Continued from Central Highlands
From Ella, we descended the highlands to the southern plains, stopping for coconut water refreshments and a visit to an elephant orphanage (some just a few months old; could there be a cuter experience?). The role of Buddhism is ever-present, though Hinduism, Christianity and Islam are well-represented.
“Old Galle” is enclosed by the Portuguese-Dutch fort dating from the 1500s. It is situated on a promontory with the waves of the Indian Ocean constantly lapping at its walls. It highlights the need then for protection from raiders from the sea.
The area inside the fort is substantial, and serves as the main tourist area. There are several shopping streets, remnants of European architecture and interesting museums.
Outside the walls your first sight is of the Galle cricket ground. Nearby in the “new town” is the typical hustle and bustle of Asian cities. The shore area is not far away and is dominated by an open air fish market, and fishing boats. The tsunami of 2004 had devastating effects on the whole coastline.
Sri Lankan tourism seems to be progressing rapidly, with several boutique and luxury hotels inside the fort area. We stayed at the Fort Printers hotel. It has only 14 or so rooms, fashioned out of three buildings including an old printery and an old school. Twice we ate in their elegant dining room.
One lunch time we ate at a restaurant that looked over the sea wall. Did diners see the big waves coming in 2004? There is no sign of the tsunami now, and plenty to offer the diner, including wonderful seafood and throwbacks in time, like jelly pudding.
Continued:
For a continuation of our travels, see: Colombo.