Shopping

Historical scholars link Galle to the Old Testament city of Tharsish to which King Solomon sent his merchant ships to "procure gold, silver,ivory,
apes and peacocks" and to where Jonah fled from the Lord.

However Galle as it is seen today is inextricably linked to the great maritime powers of the 16 th and 17 th Centuries ; Portugal , Holland and
England

Local folklore attributes the name of Galle to the portuguese word "galo" or cock, in 1505 on their first landing in Galle , a cock was heard crowing. It is however more likely that the city received its name from the sinhalese word "gal" meaning rock of which there are many in the harbour and upon which many a ship has floundered (see http://cf.hum.uva.nl/galle/avondster/story.html ) whatever the case the city coat of arms carries both the cock and a rock as its emblem

It was not until 1589 that the portuguese built a permanent settlement which was called Santa Cruz ( identified today as the site of the Zwart or black bastion). In 1640 after a very bloody 4 day battle that the Dutch took control of Galle and in 1663 started building the 90 acre ( 36 hectare) site with the help of negro slaves and the granite ballast from it merchant ships arriving from europe. It is this fort that is largely intact today and which is one of the best preserved dutch forts in Asia and is the reason why it was declared a UN world heritage site in 1988.

In 1796 Galle was ceded to the British under whom it rapidly became the gateway to the orient owing to its central position in what was then and still is the world's busiest shipping route. Sadly for galle though its importance went into decline with the building of the breakwater in Colombo in 1875. However its building lie in memory to this bygone era and "using a little imagination, this testament in stone can yield up a corridor into the past, a journey down which evokes images of ancient times , and which reveals the full glory of Galle"

The history of colonial galle is well documented in guide books (here we could have some links to guide book history pages) however perhaps the most informative and interesting account is by Norah Roberts ( see http://cricketclub.org/sri_lanka_history.html )

A walk around the ramparts of galle at dawn or at sunset is a must. The massive ramparts built primarily by negro slaves using the ballast from dutch ships arriving from europe comprise 11 bastions. The area between the present army garrison and Neptune bastion now serving as a multiple and impromptu cricket ground. The ramparts between Neptune and Point Eutrecht serving as a promenade for the community

A walk around the inside streets of the fort reveal a myriad of old streets and houses, many with their original names and facades.a true time
warp to the past.

Amangalla
No. of rooms: 31
Address: 10 Church Street,
Galle Fort.
Tel: +94 091 223 3388
Email: amangalla@amanresorts.com
www.amanresorts.com/galla/home.htm
A stunning hotel with luxurious suites, a spa, library and beautifully restored colonial-style interiors.

The Fort Printers
A Private hotel
No. of rooms: 5
Address: 39 Pedlar Street,
Galle Fort.
Tel: +94 091 224 7977
Website: WWW.THEFORTPRINTERS.COM
One of the Fort’s newest boutique hotels; unique interiors with every bedroom named after a different academic subject.

The Galle Fort Hotel
No. Of rooms: 12 & suites
Address: 28, Church Street,
Galle Fort.
Tel: +94 091 2232870
Email: info@galleforthotel.com
www.galleforthotel.com
When simplicity is just perfection.

Luxury Hotels within close proximity to the Fort:

The Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel in Galle
No. of rooms: 63
Address: Dadella,
Galle.
Tel: +94 091 2223744
Email: lighthouse@lanka.lk
www.lighthousehotelandspa.com
A large purpose-built open plan hotel, designed by Geoffrey Bawa, set in beautiful grounds right on the coast. Perfect for family holidays with two large pools, a tennis court, gym, library and spa. The international cricket teams always choose to stay here when playing test matches in Galle.

Tamarind Hill
No. of rooms: 12                                            
Tel: +94 0115769500-2
Email: tamarindhill@taruvillas.com
www.taruvillas.com
This colonial manor built in the 1800s and first occupied by a British Admiral and then a High Court judge is set on a 3-acre hill with huge courtyards, sun-dappled verandahs and tropical gardens. All the original features have been lovingly restored to recreate the house’s former grandeur, which is blended with modern comfort, style and amenities in the bedrooms.

Aditya
Address: 719/1 Galle Road,
Devenigoda,
Galle.
Tel: +94 091 2267708
or +94 091 267710/11
Email: adityavilla@sltnet.lk
www.aditya-resort.com
Aditya is a lovely bolt hole from the busy city and a favourite among Galle Fort expats, who love to escape to this pretty haven with a bar playing cool jazz and wonderful international menu.

The Sun House
No. of rooms: 7
Address: 18 Upper Dickson Road, Galle.
Tel: +94 (0) 914380275
Email: info@thesunhouse.com
www.thesunhouse.com
A popular boutique hotel with individual suites, one of which, the Cinnamon Room was praised by Conde Naste magazine for being the best of its kind in Asia. Friendly, welcoming staff, and one of the world’s best hoteliers Henry Thatham. Nothing in this hotel is too much trouble and the owner Geoffrey Dobbs prides himself on the fact that there are so many repeat guests.

The Dutch House
No. Of rooms: 4 suites
Address: 23 Upper Dickson Road,
Galle. Note all bookings done through the Sun House.
Email: info@thesunhouse.com
Tel: +94 0914380275
Set in its own private garden with a croquet lawn, pool and parking space this boutique hotel has been celebrated by many. Either rent a room and enjoy the four-poster beds and large bathrooms or rent the whole building for Christmas, New Year or for any special occasions.

The Fortress
No. of rooms: 49
Address: Koggala,
PO Box 126.
Tel: +94 091 4380909
Email: info@thefortress.lk
www.thefortess.lk
This is the latest in modern Sri Lankan hotel style. Hip, trendy, frequented by honeymooners, and one of the coolest bars on the coastline. The bubble chairs over looking a star lit pool are just some of the features that are making reviewers describe it as an Uber Cool addition to the Galle area.

Kahanda Kanda (KK)
Angulugaha, Galle
No. of rooms: 5
Tel: +94 091 2286717
or +94 0773429555
manager@kahandakanda.com
www.kahandakanda.com
This desperately stylish boutique hotel was on Conde Naste Traveler’s Hot List in 2007 and one guest commented: ‘such a wonderful home in such a beautiful setting. This must be the most relaxing place in the world.’ The villa/hotel overlooks Koggala Lake and is surrounded by the fragrant greenery of a tea estate. The ideal place in which to unwind and relax whether you stay for a yoga weekend, or a few weeks of eating healthy food and relaxing down time reading books. Recently voted number 1 hotel to stay in the Galle area by tripadvisor.com

Apa Villa Thalpe
No. of rooms: 7
Address: 78 M.S. Matara Road,
Thalpe,
Galle.
Tel: +94 0912283320
Email: villa-srilanka@sltnet.lk
Three distinctive villas make up this peaceful beachfront haven.  The surroundings are stunning with the gardens and infinity pool subtly guiding your eye to the great swathe of azure Indian Ocean beyond.

Apa Villa Illuketia
No. of rooms: 6
Address: Ellukkatiya Watta,
Wanchawela,
Galle.
Tel: +94 0914381411
Email: villa-srilanka@sltnet.lk

3 To 4 Star Hotels in close proximity to the Fort

Closenburg
No. of rooms: 16
Address: No 11 Closenburg Road,
Magalle,
Galle.
Tel: +94 091 2224313
Or +94 091 2232241
Email: closenberghtl@sltnet.lk
www.closenburghotel.com
Set on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Indian Ocean, enjoy the views and beautifully preserved colonial grandeur.

The Lady Hill
No. of rooms:12
Address: 29 Upper Dickson Road,
Galle.
Tel: +94 091 2244322
Email: ladyhill@sltnet.lk
www.ladyhills.com
Great value rooms and a restaurant with wonderful panoramic views of Galle.

Fort Guesthouses – section 2 – 2 pages
Weltevreden Inn
Address: 104 Pedlar Street,
Galle Fort.
Tel: +94 091 2222650
Mobile: +94 0714224057
The manager of this guest house, Mr D.G. Piyasena will be delighted to share Fort secrets with you. The rooms are so close to the ramparts that you can hear the sea breaking over the rocks. It has a charming central courtyard and beautiful garden.

Mrs. Khalid’s Guest House
No. of rooms: 5
Address: 102 Pedlar Street,
Galle Fort.
Tel: +94 091 2234907
Mobile: +94 0 773177676
Email: sabrik@sltnet.lk
khalid@dialogsl.net
This spotless, white-washed guesthouse has 5 rooms with attached bathrooms and the owner, Mrs Khalid will make sure that you have everything you need for a comfortable stay and for those who want to splash out we recommend her top floor room for its wonderful balcony and views of the Fort.

Rampart View
No. of Rooms: 4
Manager – Mr Rauf
Address: 37 Rampart Street,
Galle Fort.
Tel: +94 091 4928781
Email: rampartview@wow.lk
This guesthouse is frequented by university and college research groups because of its reasonable rates and knowledgeable management. Room number 3 has the best views.

Dutch Villa
Manager-Mrs Rupa Brahmana
Address: No 2 Suddrmalaya Road,
Galle Fort.
Tel: +94 091 2222875
Cheap accommodation by Fort standards and good basic meals can be ordered in advance.

Light House Inn
Manager-Mr. Anwar Ahmed
No of rooms: 5
Address: 24 Hospital Street,
Galle Fort.
Tel: +94 091 2222173
Mobile: +94 077373386
A popular spot due to the fantastic views of the main bedroom that over looks the lighthouse built by the British in 1938.

Fort Dew Guest House
Owner: Ravi
Address: No.22 Suddarmalaya Road,
By the Buddhist Temple
Tel: +94 091 2224365
Galle Fort.
Email: fortdew@yahoo.com
Spacious rooms with adjoining bathrooms. Brilliant views of the ramparts and the perfect spot to watch the afternoon cricket games, and daily temple life.

Frangipani Motel
Owner: Mr Tuilina
Address: 35 Pedlar Street,
Galle Fort.
Tel: +94 091 2242287
Mobile: + 94 0773 365008
A great place to stay and enjoy fort family hospitality. If the motel runs out of rooms in festival season it is always worth asking about rooms in their private house across the road.

Mamas Galle Fort
Owner: Mr Jerome.
No. of rooms: 3 Rooms
Address:  76 Leyn Baan Street,
Galle Fort.
Tel: +94 091 2226415
Mobile: +94 0773206755
Email: mamasgallefort@yahoo.co.uk
Brilliant views of the whole Fort from the roof terrace. Delicious food including Mamas legendary rice and curry and speciality fish balls, which you can learn how to do yourself on a half day Mamas speciality cooking courses. A minimum of two people is required for these to run.

R.K.Kodikara
No. of rooms: 3
Address: 29 Rampart Street,
Galle Fort.
Tel: +94 091 2222351
A popular backpacker and NGO lodging house.

Fort Inn
Manager: Mr Rasika
Address: 31 Pedlar Street,
Galle Fort.
Tel: +94 0912248094
Mobile: +94 0777394820
A top spot to put your feet up and watch the world go by from the Inns balcony over-looking one of the Forts main arteries Pedlar Street.

Beach Haven
Manager: Mrs N.D.Wijenayake
Justice of the Peace
No. Of rooms: 10
Address: 65 Light House Street,
Galle Fort.
Tel: +94 091 2234663
Email: 65beachhaven@sltnet.lk
www.beachhaven_galle.com
This was the first guesthouse that Tony Wheeler, the founder of Lonely Planet stayed in on arriving in Galle Fort. A friendly family environment, meet the respected, Mrs Wijenayake, the first female councillor in the Galle area and try her cooking.

Ocean View Guest House
Manager: Mrs Hiflal
No. of rooms: 6
Address: 80 Light House Street,
Galle Fort.
Tel: +94 091 2242717

The beautifully restored Amangalla Hotel(next to the National Museum on Church Street; Tel: 091 438 0275) is an obvious place to start. The building was formerly an English governor’s residence, and then the New Oriental Hotel. It was returned to its former colonial splendor by the Aman group and re-opened at the end of 2004. Whether you decide to pop in for a three course lunch or enjoy a leisurely dinner they have a fabulous menu and wide variety of wines to choose from.

For more of an up-market, boutique experience then head to The Galle Fort Hotel(28Church Street; Tel:091 223 2870), which has a healthy, light snack menu as well as a more expensive three-course meal option, which is ideal for a romantic evening.

The Fort Printers(No 39 Peddler Street;Tel: 091 224 7977), a renovated 18th century mansion converted in 2006 from a printing office into a charming boutique hotel is also an excellent lunch and dinnertime venue. During the annual Galle Literary Festival you can enjoy eating fine foods and wine set against a backdrop of cutting edge exhibitions, such as photographic displays by leading Sri Lankan artists.

COOL CAFES

Pedlar’s Inn(92 Pedlar Street;Tel: 07773 141 477) is famous for its chocolate brownies, toasted sandwiches served with sweet chutneys and chilled out music. It is a great place to relax, kick back and read on the sofas or treat your children and loved ones to delicious mango shake.

Continue along Pedlar Street to Serendipity Arts Cafe (100 Pedlar Street;Tel: 0779525602), which is open seven days a week, all year round and has an ever-changing gallery of images, wonderful menu of Asian and Western food and cool range of travel books, which you can enjoy over home made curry and rice. For dessert try either the restaurants naughty dish of the day or ice cream served with hot Mars bar sauce, accompanied by mouth watering fresh fruit juices, or Australian style smoothies. Serendipity Arts café has excellent take away food and with 48 hours notice makes cakes to order for special occasions.

For something a little more quirky head to the ramparts to Pilgrims Lounge (31b Ramparts Street) which takes inspiration from Paulo Coelho’s best selling book The Alchemist and its setting of an abandoned church that Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy finds himself in when deciding to go in search of his dreams. Nihal, the owner’s aim is to give people a space in the Fort to sit back and think about their lives, and in the process find out what their dreams really are. A great place to lounge around reading books and drinking chai.

Mamas Roof Cafe(No 76, Leyn Baan Street;Tel:  077 3206755) back in the heart of the Fort is a lovely restored Fort house managed by a delightful couple, Jerome and Malani. Mama’s menu covers both Eastern and Western tastes, which can be served either in their central dining room or on the best roof top terrace in the Fort. This spectacular terrace gives 360 degree views of the lighthouse, Mosque, Dutch Reformed Church and Galle harbour making it a perfect setting for a casual brunch or romantic evening meal.

When you are feeling parched after shopping then pop into the Old Dutch Café next toMamas hoteland meet one of our original fort characters, Fazal will be delighted to make you a pot of delicious ginger tea and chat to you about Galle Fort’s history.

SEAFOOD

For fish lovers Sea Green Restaurant(19b Rampart Street;Tel:  0912242754) serve delicious jumbo prawns and mixed seafood in front of Star Bastion.

For a full range of fish dishes served with a delicious specialty potato salad head for Rampart Hotel (31 Rampart Street; Tel: 0914380103) over looking the Indian Ocean. Eranga, the Fort treasure diver and fishermen brings fresh hand-picked lobster and squid here every morning.

QUICK SNACKS

Sea View restaurant is a ‘package tourist’ heaven. The noodles stirred with fresh vegetables, chicken or eggs are excellent, cheap and cheerful. 

For a quick yet filling evening snack, great for those on a tight budget, then there is a small rotti shop opposite the Lighthouse, which sells vegetable, fish and egg varieties of these traditional samosa-like bites between 4pm and 7pm every day and on Sundays they are open all day.

ITALIAN

For the best thin crust light pizzas in Sri Lanka according to Lonely Planet guide books head for Anura’s Restaurant (No 9, Light House Street; 077-6171222) near the newer, Dutch-built Fort entrance. Anura serves every type of pizza including ones with anchovies for a little bit extra and a good range of vegetarian food and wickedly delicious home made Italian lasagna.

PLACES TO EAT OUTSIDE THE FORT…
Venture outside the Fort walls and discover a variety of culinary delights in a wealth of beautiful settings.

The Sunhouse (18 Upper Dickson Road; Tel: 091 2222624) was built in the 1860s and became the residence of a Scottish spice merchant. Today it has been converted into a small boutique hotel with a divine English country house style restaurant in the main garden. Dick’s Bar, in The Sun House Courtyard was voted by Conde Nast Traveller as one of the Top 25 new bars of the world in 2007. The highly-skilled barmen are brilliant at shaking up delicious sunset cocktails, which can be enjoyed along with an eclectic menu of Sri Lankan tapas or a selection of traditional homemade pies. It is the perfect spot for that lunchtime snack, pre-dinner drink or evening night cap.

The Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel in Galle (Tel: 091 222 3744) on the headland as you enter Galle from Colombo. The Lighthouse is a large, modern hotel designed by Geoffrey Bawa.  It has a spectacular setting overlooking a rocky beach head and the early evening light on the terrace is particularly magical- a great place for drinks. There are delicious buffet dinners or an a la carte restaurant upstairs with a bar at the top too. For those on a diet there is an excellent range of healthy vegetarian options and separate kids menu.

Apa Villas, Thalpe.
Call the lovely Dutch managers, Frank & Claudia on 0776980000 to book in advance and dine at this modern 8 roomed hotel on the beach with manicured gardens and superb ocean views. Good cocktails and a pleasant dinner.

For a different experience and fresh fusion food in sumptuous tropical gardens, by day or by night try Kahanda Kanda Pilana (Angulugaha; Tel: 0773429555). It is a beautiful 30 minute drive from Galle through lush paddy fields, villages and coconut groves. It is set on top of a ridge surrounded by its own 12 acre tea estate offering views over Koggala Lake and the surrounding jungle. Just make sure you download a map as some people have got terribly lost finding this delicious spot.

Aditiya (719/1 Galle Road, Rathgama, located at the 105 km post mark; Tel: 091 2267708).An up market restaurant with an excellent selection of salads, fish platters and only 20 minutes from Galle Fort.

The Fortress Hotel, Koggala (20 mins south); Tel: 091 4380909.
A new, uber-chic modern hotel with three restaurants:  Pepper – fine dining, Wine Cubed – dinner in a glass wine cellar, Heat – Pizza/Mediterranean Restaurant, and the Tea Lounge with an exclusive tea range. Famous for having the world’s most expensive dessert and the best home made ice cream in the area.

For pure, unadulterated luxury fine dinning check out Tamarind Hill.
Tel: +94 115769500-2.

At the CHEAPER END OF THE MARKET there is Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna – both beach spots have great value inland and on-beach dining. For a sublime afternoon hail a tuk tuk for a 15min journey to try out some beach-side chill out spots such as Happy Banana, The Kingfisher and The Hard Rock Restaurant in Unawatuna.

TOP TIP: "Let your hair down but not your guard, just take the money you are going to spend for the evening and leave everything else locked up safely in your hotel room."

For those in the know Wijaya Beach Café (Dalawella, Unawatuna. Tel: 0777 903 431)is a great spot to meet the locals and enjoy a sunset cocktail at the perfect beach bar perched on a safe lagoon for swimming and surfing. Wonderful staff. A very relaxing place to read, and while away the hours.

NIGHTLIFE AND SOMETHING A BIT WILDER…

For all those who love to dance then head to Happy Banana Restaurant where there is a disco every Friday night with local DJs playing a mix of reggae, hip hop and dance tracks. (10pm till dawn.) Yaddeshimulla Rd, Unawatuna. Tel: 0912232776.

Hard Rock. A great restaurant with background music and a private bit of beach with sun loungers and amusing waiters.  Open 7.30am until late.  Yaddehimulla Rd, Unawatuna. Tel: 0912246288

Kingfisher Restaurant and Lounge. There are beach parties held here every Saturday night from 7.30pm until dawn. There is a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of seating for those who prefer to sit and talk with friends rather than dance.

As well as relaxing on the beaches and by the luxury villa pools there are also historic and cultural opportunities to explore from The National Museum in Galle to arts and costume exhibitions in Koggala. A trip to the Tea Estates in Handungoda, Tittagallaand and Ahangama is a fun day out, gives you the chance to see the surrounding area and ensconce yourself in this element of Ceylon’s famous tea history. To get there, pass the free trade zone at Kattuluwa Junction, turn left and follow signs on the Big Board. It is about 30 minutes from Galle and call Herman or David on 0777 713 999 for excellent and informative guides. Visit: www.handunugodatea.com.

Air ballooning. This is one of the latest activities on offer in the area. It is a unique opportunity to explore the surrounding landscape from the air during the main tourist season. Whether you take a sunrise or sunset flight you are sure to be overwhelmed by the sheer beauty and serenity of the flight, passing over jungle with monkeys swinging from tree to tree, coconut groves, inland villages and white-washed temples. Get to experience the smells, sights and sounds of Sri Lanka from an aerial perspective. A real treat, complimented with fresh tropical fruit platters and champagne on request. The balloon can carry up to 16 people so whether you would like a private romantic trip or your whole family on board is entirely up to you. 
For bookings Tel: 0777 588 360

Koggala. Take a boat trip (either motor or on a traditional Sri Lankan catamaran) around this beautiful lake. The trip includes stopping at one of the islands to visit an authentic local cinnamon plantation and witness how the cinnamon is harvested.

Whale and Dolphin Watching. This is a recent addition to the Galle activity list. Just 1 – 1.5 hours off the coast whales and or dolphins can be seen all year round and in season everyday of the week. The Light House naturalist organises top tours to the main sites and  Mirissa Water Sports will also organize excursions for you. It’s well worth a trip.
Call Sue Evans for more details on 0773597731 or 0773034294.

Blue Sky Travels: Motorbike/Moped Rentals.  Pedlar Street, Galle Fort.

JEWELLERY AND GEMS – over 14 shops to pick from. Here are a selection of a few of them.

Millenium Gems(70a Church Street;Tel: 091 - 4381621) Mahesh produces commissioned jewellery for both women and men. Whether you want to buy something or just learn more about the trade, Mahesh will happily demonstrate the traditional 150-year-old ‘Island Method’ of using a cuttlefish mould for casting jewellery, which you can observe in his workshop at the back of his shop on Church Street.

Or walk onto the Ramparts and along to Laksana near the Light House (30 Hospital Street; Tel: 091 4381 700) one of the best jewellers in town. It boasts beautiful Sri Lankan precious and semi precious stones, unique designs and good craftsmanship. The shop sells everything from antique pieces to contemporary bold, and funky designs, which they export to London, South Africa and Australia.

M.M. Ibrahim – 47Church St, Galle Fort jewellery store is considered to be world class and happy customers return year after year to buy from his latest ever changing collection.

FASHION

Mimimango fashion shop (10, Leyn Baan Street; Tel.0777513473) is a fabulous fashion boutique frequented by the rich and famous. Started by Joe Eden, this boutique shop is a sumptuous fusion of technicolor silks, sequins, and fine cottons. Open 10am-5.30pm (Shut Sundays). 

Barefoot Galle (No: 41 Pedlar Street;Tel:091 2226299) is a wonderful shop for beautiful fabrics, original artwork, books, classic clothing, table linen and lots of other stunning goodies for your home.

If you want any clothes, bed covers or other material garments made then The Shoba – Display Galleryat 67A Pedlar Street are reliable tailors who also sell many ready made items including adorable children’s clothes and bags.  You may find that they are busy sewing and packaging elaborate costume pieces as they are responsible for creating many of the lace trims used in outfits that appear in UK period dramas from Agatha Christie to Elizabeth: The Golden Age.

The Beach Shop(Wijaya Beach, Dalawalla, Thalpe; Tel: 0777547957) This funky boutique at Wijaya Beach sells cool mens clothes, bags and accessories.

The Leather Shop (7a, Rampart street by the new gate) has authentic leather items from sandals, to belts and bags.

Dutch Wall Arcade at 54 Rampart Street (Opposite Flag Rock market) you will find quirky antiques and a great collection of black and white prints of the Fort

ART

Sithuvili (No 56, Leyn Baan Street; Tel: +94 91 2242935/M. +94776255835) Here you will find Ambalangoda artist, Janaka de Silva, reproducing scenes from ancient temple paintings like Dambulla and the rock fortress Sigriya on old colonial furniture and recycled wood paintings and hand-framed masks.  This is an Aladdin’s cave of beautiful pieces and excellent craftsmanship. Janaka also runs master classes in mask making and will happily organize a tour round his studio in Ambalangoda.

Olanda Boutique (No 30 Church StreetNext to The Galle Fort Hotel; +94 773687644) sells lovely stylish clothing and unique souvenirs, which range from elephant tea sets to beautiful cutlery designed by the ownerSabreena Hussain. Sabreena also owns with her husband Olanda antiques and for more information on Olanda’s businesses go to www.olandavillas.com

Exotic Roots‘ LA BOUTIQUE’ (No 32 Church Street; Tel:0912245454 or 091 2246815) Set in the middle of Galle Fort’s boutique shopping arcade Exotic Roots has everything an art lover would want from stunning acrylic on cotton paintings to hand designed plates, trays and a great mix of bright and very bold arty household objects ranging from tiles to vases. Her daughters also sell children’s art in the shop and call their business Blue Balsa.

On either side Elephant Walk(36 Church Street;Tel: 091 2248031) is a hub of unusual gifts and stunning Sri Lankan home wares and in the same arcade you can also enjoy the only purpose designed gallery in Galle, The Fort Gallery. Upstairs you will find changing exhibitions of local and overseas artists. The common denominator is that they all have a passion for Sri Lanka. Also on the first floor is the best selection of books on Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan authors in the South. The Gallery presents the discerning shopper with a world of designer opportunities and original designs such as Manika jewellery by Nikki Harrison. The Manika range offers the finest quality and superbly designed unique original jewellery. The large inspirational pieces in gold and silver are set with cabochon and faceted stones in unusual settings and combinations. A must see. You can also email Nikki Harrison on manikadesigns@gmail.com for tailor made designs.

Kahanda Kanda Collection KK(13a, Pedlar Street;Tel: +94912236499) Sells Balinese eclectic homeware and is owned by UK interior designer George Cooper. The ranges of bath products sourced from Southern India are divine and the colourful feather dusters often end up as stunning party headpieces,

ANTIQUES

Historical Mansion Museum(31 – 39 Leyn Baan Street; 0094-091 2234114). This unique shop museum must be paid a visit just for its cultural eccentricity and crazy mix of colonial memorabilia collected by the owner over forty-five years. This wonderful rambling building includes rooms full of pieces found from shipwrecks, colourful glass lamps hanging from the ceilings, and classic period pieces from the 1940s such as a trumpet style hand-wind-up gramophone record player.