Galle, Sri Lanka

Wednesday, March 27 – Friday, March 29

I boarded a 6:55am train in Colombo and it was a beautiful 3 hour train ride south to the colonial city of Galle. The train route hugs the coastline the entire route down, stopping at many small stations and passing numerous small villages along the way. The trains are old, but with that comes charm. I sat in First Class, which claims to have air con but that seemed to refer to 2 small oscillating fans on the ceiling of the car. It was pleasant though and there were plenty of open seats, so the journey south passed rather quickly with so many interesting things outside the window to keep me occupied!

Bright and early at Colombo’s Fort Station

A seriously delicious and extremely spicy roti I picked up at the station. Should have bought like 5!

Seaside views the train ride down to Galle

The First Class car

Galle Station

I did my first homestay in Galle and it was a charming little beach hut by the sea called the Beach Rip Rap Cabana! The host family was so kind and warm upon my arrival. They cooked authentic Sri Lankan food for me the entire stay, breakfast, lunch, and dinner (for a small additional fee, but it was truly nominal), and it was served on a private table overlooking the ocean. Paradise!

I spent my first day relaxing at my beach hut, swimming in the amazing ocean steps from my door, and enjoying home cooked Sri Lankan food. I fell asleep to the sound of waves crashing (and lots of dogs howling!).

Across the street from my host family’s home, is their brother in law’s house. He is a tuk tuk driver and fancies himself quite the tour guide! I wanted to get into Galle City to see the historic Galle Fort, the original fortified colonial city built by the Portuguese in 1588, but added onto massively to the Dutch in the following Century.

It was a cooker that day, and we did a lot of walking around the perimeter wall of the fort overlooking the water. I was melting but the views were incredibly gorgeous! The water along the Sri Lankan coast is so crystal clear and stunning that it makes a picturesque backdrop for the charming colonial town. I had to ask for some relief from the direct sun on top of the wall and we began strolling through the streets which are loaded with dress shops, restaurants, coffee shops, and lots of touristy trinkets– but somehow without feeling obnoxiously touristy. I really loved it! We even stopped and had lunch at Mama’s rooftop restaurant which has incredible views of the lighthouse and mosque.

I was just craving some afternoon swimming after a hot morning touring. So it was back to the Cabana for another gorgeous sunset and delicious dinner.

My first homestay was a wild success. The people are what make or break the experience, and this family was amazing at making me feel at home, catering to my every need, and teaching me about Sri Lankan culture.

Take a look at some of these amazing meals they prepared for me! So thankful!