2024 Southern Province Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in September)
Popular Attractions
Whale watching Mirissa with Geeth
Stilt Fisherman
Galle Dutch Fort
Mangrove Cave
Sea Turtle Farm and Hatchery - Habaraduwa
A Beach Lover's Paradise
I recently had the pleasure of spending four days exploring the stunning beaches of Matara and Weligama in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. I must say, the experience was nothing short of magical.
The atmosphere in this region is truly splendid. The beaches are pristine, with crystal-clear turquoise waters and soft golden sands. Whether you're looking to relax under the shade of palm trees or dive into the refreshing waves, you'll find yourself surrounded by natural beauty that takes your breath away.
One of the highlights of my trip was the incredible food. The local cuisine in Matara and Weligama is simply perfect. From fresh seafood delicacies to mouthwatering curries bursting with flavors, every meal was a delightful culinary adventure.
What truly sets this region apart is the people. The locals are some of the friendliest and most hospitable individuals I have ever encountered. They welcomed me with open arms, always ready to offer a warm smile and lend a helping hand. Their genuine kindness and generosity made my stay even more memorable.
In addition to the stunning beaches, Matara and Weligama offer a range of activities for every type of traveler. Surfing enthusiasts can catch some of the best waves in the area, while history buffs can explore ancient temples and colonial-era architecture. The region is also known for its vibrant wildlife, with opportunities for whale watching and turtle conservation projects.
Overall, my time in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka was an unforgettable experience. The combination of breathtaking beaches, delectable cuisine, and incredibly friendly people created a truly magical atmosphere. I highly recommend visiting Matara and Weligama for anyone seeking a slice of paradise in Sri Lanka.
#srilanka #weligama #Matara
MohammadQ8
The ancient city of Galle | The ancient world heritage of the Indian Ocean beaches
Sri Lanka's world heritage is numerous, the charming and exotic city of Galle on the southwest coast is one of the typical representatives, but also the European colonists The largest existing fortress built in Asia.
The rocky peninsula on the Indian Ocean coast is a natural harbour. In the 16th century, the Portuguese came here and built the Galle Fortress as a defensive fortress, which was later occupied by the Dutch army and further made it even stronger. The fortress was later colonized by the British. The majestic wreckage is surrounded by the sea on three sides, and the vicissitudes of the war dissipate in the wind. You and I are a tiny point in history. The
is now a maritime museum, with dilapidated iron wall lamps, detailed city gate relief patterns, and solid circular-top wooden windows, all of which are characteristic of Dutch architecture.
The old city is not big, leisurely and lazy to walk around, Galle Library, Anglican Church, Dutch Church, Court, Galle National Museum, Mira Mosque, Ude Le Bronze, lighthouses, etc., in different styles and colors, blending European architectural art with South Asian cultural traditions, strolling through, such as the old European city.
Holland Hospital is one of the oldest buildings in Galle Fort. It has a 17th-century Dutch colonial style and is now the largest double store in Galle, with restaurants and handicraft shops. Gallery, spice shop, etc. I am relying on the Indian Ocean, listening to the sound of the waves in the coffee shop to the sea, very comfortable and comfortable.
TravelingSisters.
Since ancient times, the Gulf of Galle has been put into use. According to records, in 545, Galle Bay once protected the extension of the oldest commercial port in Levante. There are also commercial buildings and storage near the port. The Dutch-built houses and their polished stone walls and gates have beautified the quiet and peaceful streets of Galle, and it remains the same today.
Next to the city wall is a few miles of lawns and trees. There are many locals here, and we have seen a group of energetic cricket boys. Cricket is a sport that people in Sri Lanka like very much, so it is not surprising to see it here.
Then we walked inside the old city and saw a lot of art works transformed by the tug, which was very interesting.
Indeed, the feeling here is the perfect combination of European and South Asian styles, one step at a time, unintentionally a glimpse of the surprise.
There are many shops selling crafts and gems in the ancient city. It is not recommended to buy them. The quality of the things here is not very good, and the price is very expensive. Especially the gems, it is very unreliable. If the refrigerator is attached to such a small object, you can buy it.
Rachel Yu.
The ancient city of Galle, also known as Galle Fort in English, was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. According to its name, it is both an old castle and a fortress. At that time, the colonists of Galle surrounded the island and built a Long city walls, I thought that the construction of this wall was also a great effort. Even today, hundreds of years later, it is still very strong. Walking in the old city, European-style buildings can be seen everywhere, as if walking in the Middle Ages. A European town. Every evening, people come in groups, quietly guarding the city wall, waiting for a sunset. Sunrise and sunset is one of the most worthwhile sights in the ancient city of Galle, but watching the sunrise and sunset is also a matter of luck.
Transportation: Colombo has a train to Galle. If you go from the beaches of Mirissa to Galle, it is very close. There is a bus that can be reached in 20 minutes. The ticket is 80 rupees. It can also be called a tug. The cost is about 300. rupee.
Tickets: Free
Accommodation: There are many old buildings in the old town of Galle that have been transformed into shops and hotels. There are more than 1,000, and there are also 200 in the early days. Choose your own. In the peak season, it is best to book the hotel in advance.
Food recommendation: There is an ice cream shop in the ancient city selling handmade ice cream, 300 rupees, which tastes good.
haruxu.
Galle Castle was built in Portugal in the 16th century. Before the British invasion in the eighteenth century AD, Galle Castle was once brilliant and developed into its peak period. It is a typical representative of European architectural defense fortresses in South and Southeast Asia, successfully integrating European architectural art with South Asian cultural traditions. In the
18th century, the Old City of Galle enjoyed a period of peace and quiet without any external infringement. The British, French, Danish and Spanish empire have long been coveted by this Dutch barrier on the edge of the Indian Ocean. In 1796, under the British rule, the original administrative status of the Old Town of Galle remained unchanged, and was subsequently devastated by the city of Amiens in France in 1802. The peninsula fell into a British colony and continued until 1948.
Today's old castle has become a popular tourist attraction. There are many shops in the old castle, full of hotels, inns, restaurants, hotels and handicraft shops. Of course, even if the history of the castle is still strong, it is not covered by a strong commercial atmosphere.
Recommended is the hotel or inn hotel in Galle Fort, one is convenient, close to the bus station, the train station, the second is the Galle Fort is the soul of Galle, the old castle also has a beach, every day The sunset of the old castle is also very spectacular, not to be missed. Of course, the hotels in the old castle are relatively expensive.
Hero_V5.
The Old Town of Galle nd its Fortifications, located in the southwest of Sri Lanka, is about 100 kilometers south of the capital, Colombo, on the waterfront of the Indian Ocean. In the southern coastal city of Sri Lanka, at the foot of the city wall is the endless Indian Ocean, but the ancient city of Galle is not famous because it is located on the ocean's waterfront, but its ancient castles and fortresses, these ancient castles and fortresses with 16th century architecture. It has been included in the world cultural heritage and is one of the largest ancient fortresses in existence.
My favorite place in Galle is not its Dutch-style street, but the wall near the Indian Ocean. Standing on the wall of the sea, it is the boundless ocean, the seemingly unpredictable sea, the blue, the waves hit the rocks in the sea, rolling up two meters high waves, imposing.
Qi_Miao.
I have been alone in Sri Lanka for fifteen days. If I were to recommend the most ancient city in Sri Lanka, I couldnt help but think of Galle. Among the ancient Sri Lankan cities I have been to be included in the world cultural heritage, Galle is not like Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura. The ancient city is only the remains of the palace, and it is not as crowded as the ancient city of Kandy. turbulent. Not only does Galle have the majestic momentum of the Fortress around the city, but also the beautiful natural environment surrounded by the sea on three sides. You can stroll through the small streets and lanes of the Dutch style, linger in various museums, and stop on the walls of the coral walls. Enjoy the sunrise and sunset on the Indian Ocean. Galle is both a petty town and an ancient city with a variety of styles.
Qi_Miao.
In Galle, my favorite thing to do is to visit the ancient city. Galle used the old old city walls as an iconic symbol of the local landscape, witnessing the changes in the colonial period. At the same time, it is also the guardian of the ancient city. It protected the entire ancient city in the tsunami, so that all the buildings in the ancient city were not damaged in the tsunami, and we can continue to visit this intact world cultural heritage today.
Walk here, there will be a mysterious castle in the Middle Ages full of Renaissance atmosphere. This is a castle that needs to walk through it, slowly experience and taste, the taste displayed in the photo, far Less than one ten thousandth of it.
KRISTINA.
Galle is a city with a long history. The earliest history can be traced back to the Solomon dynasty in around BC. It is also one of the four major economic towns in Sri Lanka. It has a rich exotic color, and the Western-style buildings and streets left by the colonists give this film. The coast adds a different style.
Galle Castle is a Dutch colonial fortress. It was an important port at that time. Except for the north and the land, the southeast and west sides are on the sea, like a horseshoe reaching into the Indian Ocean, which has been included in the UNESCO. World Heritage.
stands on the wall, at the foot of the endless Indian Ocean, the blue water reflects the entire castle.
Galle With the most famous castle in Sri Lanka, people who come to the Galle Fortress will take a walk on the wall and overlook the entire ancient city while enjoying the beautiful sea view.
Different from the Pacific Ocean, the color of the sea in the Indian Ocean is more gentle. It seems to be a sea of waves, but it can also roll up waves of more than two meters. It is magnificent.
Cici
Galle As a coastal city in the south of Sri Lanka, it is known only because it is not a beach, but a castle that is listed as a World Heritage Site. During the Dutch colonial period, the Dutch built a 360,000-square-meter castle in Galle, in a standard European style, in order to show that the rule of Sri Lanka was indestructible. In addition to the castle, Galle has other relics of the colonial era, whether it is a small road house or a brick and a tile, you can smell the air left by Europe.
Zhou_Yusi.
Galle is the largest city in southern Sri Lanka. It flourished in the 14th century as a land of oriental trade for Arab traders and has a long history.
In 1589, the Portuguese built the original city block here. Since then, Galle has begun the years of being ruled by foreigners. In 1640 the Dutch expanded the castle and built the city in it, which is the prototype of the old town of Galle. During the British colonial rule, Galle occupied an important position as a ruling stronghold and established a solid city wall to become a city.
The ancient city of Galle is simple and beautiful. I love this small town during my trip to Sri Lanka.
Miss Cat.
After Sri Lanka's round-the-island tour to the southern coastal city, seafood became a major event. Three prawn longer than the palm of the hand only cost 50 yuan, and the oversized crab only cost 20 yuan a pound. When it comes to vegetables, it seems to be a very common dish. In Sri Lanka, where Chinese food is scarce, it is difficult to make a familiar taste in your hometown. In order to match the crab, it is very difficult to buy a bottle of vinegar. Originally, I wanted to make a large-scale chicken. Because the stove is too slow, there is no way to make a potato stew. But it was such a dinner. In the kingdom of curry, we are also satisfied.
Veelen.
Galle is a coastal city in southern Sri Lanka. It is not known for its beaches but for its castles, which have been included in the World Cultural Heritage. On the way to Galle, the first thing that touched us was the rich sea and the fishermen who snorkeled. Although this has now become a paid viewing project, I still find it worthwhile.
After crossing this ancient city wall, it is really in the famous ancient city of Galle. The reason for the original establishment of the ancient city of Galle was that during the Dutch colonial period, the Dutch built a 360,000-square-meter castle in Galle in order to show that the rule of Sri Lanka was indestructible, so they all saw the standard European style. .
The lighthouse now seen is a new lighthouse after being ruled by the Dutch colonists.
Coco Wang.
Speaking of the ancient city of Galle, we can trace back to the 16th century, it was first built by the Portuguese, its location is in the southwest of Sri Lanka, facing the Indian Ocean, about 100 kilometers from the capital Colombo. In the 17th century, the Dutch began to capture the Portuguese fortress and built a strong wall in Galle, which allowed the city of Galle to enjoy a quiet time. However, the good times were not long. In the 18th century, the British came again, and Galle became a British colony. It is precisely because Galle has experienced so many ups and downs, today's ancient city of Galle is full of all kinds of different styles of architecture, fascinating.
biggun.
The Old Town of Galle is located on the waterfront of the Indian Ocean in southwest Sri Lanka, about 100 km from the capital, Colombo. The Old Town and its castle were built on the rocky peninsula and were created by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Before the British invasion in the 18th century, Galle Castle was once brilliant and developed to its peak. It is a typical representative of European architectural defense fortresses in South and Southeast Asia, successfully integrating European architectural art and South Asian cultural traditions. Listed in World Heritage in 1988
Since ancient times, Galle Bay has been put into use. In the 14th century, the port of Galle became one of the most active ports in Sri Lanka. Since the beginning of the 18th century, Galle has already begun to take shape as a barrier. The 14 fortresses make their walls an organic whole, while the suspension bridge protects the fortress at the northern end of the city. Other military buildings, such as bureaucratic houses, armory, gunpowder, etc., are carefully designed and built within the city walls. There are also commercial buildings and storage near the port. At the beginning, the Dutch-built houses and their polished stone walls and gates have beautified the quiet and peaceful streets of Galle, and it remains the same today.
Today, Galle no longer performs defense functions, called a tourist destination, and can visit houses, churches, fortresses and lighthouses full of worldly vitality.
Cookie.
In the Indian Ocean, there is a place called Tears called Sri Lanka, in the small town of Galle in southern Sri Lanka, which shows the interaction between European architecture and traditional South Asian architecture during the 17th and 19th centuries, the lighthouse and The church is a place to go! From the capital Colombo to Galle, take the train for about two and a half hours, remember to check the time!
japaul.
Galle, with its old old city walls as an iconic symbol of the local landscape, has witnessed the constant changes of the colonial period for centuries. On a sunny afternoon, carrying the traditional sari of Sri Lanka, walking in the ancient city of Galle, you can see the Dutch-style buildings everywhere, like a small European city.
In addition to the exquisite colonial style, the tropical town of Galle is surrounded by perfect green vegetation, suitable for exploring the mysteries of the tropical rainforest and animal world. The coastline is all the way south, with crystal clear waters and beautiful sandy beaches on one side, and lush forests and swamp wetlands on the inland side, providing travelers with new and interesting opportunities to observe nature at close range.
KRISTINA.
Sri Lankas Old Town is situated on the waterfront of the Indian Ocean. The entire old city is built on a rocky peninsula. The rich colonial architecture blends European architecture with South Asian culture and is complemented by the blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Let this place be a good place for local couples to date and travel wedding dresses. You can find a boutique hotel in the old town of Galle, or you can have an afternoon tea in the cool breeze in Anzhen. Ceylon's black tea is fragrant and sweet. There are many gem shops in the old town, and you can definitely go to the dark.