HOPPER around Galle (Sri Lanka)
If you are planning a multi-country holiday you may wish to consider the popular destination of Sri Lanka. Here is our four day itinerary for those with limited time.
Arriving at Colombo International airport we were met by our no thrills taxi (Colombo VIP Transfers) we had booked in advance for our 2.5 hour transfer to Unawatuna - Galle District. We were met with a personal sign and helped with buying Sri Lankan Rupees from the currency exchange within the airport (the only place we could find nearby). We were ready to hit the road!
Within less than 5 minutes we were fully aware we were in a new land, with the constant horn honking, weaving in and out of traffic, tuk tuks, dense, luscious greenery and a truck knocked on its side in the middle of the road, we had arrived!
Pulling up to our hotel (Thapraban Waves Pavillion) greeted with smiling faces, cold towels and a super refreshing passion fruit drink. Located in Unawatuna, the South of Sri Lanka, an location with copious guesthouses and hotels to choose from, palmed line beaches and only 6km form the historical city of Galle.
“Must do’s” Galle district
Galle Fort - Built by the Portuguese in 1588, then extensively fortified by the Dutch this is UNESCO world heritage must. Enjoy a stroll down the cobbled streets with a fresh coconut enjoying the view of over 400 period buildings. (500 Sri Lankan rupee for a tuk tuk from Unawatuna)
Jungle Beach - A small isolated beach close to Galle and Unawatuna Beach. Arrive by tuk tuk and travel down a steep rocky path (we saw a LARGE snake on the make shift path on the way down!). You then arrive at a small much quieter beach than Unawatuna, with just one café for food and drinks and a few sunbeds.
Temples - as well as beautiful beaches there are some wonderful historic sites to visit right on your doorstep, the Japanese Peace Pagoda is a must along with the Sri Lankan Buddhist temple just next door. Stunning views and monkeys jumping round the trees.
Food - Eat eat eat! We cannot go far enough to say how delicious and spicy the food is in Sri Lanka. Ensure you try hoppers, kutha and as much fish curry as possible. Our most frequented beachside restaurant, “Hot Rock”.
TukTuk’s - For local trips around Galle district TukTuk’s are the best option. They are cheap and regularly available.
Avoid - We were keen to visit the turtle hatchery based on conservation interests however we questioned how much of it was conservation driven versus money making. Our view of the particular one we visited seemed to be more on money making than the turtles best interest. Here is a link to a blog we read on our return that really sums it up well: https://spinthewindrose.com/sea-turtle-hatchery-sri-lanka/
One night in the capital
With our 4th and last night in Sri Lanka we headed back to the buzzing city centre of Colombo. We found a great hotel to stay at before our 11 hour plus flight home. Dwell, a brand new, contemporary arty hotel (even had a shop with their only clothing brand) located right near Galle Face Green and the central business district. It had a rooftop bar with stunning views not only of the city skyline but also the Indian Ocean. To note the hotel is really good value, great service and we would recommend staying there. At the time of our stay (September 2018) they didn’t have a license to serve alcohol so they let you bring your own. Stock up at the shop before check in and enjoy a crisp cold local Lion beer on their stunning rooftop bar and a pool. If you have time check out the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple & Viharamahadevi Park which are close by.
At the end of the 4 days we felt we had maximised our time and experienced not only stunning secluded beaches, the buzzing capital city, fantastic food that did not disappoint in any location and the wonderful friendly, humble culture of Sri Lanka.
