DAY 7: YALA – BENTOTA

• After breakfast proceed to Bentota (5Hrs)
• En route Visit Galle Fort: Galle is a major city in Sri Lanka, situated on the southwestern tip, 119 km from Colombo. Galle is the administrative capital of Southern Province, Sri Lanka and is the district capital of Galle District. Galle was known as Gimhathiththa (although Ibn Batuta in the 14th century refers to it as Qali) before the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century, when it was the main port on the island. Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century, during the Dutch colonial period. Galle is the best example of a fortified city built by the Portuguese in South and Southeast Asia, showing the interaction between Portuguese architectural styles and native traditions. The city was extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards. The Galle fort is a world heritage site and is the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers. Afterwards proceed to visit the famous Dutch ramparts in the Galle Fort with a Portuguese emblem on the southern wall. This fort now houses most of the offices of the government like the old post office, the beautiful Dutch church over 350 years old and other colonial style buildings now monumental of the architectural patterns that prevailed in that era. Walk along the ramparts which rolling plains of green inside the fort with a view of the harbour and the famous old light house… Galle is well known for its cottage industries and lace making which is a traditional southern Sri Lankan craft. Visit a lace making craft center as well as a mask making center. These wooden masks are used in various ceremonies and festivals in Sri Lanka. Each one is hand carved and significant of a certain human feeling.
• Overnight Stay at Hotel in Bentota