Day 9 – Overnight Le Grand Hotel
We left for Galle from Yala after breakfast this day. Galle is about 90km west of Yala and is situated on the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka, and is known for Galle Fort, the fortified old city founded by Portuguese colonists in the 16th century. Stone sea walls, expanded by the Dutch, encircle car-free streets with architecture reflecting Portuguese, Dutch and British rule.
We visited a few places on our way to Galle.
- Ridiyagama
- Coconut Tree hill viewpoint in Merissa
- Galle Fort
- Galle Temples
Ridiyagama Safari park – Opened in 2016, this 500 acre safari park is divided into different zones based on the animals that is present with fencing and iron gates separating them. We were taken on a private jeep tour of the Lion, Tiger and the Herbivore zone. We skipped the Elephant zone as we had seen many in Minneriya and Yala National Parks.
Lion Zone – There were a few lions sleeping in this section. We made a round of this section and came back as one of the lion was waking up from its slumber.
Tiger Zone – There was a Bengal Tiges having a snooze in its den.
The Herbivores Zone – This area had Deer, Ostrich, Mule, Boar, and Buffalo.
Coconut Tree hill viewpoint in Merissa – As the name suggests, this viewpoint on a hill is surrounded with coconut trees and has a stunning view of the Indian Ocean. We parked the car on the side of the road where a few other cars were parked and it was a 10 min hike up to the viewpoint.
Galle Fort – we reached this town at around 4pm and checked into hotel. We had a quick tea and were ready to explore Galle fort by 4:45pm. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Galle Fort was built in the 16th century by the Portuguese, to protect Galle from external powers. When the Dutch, followed by British conquered this southern town, the fort was further fortified and today, there are 14 bastions, all of which once played a major role in defending the port of Galle from conquests.
Galle Fort, Groote Kerk or Dutch Reformed Church – This church is located within the fort near the entrance. The church was built by the Dutch in 1752 and is one of the oldest Protestant churches still in use in the country. The church underwent some renovation in 2004. On the day and time we visited the fort, the church was open and we took a quick look inside.
After checking out the church, the tour guide dropped us off near the lighthouse. We walked around, and on the walls of the fort, stopping at every Bastion to enjoy the view and take pictures. It took us about an hour to walk from the lighthouse all the way to the clock tower. We watched the sunset as we walked around.
Galle Fort Lighthouse – Built in 1848 during British occupation, this is one of the oldest lighthouse in Sri Lanka and most visited attractions of the fort due to its picturesque surroundings. The original structure was 80 feet tall but was destroyed by a fire in 1934. The present-day lighthouse, built in 1939 is 87 feet tall and is still in use. It is currently maintained by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. Visitors are not allowed to climb to the top of the lighthouse.
Galle Fort Bastions – There are in all 14 bastions and each one has a name and the view from each one of them was just stunning.
Galle International Cricket Stadium – You can see this cricket stadium from the Sun Bastion. It is considered to be one of the most picturesque cricket stadiums in the world, fringed on two sides by the Indian Ocean. This Stadium is identified as one of the luckiest venues for the Sri Lankan national cricket team. On 26 December 2004, the ground was devastated by the tsunami, with flood waters up to 30 metres deep. Renovation of the Galle International Stadium began in 2006 and was completed by December 2007.
Galle Fort, The Moon Bastion – You have completed the stroll around the fort if you reached the Clock Tower on the Moon Bastion. The 25.3 m tall stone clock tower was built in 1883, in honour of Dr. Peter Daniel Anthonisz for his public service.
Galle Temples – Close to our hotel there was a beautiful Buddha and Hindu temple next to each other.
Le Grand Hotel, Galle – Our room at the hotel had a grand view of the Indian Ocean on one side and Galle Fort on the other.
