The National Maritime Museum of Galle is one of the most charming attractions that you can visit while travelling in the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. It is a place that is quite frequently included in travel itineraries in the area.
The beautiful museum is located in the famed Galle Dutch Fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was opened to the public on the 9th of May 1992. The museum was built in the year 1671. It is known to be the only museum in the island that disseminates information about the marine biological and anthropological aspects of the southern coast of Sri Lanka.
The 2004 tsunami which wreaked havoc in the area caused extensive damage to the adjoining UNESCO Maritime Archaeology Unit. All the exhibits of the museum were damaged that day. But the Royal Government of Netherlands provided the necessary funds to repair the damage caused and the museum was opened to the public once again.
A tour in the National Maritime Museum will only take you about half an hour. So you will be able to include this attraction even if your travel schedule is very tight. In it you will see interesting exhibits like old boats, earthenware, barrels, beer mugs, artillery, sailor shoes. As well as a skeleton of a Byrd’s Whale can be found in this Museum. Some of the artefacts here are believed to be over 800 years old. Be sure to take your camera and take lots of photos of the exhibits! Get in touch with Green Holiday Centre if you need to obtain more information about this remarkable destination.
