
Galle City
Galle, a charming coastal city in Sri Lanka, boasts a rich history and vibrant culture. Its iconic Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a testament to colonial influence. Explore pristine beaches, immerse in cultural festivals, and savor local cuisine amidst the old-world charm of Galle.
Habaraduwa
Habaraduwa is a small town in the Galle District, Southern Province, Sri Lanka. It is located on the southern coast, approximately 14 km south of Galle. Renowned for its picturesque beaches and serene atmosphere. Nestled between the bustling towns of Galle and Matara, Habaraduwa offers a perfect escape for those seeking tranquility away from the tourist hotspots.
The village's coastline is adorned with stretches of golden sand and crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal destination for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. Among its notable attractions is the Habaraduwa Turtle Hatchery, where visitors can learn about and participate in conservation efforts to protect endangered sea turtles. This hatchery provides a unique opportunity to witness the hatching of turtle eggs and the release of baby turtles into the ocean, a truly unforgettable experience.
Habaraduwa's lush surroundings are also home to a variety of flora and fauna, enhancing its appeal as a nature lover’s paradise. The nearby Koggala Lake offers scenic boat tours that allow explorers to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and discover rich biodiversity, including numerous bird species and exotic plant life.
In terms of accommodation, Habaraduwa hosts a range of options from luxury villas and boutique hotels to cozy guesthouses, catering to all preferences and budgets. Many of these establishments boast beachfront views, providing guests with the soothing sounds of waves and breathtaking sunsets.
The local cuisine in Habaraduwa is a delight for food enthusiasts. Restaurants and local eateries serve an array of traditional Sri Lankan dishes, featuring fresh seafood and vibrant spices that capture the essence of island cooking.
Habaraduwa is not only a peaceful retreat but also a vibrant part of Sri Lanka’s cultural tapestry, offering visitors a blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion. Whether it's lounging on the beach, participating in turtle conservation, or exploring the natural landscapes, Habaraduwa provides a diverse range of activities that cater to the desires of all its guests.
About Galle District
Galle is a city situated on the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka, 119 km from Colombo.Galle is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in south and Southeast Asia, showing the interaction between European architectural styles and south Asian traditions. The Galle fort is a world heritage site and the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers.
Galle is a sizeable town, by Sri Lankan standards, and has a population of 91,000, the majority of whom are of Sinhalese ethnicity. There is also a large Sri Lankan Moor minority, particularly in the fort area, which descend from Arab merchants that settled in the ancient port of Galle.
About Southern Province
The Southern Province of Sri Lanka is a small geographic area consisting of the districts of Galle, Matara and Hambantota. Subsistence farming and fishing is the main source of income for the vast majority of the people of this region.
Important landmarks of the Southern Province include the wildlife sanctuaries of the Yala and Udawalawe National Parks, the holy city of Kataragama, and the ancient cities of Tissamaharama, Kirinda and Galle. (Although Galle is an ancient city, almost nothing survives from before the Portuguese invasion.) During the Portuguese period there were two famous Sinhalese poets called Andare who was from Dickwella and Gajaman Nona who was from Denipitiya in Matara District, composing poems on common man.