Sri Lanka ◦ Galle | The Coastal Line: One of the Most Beautiful Train Journeys.

by YU-LING

Galle is a city in southern Sri Lanka known for its important location. During the Age of Exploration, it was ruled by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, leaving many colonial buildings. In 1988, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

◦ The Coastal Line

Located on the southwest coast, the coastal train route from Colombo to Galle is one of the most beautiful and famous train journeys in Sri Lanka. It is said to have inspired the sea train in Hayao Miyazaki's "Spirited Away." When you get on the train, choose a seat on the left side next to the window for the best ocean views!

◦ Galle Fort

Galle Fort, built in the 17th century, is a fortress that combines European and South Asian architectural styles. During the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the fort protected the residents and tourists inside.

The old town area inside Galle Fort reminds me a lot of Malacca in Malaysia.

◦ Galle Fort Clock Tower

The clock tower is a historic landmark within the Galle Fort walls. This four-story tower, built in 1883, overlooks the fort and the cricket field.

◦ Stilt fishermen

Stilt fishing is a unique fishing method in Sri Lanka and a must-see in Galle. You can see it in Koggala, about a half-hour drive from Galle. Fishermen sit on poles stuck in the reef-filled sea. Nowadays, stilt fishing has become a performance. The "fishermen" wait in their huts on the shore, and only when tourists agree on a price do they climb onto the poles to fish.

◦ How to Get to Galle

The train ride from Colombo Fort Railway Station to Galle takes about three hours. Remember to sit on the left side by the window when you board!

Colombo-Galle

Second class: 500 LKR 
Third class: 240 LKR
(04/2024)

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