Galle City
Galle is an exquisite city filled with colonial Dutch and Portuguese history and architecture and once a major port. The imposing Fort is a tourists treasure it houses the national Maritime Museum, the National museum and the more recent (1938) lighthouse. The Fort overlooks the sparkling turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and it is easy to get lost in its atmosphere, rich with memories of a bygone era. Galle, famous for its lace, is filled with priceless crafts and antique treasures like jewellery, ceramics, and Dutch period furniture and brass work. The little city of Galle is a fascinating stop, not just for historians, but for anyone interested in learning more about Sri Lankas historical experience.
Galle Fort
Basking on the southern coast of Sri Lanka in the bay of Galle, the Fort was first built by the Portuguese in 1588 before being extensively fortified by the Dutch in the mid 1600s. Recognized by UNESCO for its cultural heritage value, the Fort was declared a World Heritage Site in 1988 as a unique exposition of an urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries. For more history. Whether on a guided walk or strolling along the narrow streets, today you will see clear and well maintained evidence of the Dutch influence. Although these days there are some notable differences to 400 years ago.
Tea Factory
Teas from the highest region on the island are described as the champagne of Ceylon teas. Until the 1860 s THE MAIN CROP PRODUCED on the island of Sri Lanka, then Ceylon, was coffee. But in 1869, the coffee-rust fungus, Hemileia vastatrix, killed the majority of of the coffee plants and estate owners had to diversify into other crops in order to avoid total ruin. The owners of Loolecondera Estate had been interested in tea since the late 1850s and in 1866, James Taylor, a recently arrived Scot, was selected to be in charge of the first sowing of tea seeds in 1867, on 19 acres of land.Taylor had acquired some basic knowledge of tea cultivation in North India and made some initial experiments in manufacture, using his bungalow verandah as the factory and rolling the leaf by hand on tables. Firing of the oxidized leaf was carried out on clay stoves over charcoal fires with the leaf on wire trays. His first teas were sold locally and were declared delicious. By 1872, Taylor had a fully equipped factory, and, in 1873, his first quality teas were sold for a very good price at the London auction. Through his dedication and determination, Taylor was largely responsible for the early success of the tea crop in Ceylon. Between 1873 and 1880, production rose from just 23 pounds to 81.3 tons, and by 1890, to 22,899.8 tons.
Turtlet Farm
The turtles are one of the rare species found in the world. Their heritage could be traced to more than 100 million years. They are supposed to have lived during the Dinosaurs age. But at present about 8 varieties of turtles are said to be existing. But due to the destroying of these turtles, there is a threat of these species being eradicated from our planet. The turtles get together in certain ares of the ocean annually to mate. After mating the female turtles come to the sea shore to lay their eggs. They are supposed to lay eggs after they attain the age of about 30 years. They are said to lay their eggs on the sea shore at night. It is said that these turtles prefer to lay their eggs on the same beach they were born. They are supposed to lay about 120 eggs at a time. Their eggs are white and they are similar to Ping Pong balls. The eggs are kept damp by the female turtle by emitting a juice to cover the eggs. After laying eggs these turtles go back to the ocean. They keep no connection with the eggs or their new born kids. The eggs are hatched with the help of the warm sand heated by the rays of the sun. After about 60 days the eggs start cracking and new born ones who are about 5cm long find their way to the ocean.
Boat Safari in the Koggala Lake
Visitors to the area should not miss the opportunity to undertake a memorable boat safari on the picturesque Koggala Lake. A mesmerizing array of plant and animal varieties will greet the visitor, creating a magical ambience not to be experienced elsewhere. Sri Lanka contains no less than 19 varieties of mangroves, and several of these species may be observed along the Koggala Lake. These varieties showing special adaptations may be seen in the island s estuaries, lagoons and deltas. Alongside the lake visitors will see flora like the sea mango, which features soft wood making it ideal for carving masks, a traditional occupation for local residents. Other attractive water plants to be seen include the sacred lotus nelumbo nucifera and the hairy water lily nymphaea pubescens both of these varieties are highly prized in local Ayurveda medicine.
Spice Garden
Sri Lanka is famous for its spices and spices gardens. These spice gardens offers tourists memorable visits to various spice plantations in Sri Lanka. In order to promote and uplift spice growing and spice gardens of Sri Lanka a spice council was established with all key industry private and public sector stakeholders. During early historical times Sri Lanka known as Taprobane, was world renowed for its Quality Spices. During ancient times the Greeks, Romans and the Arabic maintained their links with Sri Lanka through the spice trade.
In the 16th century Ceylon, as it was then known, was discovered by Portuguese who soon began trading in cinnamon and other spices. The Dutch and British followed bringing with them their own history and influences, forming a strong Western presence which created a history of food expressed with spices which can be tasted in the dishes today. Also the Spices are use in Ayurveda in Sri Lanka.
Spice Gardens in the hill capital Kandy and at Matale and Mawanella give interesting insights into spice production in Sri Lanka. The importance of spices in the minor export crops of Sri Lanka consist of Fragrant clove, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, mace and pepper, for which Sri Lanka has been farmed since ancient times, thrive in the hills.
