Hiking in Galle

Tucked away in the south western corner of the country, Sri Lanka’s Koggala beach is a serene Paradise for beach lovers, far away from the busy bustle of city life. The unexplored and pristine beach of Koggala, with palm trees dotting the wide stretch of sand, is the longest beach of Sri Lanka.The open blue waters at Koggala Beach is one of the most popular destinations for watersports in Sri Lanka. Apart from a number of fish species, the waters of Koggala also abound in sea turtles and white sea sharks. The reef break in this region makes it a perfect spot for surfing enthusiasts. The rich marine life of the Sri Lankan waters in this region also provides a perfect diving and snorkeling opportunity. Windsurfing and Kitesurfing activities can also be enjoyed here.A number of small food shacks and restaurants line the beach, catering to the necessary requirements of its visitors. Hammocks and beachside chairs that line the place allows Koggala’s guests to simply lounge under the open sun and enjoy the rolling blue waters of the Indian Ocean.The scenic beach is an ideal locale to observe the stilt fisherman at work. These traditional fishermen, indeginous to the country, practice their art in a unique method and style, and are a sight to behold if never seen before. 

Sinharaja Forest Reserve is an important national park in Sri Lanka. Recognized as a Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Sinharaja Forest Reserve is home to numerous rare flora and fauna. The area is covered with rare plants and animals that are endemic to Sri Lanka. It is also considered as the country’s last area of tropical rainforest and is thus of great importance.This reserve spans an area of about 21 km from east to west and 7 km from north to south and densely covered by vegetation that forms a kind of canopy. This thick canopy of tropical trees blocks sunlight and traps in humidity turning this entire Reserve into a massive greenhouse. The mammal population mostly comprises leopards, elephants and purple-faced langur. The green pit vipers and the hump nosed viper constitute most of the reptile population and tree frogs are an integral part of the amphibian species found in the Sinharaja Forest Reserve.  Sri Lankan Blue Magpie, Red Faced Malkoha, Orange Billed Babbler, Crested Drongo are a part of the 20 endemic bird species found in this forest reserve. Invertebrates including leeches, various species of butterflies and so much more. Along with the dense fauna of the forest reserve, there are multiple streams, waterfalls in the Sinharaja Forest Reserve that makes it a completely natural ecosystem for the flora and fauna thriving here. There are about a dozen villages that are built along the border of the Sinharaja Forest Reserve and comprises local and tribal people. These tribal groups and the inmates of the Reserve have been living in harmony for centuries.

The Galle Dutch Fort happens to be one of the treasured historical monuments of Srilanka located on the southern coast of the country. The fort was constructed by the Portuguese in the course of their reign in Srilanka and was later renovated by the Dutch. The fort is one of the most important UNESCO world heritage sites out of many in Srilanka. This is because of its wonderful illustration of European Architecture and South Asian Traditions of the 16th and 19th century. The fort displays an amazing amalgamation of age-old architecture and antiquity in the middle of astounding natural beauty.You will come across a number of lively shops, cafes, exhibition halls, lifestyle stores, and villas, which adds to the beauty of the place. It would be just amazing to move by the walls witnessing the intricate artworks and sheer craftsmanship. At the present time, the fort is still home to multi-ethnic and multi-religious population, as some properties inside the fort are still owned by many Dutch people and local Srilankan people as well.