Despite being credited as a Dutch structure it was actually the Portuguese who started construction, but they were usurped by the Dutch, who proceeded with the foundation that they inherited. It is today the largest fort created by this Empire in Asia.
Situated in the town of Galle, the Fort faces the Indian Ocean and played an important role during the period of its construction. Visiting this fort presents an exciting insight in to the past and presents an idea of what life would have been like in that time. It might be expected that this magnificent site be in tatters, but in actuality it has been well maintained by the people who reside there. Despite its age, the fort even today looks extremely new and maintains a polished look.
The fort of Galle is actually more of a small city constructed within a wall. Various structures are located inside, many of which are houses but there are also attractions of interest. Cultural Museum is located here which houses various artifacts that showcase the culture of the Southern Province. Also located here is the National Maritime Museum of Galle offers visitors a diverse array of flora and fauna related exhibits as well as various models of whales, fish and other marine life.
Visitors will need approximately one hour to indulge in a very basic exploration of the inside of the Fort while more time can most certainly be spent doing a detailed walk through. The best time to stroll in to the fort is during the evening as the sun is no longer overhead which provides the most pleasant experience.
This historic area provides a rich part of history and a beautiful landscape that helps gain an insight in to the life of people during the time of the Dutch in Sri Lanka. When in the island, visitors should most not pass up the chance to visit this monument.
If the thirst for adventure persists visit a precious stone mine and a Turtle Hatchery it is a great experience to see a baby turtle hatched in front of your eyes.
This vibrant port city was known to ancient Greek and Roman traders, and was colonised by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British, leaving it with an architectural legacy that has made it one of the most attractive cities in south Asia. Discover the top sights and attractions such as the Gangaramaya Temple and the famous Pettah market.
Vibrant, bustling and colourful Colombo is a city that captures the heart of all visitors. Its mix of cultures, religions and languages merely adds to its aura and mystique. See how these combine with historic landmarks such as the Pettah Dutch Bell Tower at the Kaiman Gate.
Head to the historic district of Slave Island, where Portuguese and Dutch colonists held African captives, and admire the famous Hindu temple dedicated to the Lord Ganesh, with its multicoloured gopuram packed with figures. See the stunning Gangaramaya Buddhist temple, which, like the city itself, blends old and new. Admire the banks of Buddhas and stupas, all perfectly in line.
Other places of interest are some of the city's residential areas, where you find stately homes of the affluent, and the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, a gift to Sri Lanka from the People's Republic of China. There is also the option to visit the House of Fashion and the Premadasa Jewellery and Arts Centre, and the National Museum.
Ever since it opened four decades ago, the refuge has been at the forefront of conservation projects and there are now 17-times more animals in the shelter, where they are fed, bathed and allowed to roam freely.
As you head inland, the climes become cooler, the landscapes more verdant and the countryside hillier. Located in the heart of the Kegalle district at the foot of the central highlands, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was founded in 1975 with just five calves. Over the years, the refuge has grown in size and population and nowadays there are almost 100 of these gentle giants in the centre. On top of all the elephants rescued from the rainforests, there have been dozens of births at the shelter, with the first arriving in 1984.
The central tenet of the orphanage is that the animals are able to roam freely during the day and that a herd structure is allowed to form. Here they lead normal, happy lives. They are fed their breakfasts each morning - milk for the calves, leaves (mainly coconut) for the adults - and then taken to the River Maha Oya for a two-hour bath. Watch the elephants frolicking in water; it is one of the most beautiful sights in nature. Enjoy a traditional lunch in Pinnawala before returning back to Beruwela.
Cruise the majestic Madhu River and enjoy a day full of adventure surrounded by nature and spirituality.
Glide through mangrove 'tunnels' and see dozens of species of birds flying freely in this natural wonderland before visiting a secluded Buddhist monastery for lunch and then exploring a cinnamon plantation and a turtle hatchery. More than a river safari, this is a voyage of discovery.
The Madhu River is barely a few kilometres long but it packs a universe of sights, sounds and experiences along its winding course as it flows into Lake Maduganga. Between river and lake, there are more than 60 islands, some of which are inhabited by small fishing communities. As the boat drifts downriver, observe the riverbank and island dwellers go about their daily live and maybe catch a glimpse of their ancient fishing techniques. See the dozens of bird species that inhabit this precious wetland such as cormorants, egrets and kingfishers as well as other animals such as lizards and monkeys.
The outstanding feature of the Madhu is the mangrove forests, which form tunnels that completely cover the water. Sailing through these with just the sounds of the wildlife and the rustling of the vegetation is a dreamlike experience. As the river flows into the lake, sail for the tiny island of Koddhuwa to visit the Buddhist temple and to feast on a sumptuous lunch. Continue your odyssey to see the cultivation of cinnamon, watching the locals painstakingly peel this fragrant spice.
Here you will see herds of elephants, water buffalo, sambar deer, monkeys and even the occasional leopard as well as many species of birds and butterflies. This is rare opportunity to explore the wild side of Sri Lanka from Beruwela.
The park is located less than three hours' drive from Beruwela in grasslands and some mountainous area at the foothills of the central highlands. This creates a mixed wet and dry climate zone, which is perfect for maintaining habitats for such diverse species; there are marshes, forests and grasslands. An elephant orphanage, Ath Athuru Sevana, is located within the park. It was founded to help protect the endangered Sri Lankan elephant, whose numbers are steadily increasing after decades of decline. It is not unusual to see whole herds of adults and calves, feeding or bathing and frolicking in the Walawe River and the surrounding wetlands. At the orphanage, you can see calves being bottle fed. As many as 250 elephants are believed to live permanently in Udawalawe.
With luck, you'll also see flocks of colourful birds and flights of butterflies. Birds such as painted storks, Sri Lankan spurfowl, red-faced malkoha, white wagtail, cormorants, and black-headed ibis are often spotted, while more than 130 species of butterflies have been counted. There are also reptiles like mugger crocodiles, water monitors and snakes. Among the mammals are buffalo, boars, deer and many others.
Discover one of the true treasures of Sri Lanka with a full day tour to the sacred city of Kandy in the lush central highlands. This is an adventure into a world that many thought lost forever; see elephants frolicking in water, wander through a fragrant spice garden and visit a tea estate before exploring the last ancient citadel of the Kingdom of Kandy. This tour has it all: wildlife, nature, scenery, history, culture, architecture and spirituality - the essence of Sri Lanka.
As you head inland, the climes become cooler, the landscapes more verdant and the countryside hillier. Visit an elephant orphanage, which has grown in size over the decades. When it opened there were just a handful of calves and today there are almost 100 of these gentle giants living in the refuge. After their breakfast, they are taken each morning for a bath -one of the most beautiful sights in nature.
Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, which includes the 200-year-old National Herbarium. Admire fields of orchids, be dwarfed by gigantic trees and inhale the aromas of the thousands of varieties of flowers, plants and spices. Explore a genuine tea plantation and learn about the production process of the world's favourite leaf, which despite the fame of Ceylon tea was introduced to Sri Lanka only in 1847.
Then bow before the majesty of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the jewel in the crown of the charming city of Kandy, which is located in a small wooded valley deep in the hills around a lake. Lunch will be in Kandy.
