Galle and Unawatuna

Places of Interest - Sri Lanka

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introduction

Unawatuna and Galle are two extremes of each other - one is a village or small seaside resort while the other is and was an important colonial city on the UNESCO list. To Unawatuna you really only go to relax, hang on the beach and/or in your hammock. There is not much more to listen to than music, sipping on a cocktail chair or cold beer and trudging over the warm sand. Galle was for more than 200 years the most important (port) city of Sri Lanka.

There is still much to see in the city of Dutch rule in the 17th and 18th centuries. In 1663, when the Dutch had chased the Portuguese out, they built an important fortress that is still visible today. In fact - this fort once again proved its worth during the tsunami in 2004; it has protected a large part of the city by significantly slowing the incoming waves.

In contrast to Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the sights here are part of the current life.

highlights

Unawatuna, Koggala and Ahangama:

Unawatuna is the most popular beach resort in the south of Sri Lanka and is located in a beautiful bay with turquoise water. Waving palm trees, nice terraces and the beauty here is that the train- and motorway around the city are on a long distance which gives the whole an idyllic atmosphere which is so often missing in Sri Lanka's seaside resorts.

At 12 km you will find the small town Koggalla where you can still catch some real pole-fishers (if you are lucky). You can also see the (old) but still actively used airport strips.

These were bombed in WWII by the Japanese. Within walking distance you can visit the sea turtles shelter in Ahangama. Admission is 300 Rs where you are taken on a short but interesting tour through the complex.

Galle:

The area in the historic core of Galle surrounded by the high city walls contains about 400 houses, churches, mosques and temples. It was a very important trading city during Dutch colonial times. That is why in 1663 the Dutch built a 36-hectare fort, which is now on the World Heritage List. You can take a walk on the city walls that give a beautiful view of the old city.

You can take a look at the main- and old gate but also at the "Utrecht" bastion. Most houses in the fort are of Dutch origin - also many street names are Dutch or directly translated from Dutch. The Dutch Reformed Groote Kerk, originally built in 1640 and rebuilt around 1755, has a floor with several tombstones from the old Dutch cemeteries.

The Dutch governor's house is a unique example with a beautiful out- and inside. The Amangalla, built in 1684 for Dutch officers, is now a super-deluxe hotel. You can take a look at the National Maritime, National or Historical museum.

history

The city Galle got a first “real” name when the Europeans arrived here. In 1505, a Portuguese fleet on its way to the Maldives islands got lost in bad weather and hid in the safe harbor of the city. When they crew heard a rooster ("galo" in Portuguese) in the distance they decided to call the city that way.

They built a small fort. In 1640 the Dutch came and demolished everything that the Portuguese had built. They themselves built the current fort and it would remain the most important (port) city of Sri Lanka for about 200 years. This stop was also very important for the journey between Europe and Asia. When the British took over power in Sri Lanka in 1796, power and strength slowly shifted to Colombo, the current capital.

When the tsunami in Sri Lanka in 2004, the city of Galle was totally destroyed - only the houses inside the fort were protected and the old historic town was preserved! It is now a UNESCO heritage.

tips & advice (2009)

There is no bus station in Unawatuna - simply walk to the main (boulevard) road and stick your hand out – minibusses will stop.

Unawatuna - Galle: more than enough buses race past - the ride costs 10 Rs and takes about 10 to 15 minutes. In Galle you will be dropped along the main road (to Colombo), after which you have to walk. Within 5 minutes you’re in the old town.

Galle - Colombo: regular (local) buses to Colombo cost about 63 Rs while luxury air buses cost twice as much. The journey takes about 3 hours.

In Unawatuna is the small but very cozy restaurant Rock situated - on the water or rather "above" the water. You hear the waves breaking under the wooden porch where you can eat perfectly. It is small but atmospheric with a very nice staff.

Name: Hostel Village Inn (Unawatuna)

Price: 500 Rp (single)

Content:

On a side path of the main road Yaddehimulla Road is this beautiful large hostelcomplex with different rooms. There are three buildings with a very large courtyard and there are 13 rooms in total. The nicest (and most expensive) are those with a balcony and/or veranda.

I had the cheapest room that had even a private shower and toilet. Breakfast is exclusive but can be ordered from the owners. Everything is clean and the hostel is in a beautiful (jungle) garden with lots of monkeys and just a short walk from the beach.

It's pretty pricey to stay overnight in the city of Galle - you can just make a very easy daytrip to Galle and then return to your beautiful room in Unawatuna at the end of the day.