How to Spend 48 Hours in Galle, Sri Lanka – the best place to visit
There is an undeniable charm about Galle that keeps visitors wanting to go there again and again. The sea, sand and sunshine mingle with a subtle bohemian vibe to beckon visitors to linger awhile. Let us take a look at how you could spend 48 hours in Galle. Since it is just 48 short hours, we are going to stick to Galle Fort and nearby places.
Diwyanjalee Wanigasekara, Galle fort sri lanka, CC BY-SA 4.0
Savour a sumptuous breakfast
Any list of things to do in Galle Sri Lanka worth its weight in gold would talk about the abundance of delectable fare to be had along the cobblestone-lined streets within the Galle Fort. Start your day with a quick stroll along the streets and look for any breakfast offering that catches your fancy. You could go for a local breakfast of lacy string hoppers with creamy potato curry, piquant sambol and flavourful chicken curry or try a full English breakfast with all the workings. Then there are some unique restaurants serving inspired, vibrant dishes such as vegetable and fruit thali.
Explore Galle Fort
After breakfast, go for a stroll around the Galle Fort and the ramparts. You could simply walk along the ramparts to catch glimpses of the turquoise waters and creamy waves crashing on to rocks. You'll definitely feel the Dutch influence all around. Check out the lighthouse and the old Dutch Hospital. The Dutch Reformed Church is another famous attraction. The paved streets of the Fort area meander through a scattering of charming houses, restaurants, boutique shops and occasional glimpses of the sea.
Go shopping for curios at boutique shops
Boutique shops in Galle Fort seem to be unravelling exotic stories to visitors. You could buy some antiques that seem to emanate an old-world charm, funky jewellery, brilliantly hued handloom wear and handicrafts. In fact, you can find your stock of gifts for friends back home from these boutique shops.
Check out the National Maritime Archaeology Museum
The museum is a gateway to Sri Lanka's rich history of foreign trade and relations. You'll find evidence of trade from as far back as the Silk Road days and the relatively more recent era of European colonizers. There are mysterious stories linked to some of the ancient coins, pottery and utensils on display. Most of the objects have been recovered from sunken ships. There is even an anthropological display at the museum, depicting the lives of ancient inhabitants of today's southern coast, who lived a life bound to the sea and its bounties.
Go on a short hike to Rumassala Hill
Start day two with a hike to Rumassala Hill. This hill gets a mention in the epic saga 'Ramayana.' Legend has it that the hill came into being from a piece of the Himalayan mountain that the warrior monkey 'Hanuman' broke off and brought to 'Lanka', to find herbs that healed the fatal wounds of the tale's second in command. And, truly Rumassala is a haven of herbs, more specifically over 150 species of herbs. The strange fact is that these herbs don't grow elsewhere in Galle. Once you traverse across this seemingly magical hill, you'll be rewarded with a picturesque view of the Bay of Galle.
Seek bliss with spa time
Once you wrap up your hike, find a spa to indulge in some good old Ayurvedic treatment. Most resorts in Galle, such as the Fortress Resort and Spa offer various Ayurvedic and non-ayurvedic regimes. You could go for a lengthy spa session, complete with herbal drinks, calming wraps, herbal baths and relaxing oil massages.
Seek beach vibes
Your tour of Galle will not be complete without spending some time at the beach. You could either go to Unawatuna or the more private Jungle Beach. Both are within the range of about a 30-minute drive or Tuk Tuk ride from the Galle Fort area. Go for a swim in the salty, sensual sea waters and catch a beautiful sunset of many hues.
