5 Famous Places in Galle That Make Sri Lanka Popular Tourist Destination!

Summary- Galle is a jewel, waiting to be explored. Sri Lanka`s capital city is a delight to explore on foot. Read on to know about the places, which are the perfect to take a refuge from your mundane life?

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Galle is a historic city of Sri Lanka. Built by the Dutch in the beginning of 1663, Galle is an old yet exotic trading port that is blessed with imposing Dutch-colonial buildings. Not just that, but the city is also punctuated with beautiful mosques, churches, museums and grand mansions.

If you have applied for Sri Lanka ETA visa, then incorporate Galle into your itinerary because it is here where you will pass quirky boutiques, stylish cafes, and perfectly restored old hotels while wandering through its rumbling lanes. Although the core of the city is its Fort that was built by the Dutch, here is a list of famous places that you must visit while you visit Sri Lanka:

1.       Flag Rock- Once a Portuguese bastion now a famous tourist landmark, Flag Rock is the southernmost end of the Fort. During the Dutch period it was used to warn the approaching ships of dangerous rocks by firing musket shots from the Pigeon Island, to further alert the ships from danger. Later on the Dutch built a lighthouse here and today it is the most popular place to catch a spectacular sunset.

2.       Meeran Mosque- Exuding a delightful combination of baroque, British Victorian and Islamic architectural detailing, Meeran Mosque is an amazing work of craftsmanship. This whitewashed building is well preserved with a façade which is more reminiscent of a Portuguese Cathedral than a Mosque. Complete with small decorative domes, there is also a wonderful little mihrab inside. A visit to this epic combination of church and mosque is a must. So apply for Sri Lanka ETA visa now!

3.       Dutch Reformed Church- The church although was originally built in 1640, the current structure dates back to 1752. The building comprises of the floor which is made from the gravestones from Dutch cemeteries. Its other attractions include an imposing podium which is made from calamander wood and topped by a hexagonal canopy.

4.       Marine Archeological Museum- Housed inside an old spice warehouse dating back to the 17^th century and built by the Dutch, the spacious Museum is a famous tourist attraction. Originally the structure was part of the main gateway to the fort and till date it forms part of its ramparts. There are many interactive videos and presentations that put lights on the city`s maritime past.

5.       Dutch Hospital- Once a place to treat and cure the Dutch who fell critically unwell due to the life in tropics and the voyage to Ceylon, the Dutch Hospital dating back to 18^th century has now been fully restored and home to myriad of boutiques and chic cafes. You can enjoy fabulous bay views from its upper balcony.

Make your Sri Lanka holiday special by visiting the historical city of Galle! To apply for Sri Lanka ETA visa on urgent basis, visit our website sri-lankaeta.com.