SOUTHERN Sri Lanka uncovers a world of historic Dutch forts , beautiful beaches and stilt fishermen , where sleepy villages lie hidden in palms behind the wide sandy bays and sheltered coves . The further east you go , the less populated and more naturally wild and remote the landscapes become . The lush inland forest reserves in the south west contrast sharply with the arid south eastern national parks of Yala , Uda Walawe and Bundala , where wild elephants and migratory birds flock around the water ‘ tanks ,’ and where leopards and sloth bears roam . Between December and April , the south coast is popular for whale- and dolphin-watching , in the waters off Weligama Bay . Galle , on the south west tip of Sri Lanka , is a reminder of the Dutch presence on the island . Galle Fort , constructed by the Dutch East India Company as a fortified town , is a UNESCO

World Heritage Site . It is still intact and has a thriving community living and working within its walls . You can walk along part of the ramparts , with the sea on one side and the famous Galle cricket ground on the other . The myriad narrow streets within the Fort are fascinating for their architecture , lined with official buildings , shops , and town houses , some of which have been converted to stylish villas and boutique hotels . Fishing boats line the shore and there is a lively market area . Galle and the surrounding villages are full of artisans , such as lace makers , jewellers , woodcarvers , and painters . Small shops sell crafts , jewellery and antiques , as do the few designer boutiques . The surrounding region is incredibly beautiful , with its rainforest reserves , low-lying tea estates , ancient temples , coconut plantations , rice paddies , fishing villages and palm-fringed coves .

Beach at Amanwella , Tangalle

GALLE AND THE SOUTH COAST

Fort Bazaar Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel 20 Middle Street

Noel Rodrigo ’ s

41 Lighthouse Street Leopard Trails

Deco on 44 Cinnamon Wild

Kahanda Kanda

Jetwing Yala Anantara Peace Haven

Dutch House Yala

The Sun House Last House

Hikkaduwa Amangalla

Amanwella Galle Fort Hotel The Beach Shangri-La

Galle Fort Printers House

TRI Tangalle

Casa Colombo Unuwatuna Koggala

Amaloh beach The Fortress

Weligama Apa Villas Taprobane Island Frangipani Tree Weligama Bay Resort Era Beach Hotel Cape Weligama

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