The soft southern coasts of Sri Lanka are highly conducive for the flourishing cinnamon plantations; Koggala area in the Galle district is most famous for the ancient plantations developed by the Portuguese and Dutch.
History behind the Flourishing Spice
Cinnamon has always been native to Sri Lanka which brought in the Arabian traders popularising the exotic land as a trading post for spices. The invading Portuguese cutting out the middleman Arab traders, took over the Cinnamon trade. This was limited to harvesting the bark of wild trees. It was once the Dutch took over from the Portuguese that the first cinnamon estates were established and flourish to this day.
Tour of a Cinnamon Plantation – Experience like no other
Greeted by an experienced guide at the estate you will be walked through the vast plantation. On returning to the compound visitors may observe the process in which the bark is peeled; interact and have a go at the intricate art of peeling the bark. Next observe the process of packing the spice after which you are treated to a sumptuous meal at the plantation.
Specifications of the Tour
A typical tour of the estate will take around 2 hours including the delicious cinnamon infused lunch you are treated to. Times are quite flexible and can be arranged to your convenience starting from around 11.30 am. It is advisable to dress in cool light cottons and bring along a shady hat as well as wear appropriate sun screen for your time outdoors.
Hop Over to Unawatuna
Visiting Koggala means you get to experience the best of the Galle district; if you are a seeker of sun sand and fun it is highly recommended that accommodation in the sleepy village of Unawatuna is given some thought. A gorgeous beach surrounded by a turquoise blue bay the village 5kms from Galle is popular for Jungle Beach and tours of Rumassala Hill – one of the most popular things to do in Unawatuna. Jungle beach close to CoCo Bay Unawatuna is a solitary expanse of land accessed via a short trek through a lush jungle.
Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+
