ARCHITTECTURE AND ITS
DIVERSITY
Going inside key buildings and showing how the Fort has changed over 400 years from a Portuguese garret to a Dutch defensive fort, a British centre of trade and now, a cosmopolitan city made up of people from all over the world.
FORT
GARDEN
For those interested in flora and fauna.
CHILDEN'S
FORT
Great stuff for kids to do whilst in the Fort and fun for the whole family, who will be taken to secret gardens, hidden side streets and inside exciting spots such as the gunpowder houses. This also includes seeing the world-famous jumpers.
HISTORIC
RITUAL FORT
Includes going into many places that are not normally open to the public and learning about the local witchcraft. We can't guarantee you won't disappear.
MEET THE
ARTISANS, ARTISTS & ANTIQUE DEALERS
Galle has a rich collection of antique, and superior shops operated mostly by the artists themselves. It is unique to deal and interact directly with the artist rather than shopping from dealers or shops. The artist will take pride to demonstrate their skills and knowledge of the product and these artists do possess a large collection of historical items.
The vast majority of dealers take great pride in the items they offer for sale. If you believe an object you bought was not properly priced or identified, do not be afraid to go back to the dealer. Be prepared to prove the item you bought was not what it was purported to be. This means proof, usually in the form of an appraisal. For example, if you bought a piece of furniture that should be worth $1,500 because of its period, but later find out it is a reproduction and not an original, go back to the dealer. Because reputation is so important to most established dealers, they will often refund a purchase if you return an item.
MORE
SIGHTINGS
Situated inland from Galle are some of the most beautiful and valuable tropical rainforests in the island and in the region. Sinharaja Rainforest, a World Heritage Site is spread over an area of 11,330 hectares and boasts a large number of rare, endemic plant and bird life. Also close to Galle is the Kanneliya Forest Reserve which contains 81% of the woody plant species endemic to Sri Lanka. After an invigorating trek through the jungle you can cool down with a bath under the unspoilt waters of the Kanneliya Waterfall. Kottawa Forest Reserve is another must for you nature lovers. A live herbarium with plants and trees identified in both English and Sinhalese a visit to Kottawa gives you the chance to learn more about Sri Lanka’s floral heritage. If ancient architecture interests you a trek along the sewage systems built by the Dutch will certainly be of interest. Much of Galle was built around these intricate structures that were aligned to the tides to provide a continuing and natural flush. By following the system you can discover the framework of the historical city.
The Lady Hill Hotel also offers their guests a chance to observe whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. This excursion can be arranged on request by the Hotel’s Front Office and the trip entails a 4 hour boat ride commencing from the Mirissa Fisheries harbour into deep sea. This offer is seasonal and lasts from November throught to April every year.
If it’s wildlife that turns you on visit the Koggala Bird Island just 15 km away. Further afield is the Ramsar Bird Sanctuary of Bundala where hundreds of migrant birds make their home during the Northern winter. At the corner of the island where the south coast meets the east coast lies Yala National Park where you can see the majestic elephant, the deer, the sambhur, the proud peacock and last but certainly not least the graceful leopard.
Just 10 minutes away is one of the best beaches in the world, Unawatuna. With the sea often as calm as a pool this area offers many possibilities for entertainment - you can snorkel and explore the reef and interesting wrecks; you can dive; or you can just soak in the sun.
At the western end of Unawatuna beach is a huge mound-like hill which is strangely out of place in the landscape. Blessed with about a hundred herbs, some of which are found no where else on the island this hill offers an exquisite view of the harbor, the town and even Adam’s Peak on a clear morning.
RIVER ROAMING
EXPERIENCE
Gliding in a boat for around 12 km along the Mahamodera River, meandering through lush vegetation will doubtless be a memorable and rewarding experience for nature lovers. The placid waters of the river are home to a numerous species of water birds, butterflies and water monitors, as well as habitats of mangroves and colored lilies.
The Lady Hill invites you to enjoy the serenity, tranquility, vegetation and fauna of this unspoiled river by joining their“River Roaming Experience”.
COUNTRY FEEL ON
TWO SPOKE WHEELS
The Lady Hill Offers you a fun filled way of enjoying the rural Southern scenery by offering you a healthy bike ride through the local environment with stretching and warm down exercise at the end. On this 24km route you will be able to observe the low country tea plantation, lush green paddy fields, village Community life and much more.
To this end The Lady Hill Hotel offers you a fun filled cycle tourlasting 02 hours covering a distance of 24 km’s with stretchingand warm down exercise at the culmination. The Hotel will provide bikes to fit your size, helmets, water and a cycling guide, who will accompany you and explain the sights you will encounter en-route along with insurance coverage.
- We recommend you wear light comfortable clothing, sports footwear and sunscreen for UV protection.
- Includes – A light mid-journey snack (Fruits, Yoghurt) and a Soup at the end
ECOLOGICAL
TUK TUK EXPERIENCE
Kottawa forest reserve situated in Northeast Galle is an isolated patch of low country rain forest about 37 acres in extent and is habitat for a number of endemic bird, butterfly, monkey and reptile species
The lady hill offers you a unique way to experience the natural wonders of this ecological environment by taking you on a tuk tuk ride into this vista to integrate with the rural atmosphere and ambience that is abundant in the surroundings, culminating with a dip in a natural pool .