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 (PINAWALA ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE, SRI LANKA).
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. 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.
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