Memoirs of Syed Ali Arif: Glorious Galle

There are somethings which we like. In no particular order these include good food, fine wine, heritage buildings, small towns, beaches and so on. In each of these categories Galle is the epitome of all the best of Sri Lanka.

The town, which is situated down south of the country, has something stunning to offer in every lane and by lane, some of the finest restaurants and in SL, whether in Galle or at beach side. Oh, and there is plenty to shop and explore as you experience all of the above.

Galle is ideal for a laid-back holiday, for us, it was a mix of culture, cuisine and relaxation was the perfect antidote to a normally hectic life. No wonder we choose Galle as our last destinations. Once again we opted for a home stay with Mr Abdul who own this wonderful colonial bungalow right in the heart of the Fort town and was very well taken care by Iqbal and his wife Wasima.

As part of our stay we took the opportunity to explore nearby beaches in the region, starting with Hikkaduwa for awesome sunset view to Unnawatuna, Welligama to the secluded Mirissa. They all fall in the vicinity of one hour bike ride from the fort town. And I am going to dedicate a separate post on these gorgeous beaches.

Known as the Dutch town, Galle is small and picturesque in every sense. But above all the face of Galle is shaped by its diversity of people of different religion living in harmony.The town is home to a fairly large muslim community and you have a big mosque in the old part of town next to the lighthouse. It's from 1904 and looks a lot like a church to me in it's architecture, but it is a mosque and it's being used quite actively. The town among many gems, also house an Arabic learning school attracting many small town muslims to come, stay and learn the religion. However these students population make Galle a more beautiful place to tourist.

On arrival, its worth visiting the museum which houses arty-facts collected by a single man over years ala Salarjung Museum in Hyderabad. Interesting stuff collected over a period of time and now well preserved and showcased by his son. However my thoughts turned very quickly to explore the culinary side of the town. Although we were truly spoiled for choice for food, a visit to Pedlar's Inn is well worth it – combining typical Sri Lankan food, multi-cuisine dishes offering some really awesome desserts to select from, this place is very huge and laid back with a tiny shop to browse for clothes and jewelry while you wait for your order. We had gone there for dinner and the next day we went again for a wonderful breakfast. An experience well worth taking in. For some exotic breakfast head to The Fort Printers restaurant.

The food in this region is both familiar and unique. Go to Mama's Kitchen for some tasty Hoopers and ask for coking classes which they offer in teaching their traditional local cuisine. Also do meet Krishantha Arachchige from Elite Restaurant if you want the best seafood in the town. Just next to his place is a small antique selling shop, ask for Erenga if you need a good bike for hire.

I don't want you to think that Galle is all about food, but there is one more experience which you should definitely try and do. Start your walk on the wall – the town boundary which is raised in position, from the Light house skirting the Dutch town, touching the main entrance gate and finally getting down at the old church. The view changes as you walk along the wall - its raised position also makes it a great vantage point for observing the rest of the town. Take this trip at sunset.

The place also offers variety to shop at. The Three by tpv is one such place owned by three Scandinavian men. It has a very typical Asian touch with a Scandinavian thinking and western standard in perfect harmony. The place offers lifestyle products, clothes and customized furniture along with some exclusive art works. Strike a conversation with the energetic young manager Tivon Prasad.

Then we have a store called Shoba Life to Hands hosts a Gallery selling beautiful hand-made local crafts made by local women, provides Craft Classes as well.

Do drop in at Mimimango selling ladies wear, Bare Foot store, LUV SL Odel, The KK Collections, very expensive antique store Sithuvili, Laksana and some hundred of jewelry and gem sellers. And of-course the Saskia Fernando Art Gallery to catch up with the current show.

Lovely place to chill and relax while you walk along the ramparts and watch life go by :-)