Galle, Traumstrände & Safaris im Süden Sri Lankas

About the destination: Galle is a major city in Sri Lanka, located on the southwestern tip of the island, about 119 km (74 miles) from Colombo. It is the administrative capital of the Southern Province and the capital of Galle District. Before the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century, Galle was known as Gimhathiththa (the 14th‑century traveler Ibn Battuta referred to it as Qali) and was the island’s main port. Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century during the Dutch colonial period. Galle is the finest example of a fortified city built by the Portuguese in South and Southeast Asia, illustrating the blend of Portuguese architectural styles with local traditions. The city’s defenses were significantly expanded by the Dutch from 1649 onward. Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest surviving fortress in Asia built by European colonial powers.

About the destination: Just 6 kilometres from the lively Mirissa area on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, the village of Weligama and its sweeping bay—an ideal paradise for surfing and relaxation—unfolds. The bay itself includes several points of interest, among them Taprobane Beach, famous for its ancient islet that can be reached on foot at low tide. A historic refuge for cultures and writers, Taprobane today is home to a discreet hotel hidden among lush vegetation and trees, where the first fishermen of the morning head out to sea. Beyond its beaches, Weligama invites you to uncover other secrets, such as the Kushtarajagala archaeological site, where a statue of Natha Bodhisattva (a being aspiring to become a Buddha) is carved into the rock, or the unforgettable experience of whale watching in Sri Lanka, especially from November to April.

About the destination: Yala National Park is the most frequented and second largest national park in Sri Lanka. The park is divided into five sections, with only two currently open to the public, and includes adjacent parks as well. These sections each have their own names, such as Ruhuna National Park and Kumana National Park, or 'Yala East' for the neighboring area. The park is located in the southeast part of the country, within the Southern Province and Uva Province. Spanning 979 square kilometers, it is situated approximately 300 kilometers (190 miles) from Colombo. Yala was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900 and, along with Wilpattu, was one of the first two national parks in Sri Lanka, having been designated as such in 1938. The park is renowned for its diverse range of wild animals and plays a crucial role in the conservation of Sri Lankan elephants, Sri Lankan leopards, and aquatic birds.

About the destination: Colombo, situated on the banks of the Kelani River and stretching along the coast with views of the Indian Ocean, is the largest city and the financial and commercial hub of Sri Lanka. While Colombo is often regarded as the country's capital, the official administrative capital is Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, a suburb located to the east of Colombo. The streets of Galle Fort are rich with the city's colonial heritage, showcasing the influences of the Portuguese, British, and Dutch who left their mark here. To delve deeper into the Dutch era in Colombo, a visit to The Dutch Period Museum is recommended. The city presents a captivating mix of cultures and religions, with mosques, churches, and temples scattered throughout. The Gangaramaya Temple is the most renowned Buddhist place of worship in Colombo, featuring a museum that houses an extensive collection of Buddhist relics from around the globe. The Sri Kailawasanathar Swami Devasthanam Kovil Hindu temple is a vibrant and ornate temple that is well worth a visit. The Wolvendaal Church, constructed by Dutch settlers, is an impressive building and a must-see in Colombo. Colombo is often bypassed by tourists who visit the country for its beaches, but the city is the most vibrant place in Sri Lanka, offering high-end shopping, a lively nightlife, delicious restaurants, and intriguing historical sites.