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Galle, capital of southern Sri Lanka is a popular tourist attraction with a history that dates way back. Some people say it is Tarshish of the Old Testament. In early times, Galle with its natural harbour was an important trading port between the West and East and subsequently Galle came under the colonial rule of the Portuguese, Dutch and British. Today, Galle is a flourishing metropolis and tourist hub. Many hotels in the island fall under the category of a luxury hotel in Sri Lanka and Galle has its fair share of them. If you want to experience Galle in luxurious comfort in an environment of tranquility Jetwing Lighthouse would be a good option.
The Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. First built by the Portuguese in 1588 it was improved by the Dutch in the 1600s. Narrow streets criss-cross the Fort and have names like Ley Baan Street and Pedlar Street. Among the bastions are the Sao Lago (Sun) and Middlepunt (Moon) Bastions. The main entrance to the Fort has the British Coat of Arms above it and the insignia of the Dutch East India Company,VOC, carved on an inside wall. Colonnaded Dutch homes can be still seen here. Today, up market accommodation and shops can be found within the Fort. The Groote Kirk or The Dutch Reformed Church is within the Galle Fort. It is built like a cruciform and has 02 large Dutch gables north and south and unusual double scrolls. The pulpit has a hexagonal canopy. The floor has gravestones inserted into its honeycomb pattern and there are underground vaults.
The National Maritime Museum showcases the marine biology and anthropology of the Southern Coast. The Maritime Archaelogical Museum exhibits artefacts from shipwrecks etc; The Historical Mansion Museum showcases artefacts from the area. The National Museum, Galle displays products from the Galle area like masks and beeralu lace, colonial artefacts and exhibits of Sri Lankan / Chinese relations. Other places of interest in Galle are the ramparts. The lighthouse and the Dutch Governor’s Residence (now Amangalle Hotel), and its many varied shops.
Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+