Memorable experiences at Southern Sri Lanka

        Since it was a long weekend i planned to visit the southern part of Sri Lanka. I started my journey on 18th May which was a Vesak full moon poyaday. It took 2 hours for me to reach Galle town. As soon as i got down i had my morning breakfast. Afterwards my first visit was Galle Fort which is situated at the Galle town. The Galle Fort is a world heritage site and is the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers. Next visit was the lighthouse which is 6km away from Galle town. The current lighthouse structure was built in 1939 with a height of 26.5m (87 feet). The lighthouse is currently operated and managed by the Sri Lanka ports authority. The lights work through a computerized system which allows the foremost light to switch on every night and switch off in the morning. Visitors are not allowed to climb the lighthouse. 

             In the afternoon i had my quick lunch and drove towards Mirissa. Upon reaching, i made a visit to Dream Cabana where you can enjoy the amazing palm tree swing which is at Dalawella beach, you will have to pay Rs. 500 for 3 rides. Palm tree swing was the most entertaining and unforgettable experience i got in Dalawella beach. This swing is mostly famous for photography, I took attractive photographs in the evening during sunset. Afterwards in visited the largest rock which is also located at Dalawella beach which is called the elephant rock (This rock is behind the Sri Gamunu Hotel which at facing the beach side). I made a stop there for about 20 min till the sunset. I got on to the top of the rock and took some beautiful photographs before the Sun sets off. It became darker in the evening and i headed off to the hotel for my first night. 

           Next day morning was a fresh day and i woke up at 7.00 am to start my journey. I packed my back pack, charged my Gopro and i checked-out from the hotel at 7.30 am. The plan for the next day was to visit the Natural ponds at Talpe beach which was 6km away from the place where i stayed. These natural ponds were built by man during the past era to dry coconut shells and it later became famous as a natural pond. In the late afternoon i visited the Coconut hill which is located at Mirissa. It was a sunny day and there no one on top of the hill. I took some beautiful photographs with the coconut trees all alone. In the evening i after having a quick tea break, i came back home leaving footprints and making memories. The photographs and the description about the destination is mentioned below.

Galle Fort

The Galle Fort or Dutch Fort as it is also known, is a fortification first built by the Portugese on the Southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. The initial fortifications, which were built in the late 16th century, were quite basic. However the fort underwent extensive modifications in the 17th century by the Dutch, making it one of the most important archeological, architectural and historic monuments to illustrate the European influence in South East Asia between the 16th and 19th centuries. According to a statement by UNESCO the site was recognized as a World Heritage Site for its unique exposition of an urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries which is the criterion number four for such recognition.

(Galle Fort)

 Light House

The Galle Lighthouse was the very first light station to be built in Sri Lanka. Dating back to 1848 the lighthouse was built by the British to ensure the safe arrival of their ships at the Galle harbour. This original structure stood 24.5 m tall (80 feet) and was located at a site approximately 100 feet from the current lighthouse. Its light was made with a prism lens of glass, which floated in a bath of mercury (to reduce friction) and was powered by a weight driven machine.This lighthouse was destroyed in 1934. 

       
The current lighthouse structure was built in 1939; erected within the walls of the ancient Galle Fort with a height of 26.5m (87 feet). The light station stands at a strategic location at the southern end of the promontory; built approximately 6m above the road level on the ramparts of the Fort, at a place known as the Point Utrecht Bastion. This affords it an undisturbed view across the seascape; and allowing any incoming ships to see its light.

(Light House)

 Dream Cabana - Palm tree swing

Dalawella Beach is located on the south-west coastline of Sri Lanka, 130kms from Colombo.

The Palm Tree Rope Swing is located in front of Dream cabana home stay on Dalawella Beach, only 2kms drive from Unawatuna Beach if that is where you are staying.

The local family who owns this home stay on Dalawella Beach are very inviting and friendly so don’t be a stranger and take the time to get to know them. They allow you to use the swing for a small fee of 500 rupees ($3.50), this helps them to maintain the upkeep of the rope swing. They also sell food and drinks and can give you some local knowledge of other things to do in Dalawella Beach.

(Palm tree swing)

 Elephant rock 

It was an amazing Sunset on top of this rock. The rock is named as elephant as elephant rock. If you reach this place around 5.30 in the evening you will enjoy watching at this gorgeous sunset. Also this rock is behind Sri Gamunu hotel which is at Dalawella beach.

(Elephant rock)

Natural Ponds - Talpe Beach

These square shaped natural ponds are situated in Talpe (after Galle). According to the villagers these were built some 50 years ago, and used to soak coconut husks in order to separate the coconut coir by another process followed by ponds are square/rectangular cuts on a dead coral. You can swim to one another as all these are connected each other. For now this is an amazing place to have sea bath in low tide. (extremely careful for sharp edges of the dead coral). Best time to go is early morning (Before 8am) 

(Square shaped ponds)

Coconut Hill

Coconut Tree Hill Mirissa is a unique cliff located at the end of a beach which is covered in palm trees. Tourists flock to this spot to take photos with all the beautiful tall palms that overlook the ocean. If you’re staying in Mirissa, be sure not to miss this beautiful spot.

(Coconut Hill)

The whole trip was an unforgettable trip for me and the experience i got was priceless.