Monday 3 February 2020

Sri Lanka January 2020. Part 2 Negombo to Galle

Refreshed and nearly acclimatised we were ready for the next stage of our journey which was to take us down to the southern tip of the island and the wildlife area of Yala NP. To get there it's possible in a day, especially as they have just opened a new dual carriageway which takes you a good deal of the way. We however were in no rush and decided to make an overnight stop in Galle, one of the most popular tourist spots on the island. The taxi ride was only 2.5 hours and cost 11000 rupees including a 10% tip and the toll fees ( 230 rupees =£1, 180=$1 at the time of our visit).
We'd booked a room at Sam Villa which is inside the old fort, the popular tourist area.
Once again, I'd picked well!
Sam Villas, Galle
Just £26 for B&B in a wonderful old building in a quiet spot just off the main drag.
Sam Villas, Galle
We had a lovely spacious room with a modern bathroom.
Sam Villas, Galle
I'm not sure if there was a fan or aircon but these old buildings were built to withstand the heat.( I have since been told by Claire we did have zircon!)
It was a short stroll down to the main restaurant/shopping streets which were busy with tourists.
Quiet up our end though!
Galle
From the fort walls you can overlook the international cricket ground where England play Sri Lanka in the next month or so. 
Cricket ground, Galle
Apparently you can't get accommodation for love nor money now and the fort walls are crowded with folk hoping for a free view!
In January though the fort walls were crowded for another reason. The sunset!
Galle sunset
We were there on a public holiday so I'm not sure if it's always that crowded, however it did mean one thing. Alcohol sales are forbidden. Fortunately we'd already purchased a bottle of gin the day before!! Our sundowners were guaranteed.
One thing we did notice though was that the prices in restaurants were much higher here than elsewhere. On that evening we decided on a straight forward simple burger and chips and , together with a couple of lime sodas the bill was around £18... not exactly going to break the bank but probably on a par with UK prices.
Talking of breaking the bank, if you are planning a heist this is the ideal place!
Galle
You can get away with the whole outfit!!
We were pleased we'd spent an afternoon in Galle but to be honest, it's enough.Well, for us anyway.
I would highly recommend Sam Villa but last time I looked they were not on Booking.com anymore but they do have a website.
Without a doubt the breakfast we had there was excellent.
Fruit to start
Sam Villas, Galle
Then Claire has "English" and I had local.
Sam Villas, Galle
Washed down with plenty of freshly brewed coffee I wouldn't be needing any lunch that day and when we saw what was inshore for dinner at the next place we were heading I was pleased I'd not eaten all day!!

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