Galle Literary Festival – Discover Serendipity In Galle.

The annual Galle Literary festival is an international festival that celebrates primarily Sri Lankan and world literature and the local arts and architecture of the Island. The concept of the festival surrounds the culture, history and traditions of Sri Lanka while focusing on the various literary achievements of both local and foreign writers. Literary critiques are invited to discussions, forums and events that allow the audience and guests to participate and explore diverse subject matters and enjoy companionship and conversation.

Past editions of the festival also held a number of fringe events that included picnic events and the sunset series in the preceding years. Previous years’ participants included famous local writes such as Ameena Hussein, Vivimarie Vanderpoorten Shyam Selvadurai and Ashok Ferrey. Celebrated international writers Candace Bushnell, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Vickram Seth, Jung Chang and Jon Halliday were also present at the earlier Galle Literary festivals.

Located 119km south of Colombo, Galle is the capital of the Southern Province of Sri Lanka and is home to the largest example of coastal city fortification in the Island built by the Europeans. The festival is held at this 300 year old historic landmark located on the Southern coastline of Sri Lanka. Today a UN heritage site, it was originally built by the Dutch and was later renovated during the period of British colonization of Ceylon.

Bounded by a turquoise sea and sun kissed beaches the Galle fort holds the nostalgic charm of a forgotten era. The narrow cobbled streets and old washed out walls of the past are tinged with bright Mediterranean hues. The colourful residents of the fort are a mix of laid back locals and European settlers who have created an identity of their own. The streets are dotted with curious souvenir shops, antiques filled boutiques and breezy cafes welcoming the visitors to the festival to relax and enjoy their time in the famous city.

The many attractions of the fort, including the National Maritime Museum, the natural harbour, the main Shiva temple and the St. Mary’s Cathedral established by Jesuit priests make the city all the more significant. Galle is also famous for its traditional Beeralu lacing and gem cutting, two crafts that require a great deal of patience and insight.

Become a part of the Galle Literary Festival when you visit Sri Lanka While the festival gives more significance and value to this vibrant capital it has also attracted tourists from all across the globe making it a major travel destination. Visiting the city of fortifications, a central location close to the fort and the heart of the city is a great advantage as it creates easy access to all the major tourist attractions of Galle. Some of the most sought after Sri Lanka hotels are found along the southern coastline. Be it colonial Dutch villas, or luxurious star class resorts Galle has a variety of star class hotels you can choose from. John Keells Hotels Group is reputed for their excellence in service and comforts.