azure waters were breathtaking.

Further along our route, between Hambantota and Matara, we stopped for a moment at the Tsunami Memorial. These districts were heavily impacted by the devastating 2004 tsunami. Reflecting at the memorial was a poignant experience, offering profound insights into the places we visit and the lives affected by such tragedies.

After lunch, we explored Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Sri Lanka's southwest coast. Originally constructed by the Portuguese and expanded by the Dutch in 1663, it blends European and South Asian architectural styles. Galle Fort flourished until British colonization and notably survived the Boxing Day tsunami, despite damage to nearby coastal areas.

We wandered the fort's narrow streets, absorbing its historical ambiance for about 20 minutes before paying a $5.00 entry fee to visit the Maritime Archaeology Museum. Reopened as Sri Lanka’s first National Maritime Archaeology Museum in 2010, it underwent extensive renovations post-2014 tsunami, funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The museum now offers dual access through the main gate and a restored lower-level entry, once a prominent gateway.

 

Inside, the museum exhibits a captivating array of marine artifacts recovered from shipwrecks off the southern coast, some dating back nearly 800 years. Displays include maps, naval gear, earthenware, artillery guns, and sailor shoes, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts like myself.

Later, we paused for an impromptu tea break at a roadside eatery, relishing Sri Lankan Egg Appam with Fish Curry and Coconut Sambol. The sambol's intense spice literally burned my tongue, whereas the appam and fish curry couldn’t be faulted.

Upon checking into our hotel in Galle, there was a lot of commotion and several issues arose. Eventually, we ended up in another hotel, which I didn't note down. It felt chaotic with many people around, and the room wasn't ready. There was no kettle, so we had to request one, and the staff member seemed to expect a tip, which was uncomfortable. The room itself was dirty, with a clogged sink and sand everywhere in the bathroom. Asking for cleaning service didn't help much, so I gave up. The situation was the same for the others sharing a room.

We decided to head to beach at the back of the hotel and enjoyed some time there, watching the sunset. The buffet dinner experience was disappointing, with everyone rushing and pushing for food. I ate very little and returned to my room. It was a restless night, waking up at 4 am and spending time on a bench outside before breakfast. Fortunately, the breakfast crowd was more manageable.

Goodbye Galle, Hello Colombo.