Think of Sri Lanka, and images of ancient
ruins, saffron clad monks, pristine tea plantations and white
beaches with swaying palms fill the senses.
Formerly known as Ceylon, it is the jewel
of the Indian ocean: a teardrop shaped island about the size
of Ireland off of southern India with a history of over 2,500
years. Sinhalese ancestors came from northern India about
fifth century BC and the Tamils from southern India around
300 BC. Muslims, Christians and Malays also form a part of
this varied culture.
Galle is the quiet port town capital of
the southern province, and possibly the only place in Sri
Lanka to retain authentic historic colonial atmosphere intact
in its old Fort. Galle Fort was begun by the Portuguese in
the early 1500's, then finished by the Dutch in 1640 and occupied
by the British from 1796 to Independence in 1948.
ur amazing array of vegetation, wildlife,
culture, architecture and religion has been a long kept secret
to travellers looking for a holiday combining ancient culture
and island relaxation .
