Galle

A view from the ramparts at the Dutch Fort at Galle, a world heritage site, in the historic southern city of Galle, Sri Lanka. In the background is the Galle Harbour. The lighthouse which is functional can be seen at the end of the ramparts. The large white building to the left side of the green is an old mosque. Local folk hang out on the ramparts in the evenings taking a relaxing stroll, watching the magical sunsets, and kids can be seen playing a game of cricket. The Galle Cricket Stadium is just outside the fort and can be seen from the northern ramparts. In recent years there has been a run on property in the fort with many wealthy foreign investors buying up small old buildings etc at high prices and many of these buildings have been converted into posh coffee shops, art galleries and also some boutique hotels with fabulous spas etc.

My great great grandfather was a migrant from Mandvi in India and legend has it that he first landed in Galle (circa 1875) as a survivor from a shipwreck plying the trade routes between India and East Africa. He fell in love with Ceylon and Galle so much so that he decided to settle down here. Story goes that when the trade ships used to arrive at Galle laden with a cargo of lentils, or onions, mung beans etc., the master would send a secret coded smoke signal to shore to indicate the commodity on board, enabing disposal of old stocks before unloading the new cargoes.

Galle was very badly hit by the tsunami and many people lost their lives here. The Rotary Club of Colombo is very activey invloved in several reconstruction and rehabilitation projects amonst which are the new Karaptiya Hospital, a Montessori, and the bridge of friendship at the Suddharma Vidyalaya (school).

View from Ohiya

"Dondra Watch" at Ohiya 6200ft above sea level.

View from Ohiya down into the Haputale valley. In the distance to the center left can be seen the Udawalawe reservoir which is 40km away. Far off on the horizon the coastline and some ships at sea isfaintly visible. At night the flash of the Dondra lighthouse is clearly visible. By afternoon the clouds roll in and then you are truly above the clouds. (See photo below)

Measured by GPS the Dondra light house is 101km away. A road called the devils staircase drops down 3500ft in 12 km. This area is a trekkers paradise and I ant to walk down one day. Needs some better preparation. The Hill Safari Lodge we stayed at is a very basic place and rooms musty and damp. Barely survivable! The view however is probably the best in all Sri Lanka.