Galle Fort - 3 km (10 minutes ) from the Villa 43

The Galle Fort, or Dutch Fort as it is also known, is a fortification first built by the Portugese on the Southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. The initial fortifications, which were built in the late 16th century, were quite basic. However the fort underwent extensive modifications in the 17th century by the Dutch, making it one of the most important archeological, architectural and historic monuments to illutrate the European influence in South East Asia between the 16th and 19th centuries. According to a statement by UNESCO the site was recognized as a World Heritage Site for its unique exposition of an urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries which is the criteterion number four for such recognition.

Early History of Galle

• The earliest records of Galle trace back to its mention in Ptolemy’s World Map in the 2nd century AD.
• It is said to have been a busy port trading with some of the biggest powers of that time; such as Greece, Arabia and China.
• Galle is also mentioned in records of the 6th century traveller Cosmas Indicopleustes as a port of call of the ship Levant during his visit to Sri Lanka.
• Another historically famed traveller, Ibn Batuta who lived in the 14th century also mentions having passed through the port on his visit to Sri Pada and Tenavaram Temple which were then some of the most famous sites of Sri Lanka.

Unawatuna - 7 km (20 minutes ) from the Villa 43

Unawatuna is a coastal town in Galle district of Sri Lanka. Unawatuna is a major tourist attraction in Sri Lanka and known for its beach and corals. It is a suburb of Galle, about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) southeast to the city center and approximately 108 kilometres (67 mi) south of Colombo. Unawatuna is situated at an elevation of 5 metres (16 ft) above the sea level.

Importance of unawatuna

• The Twin Reefs at Unawatuna
• Diving, Snorkelling and Surfing
• Jungle Beach at Unawatuna
• Yatagala Rajamaha Viharaya at Unawatuna

Hikkaduwa - 17 km (30 minutes ) from the Villa 43

The beach of Hikkaduwa is situated 98 km from Colombo towards the south of Sri Lanka. This fun coastal town, 14 km away from Galle was the first (1960’s) of Sri Lanka’s beautiful beaches to be discovered by tourists. Snorkelling and diving in the clear waters are a major past-time along this stretch and is the most environmentally friendly way to see the colourful fish that dart around. The coral sanctuary found along the coast of Hikkaduwa is a large shallow body of water enclosed by a reef, decorated with layers of multi coloured corals, and is home to countless numbers of vibrantly coloured fish. Off the beach there is a collection of small islets surrounded by beautiful coral formations. Many species of fish and large turtles are found here. There are more than four different shipwrecks for diving enthusiasts to explore along with dive shops offering PADI courses and equipment.

Importance of Hikkaduwa

• Surfing in Hikkaduwa
• Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary
• Scuba & Snorkelling
• Turtle Hatchery
• Ayurveda treatments
• Seenigama Vihara Temple

Mirissa - 39 km (55 minutes ) from the Villa 43

Several kilometers past Weligama, the town of Mirissa is a standout amongst the most engaging spots to use a couple of days beside the ocean in southern Sri Lanka. The shoreline here is one of the most pleasant along this stretch of coast, with a fine swathe of sand tucked away into a really minimal narrows, supported by a thick brush of coconut palms – especially beautiful during the evening, when the lights go on and the sands change into a mysterious twist of pixie lights. It’s not precisely unspoilt, yet improvement remains refreshingly calm for the minute, bound to a string of genuinely provincial little restaurants and humble visitor houses, with a kind nonattendance of huge resorts and a vivacious yet enjoyably relaxed environment, pulling in a youngish swarm of predominantly independent voyagers.

Importance of Mirissa

• Whale Watching
• The Clean, Beautiful Beach
• Sri Sunandarama Temple
• Water Sports

Weligama - 38 km (50 minutes ) from the Villa 43

Weligama is a fishing village and town in Matara District, Southern Province, Sri Lanka. Weligama literally means "sandy village" which speaks of the area's sandy sweep bay. The main income sources and businesses for the locals are Tourism and Fishing. Situated at a distance of 144 km from Colombo, Weligama is a very popular tourist destination with several hotels. It is most famous for its distinct stilt fishermen and an off shore islet known as Taprobane, where a dream house of French Count de Mauny was built. There are quite many famous sites of historical importance and tourist attractions within Weligama and its vicinity.

Importance of Weligama

• Stilt Fishing
• Lace Making
• Fishing Village
• Lace weaving
• Aggrabodhi Vihara at Weligama
• Snake Farm at Weligama