Shore Excursions Colombo Passenger Jetty -Galle & Back Group Tour

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Galle is a major city in Sri Lanka, situated on the southwestern tip, 119 km from Colombo. Galle is the provincial capital and largest city of Southern Province, Sri Lanka and is the capital of Galle District.

The fort you're describing sounds like Galle Fort, located in Sri Lanka. Initially built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, the fort was designed to defend the harbor of Galle from potential attacks. The Portuguese structure was relatively simple, focusing on landward defenses, with earthen walls and palisades. However, they didn't feel the need to fortify the seaward side heavily, as they believed the natural geography of the area offered adequate protection.

When the Dutch took control of Galle in 1640, they made significant changes to the fortifications, recognizing the inadequacy of the original Portuguese defenses. The Dutch expanded and reinforced the fort, encircling the entire peninsula with strong stone walls, which included the construction of 13 new bastions. They used more durable materials like coral and granite, making the fortification much stronger and better suited to withstand potential attacks. The Dutch also completed the sea wall by 1729, ensuring protection on all sides.

This fortified structure has survived over centuries, with much of it still standing today, making Galle Fort one of Sri Lanka's most iconic and well-preserved historical sites. It's now a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist destination.

Hikkaduwa is indeed a popular beach destination in Sri Lanka, well-known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse attractions. Its long sandy beaches are perfect for relaxing and enjoying the sun, while the surf spots cater to surfers of all levels. The nearby coral reefs are a haven for snorkelers and divers, offering an incredible view of the marine life.

Beyond the beach, Hikkaduwa has cultural and historical sites like the island temple, which adds a spiritual touch to the experience. The tsunami museum is an important reminder of the 2004 tsunami that impacted the area, providing insight into the local resilience and recovery. The turtle sanctuary offers a chance to learn about and even interact with conservation efforts, especially in protecting endangered sea turtles.

The town is also famous for its lively restaurants, bars, and beachside accommodations, making it a fantastic blend of relaxation, adventure, and culture. Whether you're into watersports, exploring, or just soaking in the coastal vibes, Hikkaduwa has something to offer.

Leatherback turtles are unique because, unlike most other sea turtles, they can withstand cooler waters due to their ability to regulate their body temperature. As you mentioned, they are found in a wide range of oceanic environments. These turtles make impressive migrations, traveling vast distances between nesting sites and feeding grounds, often crossing oceans.

In Sri Lanka, efforts to protect these nesting sites, such as the work done at turtle sanctuaries, are vital in helping conserve the species and ensuring that they continue to use these crucial habitats for reproduction.

Just 7 km inland from the coast, is the heart of Sri Lanka’s moonstone mining industry, where you can see this age-old process up close. The moonstone mines there have been in operation for centuries, with the practice dating back to the 18th century.

The mining process is unique, as it takes place in small, hand-dug tunnels, often just a few meters long. Miners work in muddy, humid conditions, digging into the earth to unearth the precious stones. These mines are not the elaborate, large-scale operations you might imagine; they are more like little rabbit holes in the ground, where miners sift through dirt and gravel by hand. The process can be grueling, but it’s an age-old tradition that hasn’t changed much over time.

Once the moonstones are extracted, the stones are carefully washed and filtered to separate the moonstones from other materials. These stones, which have a captivating iridescent glow, are then polished to reveal their beautiful sheen before being sold in local markets or exported worldwide.