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 into the past and presents an idea of what life would have been like at that time. It might be expected that this magnificent site is 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 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. The 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 into 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 into the life of people during the time of the Dutch in Sri Lanka. When on the island, visitors should 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.
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 rivers and lakes, there are more than 60 islands, some of which are inhabited by small fishing communities. As the boat drifts downriver, observe the riverbank as island dwellers go about their daily lives 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 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 Bentota.
The park is located less than three hours' drive from Bentota 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.
