As the sub zero weather bites here in Britain, many are dreaming of summer. And in the beautiful city of Galle in Sri Lanka you might just find it – with an average January temperature of 30C.
But as well as being suitably sunny, it’s also a beautiful seaside city with so much on offer for visitors.
Top attractions in the city include the famed Galle Fort – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – as well as tropical seascapes and the old town for a fix of culture.
Before the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century it was known as Gimhathiththa and was the main port on the South Asian island.
It reached the height of its development in the 18th century – during the Dutch colonial period – cementing its rich mix of cultural history.
Travel bloggers unite in their praise of the location – including Hannah and Nick who write for Salt in our Hair.
They said: “Galle Fort is the most beautiful coastal town in Sri Lanka. Here, life slows down as locals play cricket alongside the beach, travellers walk on the ancient fort walls, and street vendors sell fresh tropical fruit under the palm trees.
“Its history makes it a melting pot of culture, with a unique fusion of European and Asian influences, as seen in the whitewashed Dutch-style buildings that line the cobbled streets.”
Mollie, who writes travel blog We are Global Travellers, also spoke about her trip to the Sri Lankan city and was taken aback by its rich heritage.
She said: “Turns out Galle is an incredibly vibrant cultural hub with a history dating back to the late 16th Century when Galle Fort was first conquered by the Portuguese. Galle was then taken over by the Dutch in the 17th century and for over 200 years it was Sri Lanka’s main spice trading port.
“Yes there are lots of cool spice shops here – the perfect souvenir! Oblivious to a lot of the details we now know of Galles history, we wandered around, totally charmed and with huge curiosity. We could feel the depths of the history and the richness of the stories that lived here.”
It seems they’re not alone in their praise of Galle with recent visitors have been sharing their experiences on travel review website Tripadvisor – many referencing the famous fort.
One said: “The Galle Fort is a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a living monument, inhabited by a bustling community, within the great ramparts, massive bastions and pepper pot towers.The once sleepy Galle Fort is now a dynamic area with a distinctively Mediterranean atmosphere.”
“This walled city hosts magnificent views,” said another.
They added: “There are scenic spots where the sunset looks incredible and will be engraved in memories.”
