GALLE
Area: Sri Lanka
Country: Sri Lanka


Location:
On extreme SW corner of island, 75 miles S of Colombo, 99 miles S of Bandaranaike international airport.

Telephone code from UK:
94 9

Position:
On coastal strip with large natural harbour, backed by paddy fields and verdant hills.

Description:
A 17th-century Dutch colonial fortress town and busy latter-day port, Galle is notable for its towering British-built lighthouse and well-preserved ramparts which encircle the old town's quaint narrow streets (many still have Dutch names). Several interesting churches and varied architecture, including Victorian mansions and several grand public buildings erected during British rule. Beyond the walls lie typically chaotic residential shanty developments, shoddy roads and motley businesses. Some of Sri LankaÆs most famous cricketers originate from Galle and the cricket ground is the site of international matches.

Suitability:
History buffs and day-trippers from the more N resorts. Heavy German/Dutch presence in nearby beach hotel areas.

Accommodation:
Selection of properties from small central hotels to modest beachfront establishments in the E reaches; one modern beachfront property on N outskirts of town.

Shopping:
The town has a lively little bazaar, fish market and fruit and vegetable market; more suitable for viewing than participating. Best local buys include handicrafts, leather goods and gems from shops that serve the passing cruise-ship trade.

Beach:
Mainly poor and studded with rocks. The hotel N of town has a better sandy section. Unawatuna Bay, E of town, has a good curving sandy beach protected by an offshore reef.

Entertainments:
Hotel based.

Eating:
Fresh fish at harbourside restaurants.

Public-transport:
Trains to Colombo and Matara. Buses from central bus station along coast to Colombo. Motorised rickshaws everywhere. Taxis at ranks.

Local-excursions:
Half day: Galle town tour; Kosgoda and Bentota turtle hatcheries. Full day: Yala National Park safari; Rawana Ella Falls.