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The History of Galle Fort: A Deep Dive into Its Past

Galle Fort, located in the southern region of Sri Lanka, is a historic monument that stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the country. Spanning over centuries, Galle Fort has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, colonial conquests, and the evolution of a vibrant trading hub. In this blog post, we will take a deep dive into the history of Galle Fort, exploring its origins, the various influences it has encountered, and the significance it holds in the present day.

Nestled on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, Galle Dutch Fort stands as a monumental testament to the island’s rich history. This UNESCO World Heritage site, with its imposing walls and ancient structures, narrates stories of colonial conquests, architectural marvels, and cultural amalgamation. Galle itself is a fascinating city with many historical sites and stunning beaches. So don’t forget to explore Galle city .

What are the Origins of Galle Fort?

The Galle Fort, located in Galle, Sri Lanka, has a fascinating history that dates back several centuries. The origins of the fort can be traced back to the 16th century when the Portuguese arrived in Sri Lanka.

In 1505, the Portuguese first set foot on the island and established a trading post in Galle. However, it was not until 1588 that they began constructing a fortification to protect their interests in the region. The fort was initially built with simple earthworks and palisades.

In 1640, the Dutch, who had been eyeing the strategic location of Galle, successfully captured the fort from the Portuguese. They immediately recognized the importance of Galle as a hub for trade and defense and embarked on a massive project to fortify the area even further.

Under Dutch rule, the fort underwent significant expansion and transformation. They constructed massive walls made of coral and granite, bastions, ramparts, and gates. The fortification was designed in a star-shaped layout, which was a common architectural style during that period. This layout allowed for better defense against potential attacks.

The Dutch held control over Galle until 1796 when the British East India Company took over the region during the Napoleonic Wars. Despite the change in colonial powers, the fort continued to play a crucial role as a trading center and a military stronghold.

Over the years, the fort has faced various challenges, including natural disasters and the impacts of war. However, it has managed to survive and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.

Today, the Galle Fort stands as a remarkable testament to the rich history of the region. It is a major tourist attraction , known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, narrow streets, charming boutiques, cafes, and art galleries. The fort also offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean, making it a must-visit destination for travelers in Sri Lanka.

Historical Background of Galle Fort

The Origins and Construction: Galle Fort’s history can be traced back to the 16th century, initially built by the Portuguese and extensively fortified by the Dutch in the 17th century. This historical progression has left an indelible mark on the fort’s architecture and layout.

Colonial Influences: Each colonial era—the Portuguese, Dutch, and British—contributed uniquely to the fort’s development. The Dutch era, in particular, is notable for significant architectural and urban planning contributions, creating a blend of European designs with South Asian traditions .

Architecture and Design of Galle Fort

Exploring Galle City is a marvel of urban planning and architectural design. Its massive stone walls, bastions, and ramparts encircle an area replete with historic churches, mosques, colonial houses, and administrative buildings. The blend of European architectural styles with local materials and craftsmanship stands as a testament to the fort’s multicultural heritage.

Cultural Significance

Galle Fort is not just a historical monument but a living embodiment of Sri Lankan culture. It’s a venue for vibrant festivals and cultural events that celebrate the island’s diverse heritage. The fort’s narrow streets and timeless buildings have also been a muse for local artists and writers, contributing significantly to Sri Lankan literature and arts.

Top 5 Things to Do In Galle Fort

Galle Fort is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site located in the city of Galle, Sri Lanka. With its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant atmosphere, there are plenty of things to do and explore in Galle city . Here are the top five things to do:

1. Visit the Galle Lighthouse:

Located at the southernmost point of the fort, the Galle Lighthouse offers breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and the fort itself. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the fort and its surroundings.

2. Explore the Galle Fort Museum:

Housed in a Dutch colonial building, the Galle Fort Museum showcases the history and culture of the fort and its inhabitants. It features artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that provide insight into the fort’s past.

3. Walk along the Ramparts:

Take a stroll along the fort’s ramparts, which offer stunning views of the ocean on one side and the fort’s charming streets on the other. The ramparts are perfect for a sunset walk or a morning jog.

4. Visit the Dutch Reformed Church:

Dating back to the 17th century, the Dutch Reformed Church is an important historical landmark in Galle Fort. Admire the beautiful architecture and learn about the church’s significance in the fort’s history.

5. Shop and dine in Pedlar Street:

Pedlar Street is the main street in Galle Fort and is lined with charming boutique shops, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants. Spend some time exploring the street, indulge in some shopping, and enjoy the local cuisine.

These are just a few of the many things to do in Galle Fort. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, Galle Fort has something for everyone.

What is the Present-Day Significance of Galle Fort?

Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Sri Lanka, holds immense present-day significance. With its rich history and architectural marvels, the fort has become a major tourist attraction, drawing thousands of visitors each year. The fort’s strategic location on the southwestern coast of the country, overlooking the Indian Ocean, played a significant role in the colonial era, serving as a stronghold for the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. Today, Galle Fort stands as a tangible reminder of Sri Lanka’s colonial past, offering visitors a glimpse into its diverse cultural heritage.

Beyond its historical value, the fort has also evolved into a vibrant hub for art, culture, and commerce. Its narrow streets are lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and trendy cafes, creating a unique blend of modernity and tradition. Furthermore, the fort’s picturesque surroundings and stunning views of the ocean make it a popular spot for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Overall, the present-day significance of Galle Fort lies in its ability to seamlessly blend history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world.

How did Galle Fort become a center of trade and cultural exchange?

Galle Fort, located in the city of Galle, Sri Lanka, became a center of trade and cultural exchange due to its strategic location along major sea routes. Here are some factors that contributed to its significance:

Geographic Location: Galle is situated on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, making it a natural harbor for ships traveling between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Its proximity to the Indian Ocean trade routes attracted merchants from various parts of the world.
Portuguese Influence: The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in Galle in the 16th century. They recognized the potential of the natural harbor and built a fortification to protect their interests. Their presence laid the foundation for Galle to become an important trading post.
Dutch Occupation: In the 17th century, the Dutch East India Company ousted the Portuguese and took control of Galle. Under Dutch rule, Galle Fort flourished as a center for trade, with the Dutch using it as a base for their spice and cinnamon trade in the region.
Multicultural Exchange: Galle Fort became a melting pot of different cultures and communities. Besides the Dutch and Portuguese, Arab, Persian, Chinese, and Indian traders settled in Galle, contributing to a diverse cultural exchange. This cultural mix influenced architecture, cuisine, and lifestyle within the fort.
British Influence: During the 19th century, the British took control of Galle from the Dutch. However, the fort’s significance as a trading hub gradually declined due to the development of Colombo as a major port. Nevertheless, Galle Fort retained its historical and cultural importance.

Galle Fort is more than just a historical site; it’s a living, breathing symbol of Sri Lanka’s tumultuous yet rich history. Its walls tell tales of conquests, its streets hum with cultural vibrancy, and its future lies in the delicate balance of preserving the past while embracing the present. As a bridge between the past and the future, Galle Fort remains a cherished jewel in Sri Lanka’s crown, inviting the world to witness its timeless legacy.

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Exploring the magnificent galle fort: a journey through history, galle fort: a living heritage site.

Nestled on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, the Galle Fort stands as a testament to the island’s rich history and cultural heritage. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a captivating destination that beckons visitors from around the globe. Step into a world frozen in time as you wander through its cobblestone streets, fortified walls, and colonial-era buildings. Join us on a virtual journey as we explore the wonders of the Galle Fort and delve into its fascinating stories.

Introduction, the origins of galle fort, exploring the fortifications, a melting pot of cultures, strolling through history.

Galle Fort’s Architectural Gems
A Glimpse into the Past: National Maritime Museum

Mesmerizing Sunsets at Galle Fort

Sampling local delicacies, the enchanting ramparts.

Where Time Stands Still: Dutch Reformed Church

Maritime Magic: Galle Lighthouse

Faqs about galle fort.

Is Galle Fort the oldest fort in Sri Lanka?
How long does it take to explore Galle Fort?
Can you walk on the fort walls?
Are there any guided tours available?
What is the best time to visit Galle Fort?
Are there any accommodations within the fort? Conclusion

As you step into the Galle Fort, you are transported back in time to the 16th century when the Portuguese first established a small fortification on this very spot. Over the centuries, the fort evolved, changing hands between the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, each leaving their mark on its architecture and culture. Today, the Galle Fort is a captivating blend of colonial charm, vibrant local life, and preserved historical sites.

The history of the Galle Fort dates back to 1588 when the Portuguese built a small fort known as Santa Cruz. However, it was the Dutch who made significant expansions and turned it into the formidable fortress that stands today. The fort served as a strategic stronghold for trade and maritime activities, safeguarding the interests of the colonial powers.

One of the most impressive aspects of the Galle Fort is its robust fortifications. The walls, stretching over 3 kilometers, offer panoramic views of the surrounding ocean and the charming town within. Take a leisurely stroll along the ramparts, marveling at the engineering marvels of the past. The walls, constructed with a combination of coral and granite, have withstood the test of time and witnessed countless stories unfold within their embrace.

The Galle Fort has been a hub of cultural exchange throughout its history. As you wander through its streets, you’ll encounter architectural influences from the Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial eras, blended seamlessly with the local Sri Lankan culture. The fusion of these diverse elements creates a unique atmosphere that is truly captivating.

Immerse yourself in history as you take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of the Galle Fort. Each corner reveals hidden gems, from centuries-old mansions to quaint cafes and boutique shops. Discover the rich tapestry of the past and engage with the vibrant present as you interact with the friendly locals and fellow explorers.

Galle Fort’s Architecture

The architecture within the Galle Fort is a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the past. Explore the Dutch Hospital, an iconic landmark that has been transformed into a bustling shopping and dining precinct. Admire the intricate details of the All Saints’ Church, a colonial-era place of worship. Each building tells a story and adds to the unique charm of the fort.

Galle Fort National Maritime Museum

For maritime enthusiasts, a visit to the National Maritime Museum is a must. Housed within the Galle fort this museum showcases Sri Lanka’s rich maritime history. Explore exhibits that highlight ancient navigational instruments, shipwreck artifacts, and the fascinating tales of seafaring explorers. It’s a captivating journey through time that sheds light on the island’s deep-rooted connection with the sea.

It offers a front-row seat to breathtaking sunsets that paint the sky in vibrant hues. Head to the ramparts or find a cozy spot along the coastline to witness nature’s spectacle unfold. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting its golden glow on the fort and the surrounding ocean, you’ll be captivated by the sheer beauty of the moment.

No exploration of the Galle Fort is complete without savoring the local delicacies. Indulge in an array of flavors, from spicy Sri Lankan curries to fresh seafood delicacies. Don’t miss the chance to try the iconic egg hoppers, a popular Sri Lankan street food that combines the flavors of a pancake and an omelet. Let your taste buds embark on a culinary adventure within the fort’s culinary scene.

The ramparts of the Galle Fort are not only a testament to the fort’s defensive capabilities but also a picturesque spot to soak in the beauty of the surroundings. Take a leisurely walk along the fortified walls, where you’ll be greeted by panoramic views of the ocean, charming rooftops, and lush greenery. It’s a perfect spot for a romantic evening stroll or a moment of quiet contemplation.

Dutch Reformed Church

One of the prominent landmarks within the Galle Fort is the Dutch Reformed Church. Dating back to the 17th century, this colonial-era church showcases exquisite Dutch architecture and offers a glimpse into the religious history of the fort. Step inside to admire the beautiful wooden pews, ancient tombstones, and serene ambiance that transports you to a bygone era.

Standing tall at the edge of the Galle Fort, the Lighthouse has guided countless ships safely into the harbor. This iconic structure, dating back to 1848, is Sri Lanka’s oldest lighthouse and continues to shine its beacon over the Indian Ocean. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the fort, the ocean, and the bustling streets below. It’s a photographer’s paradise and a testament to the fort’s maritime significance.

Is Galle Fort the oldest fort in Sri Lanka? No, Galle Fort is not the oldest fort in Sri Lanka. The oldest fort in Sri Lanka is the Jaffna Fort, which was constructed by the Portuguese in the 17th century.
How long does it take to explore Galle Fort? The time required to explore Galle Fort depends on your pace and level of interest. On average, it takes around 2-3 hours to visit the main attractions and stroll through the streets. However, to fully immerse yourself in the fort’s history and ambiance, it is recommended to allocate at least half a day.
Can you walk on the fort walls? Yes, you can walk on the fort walls. The ramparts offer a scenic pathway that allows visitors to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy panoramic views of the fort and the surrounding area. It’s a memorable experience that shouldn’t be missed.
Are there any guided tours available? Yes, guided tours are available for those who prefer a more in-depth exploration of Fort. Local tour operators and knowledgeable guides offer insightful tours that shed light on the fort’s history, architectural gems, and hidden stories. Joining a guided tour can enhance your experience and provide valuable insights.
What is the best time to visit Galle Fort? The best time to visit is during the months of December to March when the weather is pleasant and rainfall is minimal. The fort can get crowded during the peak tourist season, so it’s advisable to plan your visit during weekdays or early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Are there any accommodations within the fort? Yes, there are several accommodations within the fort that offer a unique and immersive experience. From boutique hotels to cozy guesthouses, you can find a range of options that allow you to stay within the fort’s historic walls. It’s a great opportunity to soak in the ambiance and be surrounded by the fort’s enchanting atmosphere.

The Galle Fort is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends history, culture, and natural beauty. From its ancient fortifications to its charming streets, every corner tells a story waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a culture lover, or simply seeking a unique travel experience, it offers a journey through time and a chance to immerse yourself in a living heritage site. As you explore the cobblestone streets, interact with the friendly locals, and marvel at the architectural wonders, you’ll find yourself captivated by the charm and allure of this historic fort. From the mesmerizing sunsets over the ramparts to the tantalizing flavors of local delicacies, every moment spent in there is a feast for the senses.

Discovering the Rich History of Galle Fort

Galle Fort is a historic walled city in Sri Lanka’s southern region. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist spots in the country. The Fort, which the Portuguese constructed in the 16th century, has seen the nation’s history. Today, it remains a significant monument that depicts Sri Lanka’s past and present. The significance of Galle Fort in Sri Lanka’s past and present will be discussed in this article.

The Portuguese Era

The advent of the Portuguese in Sri Lanka marked the beginning of European influence on the nation. In 1505, the Portuguese came to Colombo , and by 1597, they had gained possession of Galle Fort. To defend against pirates and other invaders, the Portuguese constructed the Fort. Bastions, ramparts, and moats were included in the Fort’s construction and layout, based on European forms—the Church of St. Mary and the Dutch Reformed Church were two churches within the Fort.

The Dutch Era

The Portuguese lost possession of Galle Fort to the Dutch in 1658. The Dutch significantly altered the Fort’s building and layout, adding a new gate and expanding the moat. They also constructed several new structures, including the Governor’s House and the Warehouse. Galle Fort became a significant spice and textile commercial hub during the Dutch era. The Dutch East India Company (V.O.C.) maintained a considerable presence at the Fort, and it was from this location that they governed its trade in Sri Lanka.

The British Era

The Dutch lost possession of Galle Fort to the British in 1796. The construction of a new courthouse and the expansion of the ramparts were two more architectural and layout modifications performed by the British. Galle Fort developed into a significant hub for tea and rubber exports during the British era. Many brand-new barracks were built to accommodate soldiers, and the Fort was also utilised as a military base.

The 2004 Tsunami

In December 2004, a colossal tsunami struck Galle Fort, causing significant damage to the Fort and its surroundings. Several structures were devastated by the tsunami, which also claimed numerous lives. Significant restoration efforts were made following the tsunami to remediate the damage. Today, Galle Fort has been completely repaired and is available to tourists.

Life in Galle Fort Today

Galle Fort is a well-known tourist site that provides a unique and intriguing glimpse into Sri Lanka’s illustrious past. Tourists may explore the small alleys and lanes, see the different museums and galleries, and take the breathtaking seaside vistas. There are multiple hotels and guesthouses inside Galle Fort where guests can stay and several restaurants and cafés providing Sri Lankan and international cuisine. Yet, the growing number of tourists has detrimentally affected Galle Fort. The infrastructure of the Fort needs to accommodate the rush of visitors, and there are concerns about the impact of tourism on the Fort’s sensitive environment.

Places to Go in Galle Fort

1. dutch reformed church.

One of the most recognisable sights in Galle Fort is the Dutch Reformed Church. It was constructed by the Dutch in the 18th century and had a distinctive blend of Dutch and Sri Lankan architectural elements. Visitors are welcome at the church, which is situated on Church Street.

2. National Maritime Museum

The National Maritime Museum Galle Fort is housed within the walls of Galle Fort and is a must-see for anybody interested in Sri Lanka’s maritime heritage. The museum’s relics, exhibitions, and displays highlight Sri Lanka’s extensive naval history.

3. Galle Lighthouse

A historical structure from the British era is the Galle Lighthouse. It has sweeping views of the Indian Ocean and is situated at the southernmost point of Galle Fort. Tourists can go to the lighthouse’s summit for a beautiful regional view. Read more and images

4. Historical Mansion Museum

The Historical Mansion Museum on Leyn Baan Street is a fantastic spot to learn about Sri Lanka’s colonial past. The museum’s collection of antiques and displays demonstrates Sri Lanka’s colonial rulers’ lifestyle and culture.

5. Old Gate, Galle Fort

When approaching the Fort, one can observe a plaque depicting the Royal Emblem of Ireland erected after the British conquered Galle . This plaque shows the British Crown, which is held by a lion on its right side and a unicorn on its left. Honi Soit QuiMal y Pense, “Whoever Thinks of the Devil Will be Possessed by the Devil,” covers the lion’s and unicorn’s plaque. Both of the quotations are taken from French expressions.

Following the British takeover of Galle Fort in 1796, the Dutch East India Company (V.O.C.) sign was removed, and the British Royal Emblem was carved.

6. Main Gate of Galle Fort

The Main Gate, also known as the British Bastion, is located just south of the Galle International Cricket Stadium and is flanked by the Star, Moon, and Sun Bastions. Before the Dutch extended it, the Portuguese supported this gate with a drawbridge and covered it with a moat. Nonetheless, the British had an ultimate say in the gate construction to improve traffic movement into and out of the Fort.

7. Fort Ramparts

The Portuguese, Dutch, and British constructed a system of walls and fortifications known as the Fort Ramparts. They encircle Galle Fort and provide a breathtaking view of the ocean. The fantastic views may be enjoyed by strolling along the ramparts.

8. Dutch Hospital Shopping Center Precinct

Inside the ramparts of Galle Fort sits the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct, a unique shopping attraction. It was initially constructed as a hospital by the Dutch in the 18th century and has subsequently been turned into a shopping district. Visitors may purchase souvenirs, handicrafts, and other exciting products at this old structure.

9. Galle Fort Library

The Galle Fort Library is a historic structure constructed by the Dutch in the 18th century. It is on Church Street and has a collection of books, records, and manuscripts demonstrating Sri Lanka’s illustrious literary heritage.

10. Maritime Archeology Museum

Inside the walls of Galle Fort, the Maritime Archeology Museum has a collection of relics and displays that highlight Sri Lanka’s maritime heritage. Visitors are welcome at the museum, which is situated on Queens Street. More Details

11. Moon Bastion

The Portuguese constructed the ancient stronghold known as the Moon Bastion in the 16th century. It provides a breathtaking ocean view and is situated at the southernmost point of Galle Fort. The fantastic views may be enjoyed by strolling along the ramparts.

12. All St. Anglican Church

The ancient All Saints Anglican Church is on Church Street in Galle Fort. It was constructed by the British in the 19th century and had a distinctive blend of British and Sri Lankan architectural elements. The church is available to the public and is an excellent venue to learn about Sri Lanka’s colonial past.

13. Meeran Jumma Mosque

The well-known Galle Lighthouse is seen from Meeran Jumma Mosque. In contrast to other notable mosques, Meeran Jumma Mosque has a more varied structural layout that combines British Victorian and Islamic styles. The Mosque boasts stained glass windows and a beautiful atrium, similar to a cathedral. In addition, it showcases the ornately adorned mihrab in the structure’s centre. The Mosque floor is decorated with colourfully painted ceramic tiles and tiny roof ornaments. A well-known structure within the Galle Fort was believed to be constructed more than three centuries ago. Galle is home to a sizable Muslim community. Hence the site serves as an important place of prayer in this region. In addition, its architectural splendour makes it a popular tourist destination. In contrast to other mosques around the country, Meeran Jumma Mosque invites guests as long as they are appropriately attired and prepared to abide by the Mosque’s standards. Once you enter the Mosque, you will undoubtedly be amazed by its interiors; different parts of the Mosque have tiles of varying hues and distinct prayer places for men and women.

14. Sudharmalaya Temple

The current Buddhist temple was built in 1889 on property provided by Mr S.A. Wickramasinghe, a Mudliar and donor. In addition, most of the residents of Galle Fort were Buddhists, yet there was just one Buddhist temple until recently. By observing the architectural components of this temple, one may understand how Dutch and European design influenced foreign governments even in the creation of Buddhist holy places.

15. Galle Clocktower

The Galle Clock Tower is a tall, four-story structure from the late 19th century. The Galle Fort’s Clocktower, which overlooks one of the Fort’s three bastions, was built within the ramparts instead of the previous guardroom. The Galle clocktower was constructed in honour of Dr Antonisz, a renowned colonial surgeon. The clock was donated independently by the doctor Mudaliyar Samson de Abrew Rajapakse.

16. Moon Gallery

At Galle Fort’s Moon Gallery, you may… The chance to step into the past. The Portuguese built this bastion in the 16th century as a large tower in the centre of the rampart facing the land side, with the Sun and Star Bastions on either side. The Portuguese first used the name Conceicao for this place. The Dutch renovated and enlarged this bastion in the 17th century, changing its name to Moon Bastion. In 1667, the lower terraces of the bastions on the land side were reportedly fortified and developed by the then-Dutch Commander of the southern province, Adrian Van Ruthaz. The lower terrace of the bastion was powerfully armed with no fewer than 20 artillery emplacements to resist enemy attacks from the land side successfully. The Galle Heritage Foundation repaired the subterranean munitions storage beneath the upper terrace of the Moon Bastion, and it is now used as an informative space to present a brief overview of the site’s history.

17 . Old Powder Magazine

The Old Powder Magazine, also known as the Tharu Attalaya, is a historic structure within the Galle Dutch Fort in Sri Lanka. It is a testament to the Dutch colonial presence in the 17th century and played a crucial role in fortifying and defending the area. Situated in the northern section of the Galle Dutch Fort, near the inner entrance gate, this powder magazine is enclosed by a sturdy and fortified wall. The purpose of this structure was to store gunpowder, ammunition, and other military supplies during the Dutch colonial era. One distinctive feature of the Old Powder Magazine is its three accessible halls, which provide different perspectives when viewed from various sides. This design allowed for efficient storage and access to the materials housed within. Today, the Old Powder Magazine stands as a historical monument, offering visitors a glimpse into the colonial past of the region. Its well-preserved architecture and strategic location within the Galle Dutch Fort make it a significant point of interest for those interested in Sri Lanka’s colonial history.

18. Black Fort

The Black Fort, located on the eastern side of the Galle Fort in Sri Lanka, is a historically significant pentagonal bastion. It overlooks the Galle harbour and has a circular platform at its summit, which once served as a strategic position for mounting cannons. One of the intriguing aspects of the Black Fort is the origin of its name. It is said to have earned its name due to the use of coal and the dark black smoke that covered the area. This blackened appearance, in part, contributed to its moniker, the “Black Fort.” This fortification played a pivotal role in the defense of Galle over the centuries. It was initially captured by the Dutch in 1640 and was employed to safeguard the fort against threats posed by the Portuguese and the Kandyans. During the British colonial era in Sri Lanka, the Black Fort continued to serve as an important military establishment, and it even housed the second police station in the country, eventually transforming into a prison. Today, the Black Fort is a prominent tourist attraction and an iconic landmark within the Galle Fort. Visitors are drawn to its remarkable views of the harbour and the city. Additionally, the fort’s underground chambers offer a captivating insight into the history and significance of this defensive structure in the region’s past.

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GALLE FORT – A BEAUTIFUL SRI LANKAN OLD TOWN

LIGHTHOUSES, WALKING ALONG RAMPARTS, BEAUTIFUL SUNSETS, JEWELLERS, ORGANIC FOOD AND CRAZY SNAKE CHARMERS

Arriving in galle.

After the nightmare train journey from Colombo it was a relief to finally arrive in Galle. We jumped in a tuk tuk from the train station and headed down to Galle Fort – the area where we were staying.

There are two separate areas to Galle – the main town of Galle and the old ramparts area of Galle fort.

We were staying in the latter and it is beautiful. I can’t comment too much on the main area of Galle, as in the two days we were here, we remained within the fort area, but this was definitely the place to visit.

Galle Fort has quite a history. Originally built by the Portuguese in 1588 and later, when overrun by the Dutch in 1640, was fortified even further.

The British later took over the fort in 1796 around the time when they were colonising Sri Lanka.

Despite the amount of time that has passed and the effect of the horrendous boxing day tsunami in 2004, the fort is still incredibly well preserved and is a Sri Lankan national heritage site.

The walls of the fort make for a fantastic walk. With the ocean lapping at its walls beneath, there are amazing views to be had and incredible sunsets.

Here’s some snaps from walking the walls of the fort.

Set within the fort’s ramparts is this impressive clock tower. This was apparently built by the British and the Lonely Planet guide brags about the standards of British engineering and how it is testament to this that the clock still shows the correct time.

These photos were taken around 11am.

Also within the walls we encountered some locals who were keen to show off their snakes (no pun intended) in exchange for a few rupees. This guy unleashed a king cobra, taunted it and let it bite him repeatedly and then explained to me that it wasn’t venomous. Mental.

Then there was this guy who proudly held his python aloft as we walked by.

INSIDE THE OLD TOWN

Inside the ramparts there is a lot more to be seen. Old crumbling Dutch architecture is on show, down peaceful and pretty streets.

Here’s a few more snaps from inside the old town.

This guy, above, who was openly trying to chop meat in the street was drawing unwanted attention to himself from birds, cats and dogs. Look at that cat ready to pounce.

Speaking of food, there is an abundance of choice for dining, with many quaint restaurants and some fantastic organic food to be had.

None more so than this place called ‘Calorie Counter’. We stopped by for a lush breakfast. If you’re in town it’s definitely worth checking out.

One other thing to mention is that there are some shops dotted along the town’s streets, but don’t expect too much diversity. Strangely the vast majority of these shops are jewellers. I’m not too sure how they all stay in business, but I think there’s more jewellers than there are restaurants.

I guess it must be the trade in Sri Lanka, much like Hoi An in Vietnam with tailors.

LEAVING GALLE

After 2 days in Galle, we were moving on to the beach town of Mirissa.

Galle is a beautiful and picturesque place and it definitely warrants a stop off on any trip to Sri Lanka. There’s not loads to do here, but certainly a day or two wandering the old town is a must.

Read on for Mirissa and how our search for blue whales went….

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History And Culture

Galle Dutch fort

Discover Galle Fort’s Dutch Legacy, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Dive into history and culture within its ancient stone walls.

Nestled in the heart of Lakdi, Galle Fort stands as a testament to Dutch architectural brilliance. Upon the Dutch arrival, this area was christened Galle Fort, enclosed by formidable black stone walls. These walls served not just as mere structures, but as guardians, enabling secure administrative activities within.

Cultural Heritage and Natural Beauty: A Pride of Sri Lanka

Galle Fort isn’t just bricks and mortar; it’s a reservoir of civility, culture, and natural splendor. With a history stretching back 2500 years, this site boasts ancient scientific artifacts, showcasing the deep-rooted heritage of the land. Recognized as a Global Biodiversity Hotspot in Sri Lanka, it captivates the world with its rich ecological diversity.

Encased in Stone: Galle Dutch Fort’s Unique Appeal

Imagine thick stone walls embracing history. Galle Dutch Fort stands as a remarkable historical gem, its magnificence intensified by the vast expanse of the ocean lapping against its foundations. These dark stone walls, enduring the tests of time, encircle a world frozen in history, preserving the essence of a bygone era.

Changing Paths, Enduring Legacy: Evolution of Galle Fort

The roads within Galle Fort have witnessed a rapid transformation, mirroring the ever-changing face of the world. Despite these shifts, the fort’s legacy remains unscathed. Each cobblestone pathway, each weathered brick, narrates tales of the past, making Galle Fort a living museum of history.

UNESCO’s Recognition: Galle Fort as a World Cultural Heritage

Acknowledging its cultural significance, UNESCO has bestowed the prestigious title of World Cultural Heritage upon Galle Fort. This recognition underscores its value as a global heritage site, inviting visitors to explore its intricate lanes, time-worn buildings, and the echoes of centuries past

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Historical Places

Galle Fort – Sri Lanka: UNESCO World Heritage Site 2020

Introduction to galle fort – sri lanka.

In the southwest coastal area of the island, there lies the famous bay of Galle shaded from the picturesque surrounding. Its history extends back to 545 AC, as one of the most ancient ports recorded in the Cosmography of Cosmas Indicopleustes. It was the main port of the country, by the time Portuguese arrived here. After their withdrawal from the Colombo area, the Portuguese selected Galle as their main center and constructed a simple fortress to defend the attacks from landside at the latter part of the 16th Century, with a rampart and three bastions enclosed by earthen banks and palisades. In 1640, after the area was captured by the Dutch, the fortification of Galle Fort – Sri Lanka: UNESCO World Heritage Site was subjected to a wide range of modifications enclosing the whole peninsula with a bastioned stone wall demarcating their supreme power over the sea area.

Gall Fort - Sri Lanka: UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Galle Fort which we see today is this fortified city built during the Dutch period within an area of 52 hectares. Most walls enclosing the area were built in 1663 defended by altogether 14 bastions from both landside and seaside. The northern fortified gate protected by a drawbridge and a ditch and also the city area is laid out on a regular grid pattern where the streets are parallel to the ramparts belong to the date 1669. In the year 1729 after the completion of the sea wall, Galle city reached its climax being a center for public administration, trade establishments, and religious activities. It is evident from the churches, especially the oldest Protestant, baroque-style church in Sri Lanka constructed in 1775 and Commandantâ€™s residence, the arsenal, the powder house, and the war houses. The forge, carpentry, and ropemaking workshops, the naval guardhouse, and barracks are prominent features to highlight the trade development and military security. In 1796, the Galle Fort was dominated by the British and Galle remained the administrative center of the south of Ceylon as a British territory. During their period also, the fortification underwent significant changes, including the construction of new blockhouses, a gate between the Moon bastion and the Sun bastion, establishment of a lighthouse on the Utrecht bastion, and a tower erected for the jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1883. Especially, during the Second World War, the British made alterations to the fort with the intention of strengthening the defensive role.

Hence, the Galle Fort – Sri Lanka is still the best-preserved and best example for the fortified city in Asia which portraits the mix of European architectural styles and South Asian traditions. In 1988, UNESCO declared Galle Dutch Fort as a World Heritage under the name of Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications.

Galle Fort – Sri Lanka on Google Maps

The old outer gate of the Galle Fort – Sri Lanka can be reached, entering the Fort from the road parallel to the beach. The significant feature seen on this massive gate is a plaque carved with the Royal Emblem of Ireland dating back to the period of King George III of England placed after the capturing of Galle by the British. British Crown is held by a lion from its right side and by a unicorn from the left side is displayed on this plaque. The motto of the British Emperor, (Dieu et Mon Droit) meaning â€˜GODâ€™S and MY DOMAINâ€™ is marked on a strip at the plaque. The Coat-of-Arms of the VOC fixed here was removed and placed above the inner archway. The old gate with this plaque is a reminder of the historical event taking over the administration of the Fort by the British from the Dutch in 1796.

During the period of Portuguese around 1620, they had built a palisade facing the rampart in front of the Gate. But after the arrival of the Dutch, the entrance was changed and made it to a part of a huge warehouse connecting to the rampart. Emblem of the Dutch East India Company can be noticed above the main entrance passing through the warehouse. Here the name â€œDutch East India Companyâ€ is represented by the monogram of the VOC. The rooster upon a rock in the picture on top reminds the legend of the discovery of Galle by the Portuguese. At the bottom of the plaque shows the date of the completion of the gate: 1669 AD. This emblem which was formerly at the front face of the Main Gate was fitted upon the inner face by the British.

Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum in Galle which was established in the year 1992 functions under the Department of National Museums. This museum displays exhibits about the Sri Lankan culture connected with the sea and all the living beings in the marine environment, ranging from tiny single-cell life forms to the largest living being, the blue whale. It displays the habitats of all these beings, including mangroves, salty wetlands, sand dunes, beach, seagrass, and coral. Additionally, it presents various types of boats and water rafts used in the Sri Lankan society from ancient times and also the lifestyle of fishing villages along the coastal area through models and replicas. Due to Tsunami occurred in of 26th December 2004, this museum was almost totally destroyed, and it was renovated and re-opened for public viewing in 2009.

Maritime Archaeology Museum â€“ CCF

Maritime Archaeology Museum operated under the Central Cultural Fund is opened for the public on 4th March 2010 and is situated at the Dutch warehouse of the Galle Fort – Sri Lanka, which was built in 1671. It is the only museum that showcases the marine biological and anthropological aspects of the Southern coast of Sri Lanka. The museum is divided into seven display galleries to exhibit artifacts about the maritime archaeology and history of Sri Lanka. Most of the exhibits comprised of underwater artifacts were collected from Galle harbor following underwater expeditions carried out on the sites of the shipwrecks; The Hercules (1661) and Avondster (1659). The museum exhibits comprise objects, replicas, models, and information on panels and videos that cover a long period of the history of the country which spans from 5000 BCE to the late 19th century CE.

National Museum of Galle Fort

The former New Oriental Hotel was converted to house the National Museum in Galle which was opened for public viewing on 28th March 1986. It is a provincial museum managed by the Department of National Museums. Part of the Building was demolished in 1865 to construct the New Oriental Hotel and as a result, it is difficult to imagine how the original building looked like. The main objective of the museum to protect the social and cultural heritage unique to the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, and also provide education, knowledge, understanding, and entertainment. This museum contains three exhibition galleries; the first gallery depicts the historic Galle Fort – Sri Lanka and the cultural and social heritage of the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, the second exhibits artifacts belonging to the colonial era whereas the third displays the historical relations between China and Sri Lanka.

Governorâ€™s House Galle

Governorâ€™s house was an administrative sub-division of the Dutch known as a Commandement and the chief was the Commander who was always a European. When the British took over possession from the Dutch in 1796, the Commander’s House was converted to King’s House and later to Queen’s House. Over the years maintenance of the building became a burden to the British administration and then sold it at a public auction in 1872 to Clark Spence & co. and later to Walker Sons & co. It again changed ownership and now in the hands of another institution. Above the doorway of the building, a carving of the cock on the rock is mounted with the date 1683. This building has been subjected to numerous alterations in the past two centuries and the original structure is no longer recognizable.

The Dutch Reformed Church

Famously known as the Groote Kerk, the Dutch Reformed Church in Galle Fort – Sri Lanka was built in the year 1755 and is among the most prominent and oldest churches that are still in use on the island. It was constructed on the 4th of July 1752 under the supervision of Abraham Anthonisz. The Church was built, according to a tradition, as a thank offering to God on the birth of a daughter to the Commander of Galle: Casparus de Jong (Lord of Spanbroek) and his wife Geertruyda Adriana Le Grand. Located down Church Street, this ancient church features gables on both western and eastern walls without the tower. This Galle church was constructed on a Portuguese convent and also houses a small well-tended graveyard and crypt within its premises. The church was constructed in the Doric style of the period, similarly to the Wolvendaal Church in Colombo. It is also in the form of a cruciform, only the transepts are shorter. This church is the finest example of this style of churches in Sri Lanka with magnificent gables suitable for a Protestant place of worship.

Churchyard and Tombstones

A churchyard is a holy place where burials took place, and it represents the practice of laying a memorial tablet in the churchyard in memory of the deceased. High-ranking distinguished persons got priority to have their burials closer to the church and the rest received a place within the courtyard. Hardly any natives enjoyed this privilege. The text of the majority of tombstones is in Dutch, composed in a set pattern framed with decorated designs together with the heraldry of the deceased. The hourglass, skull, and crossbones symbolizing the uncertainty of life is the common symbol that can be noticed on almost every tombstone. Underneath the floor covering the whole area of the head of the cross is the burial vault of the church. Here too it was a privilege to have the remains placed in the vault after paying a high fee. The vault is now closed and the last burial that took place in this vault was in 1863.

Anglican Church

The Anglican Church or All Saint’s Church located right across the Commander’s residence was consecrated during the British regime on 21st February 1871 and still holds services today. It is believed that the church was constructed on the site of a former Magistrate’s Court House which existed in the place. This magnificent edifice was designed by Sri Lanka’s most famous architect of the 19th century, James G. Smither. It was built on a basilican plan in a Victorian Gothic Revival style of architecture, modified to suit local climatic conditions. The plan of the Church is cruciform adamantly supported on stone columns and arches carved beautifully in timber. Masonry arches built-in local kabuk and lime mortar. The heavy pews, with carvings of the Jewish Star of David, and the sanctuary are all made from Burmese teak.

Sun Bastion

The main defense works with three bastions on the landside were completed by the Portuguese in 1620 and the one to the south was named after the Roman Catholic Saint, Sao Iago (St. James). Since the Portuguese then had the power in the sea, they were rather cautious about native attacks and expected more protection from the landside than from the seaside. When the Dutch conquered, it was reconstructed and renamed it Sun Bastion on 4th August 1667 by Hester de Solemne, the fiancÃ© of Governor Rijcklof van Goens by firing the cannons stationed here. In 1697, the base of the bastion was further strengthened. By about 1760, there were about 15 canons installed on this bastion. It gives a beautiful view facing south overlooking the natural harbor and Rumassala range of mountains.

Moon Bastion

The central-northern bastion of Galle Fort in Sri Lanka is called the Moon Bastion. The Portuguese had named this bastion as Conceycao, which meant â€œthe pure conception.â€ The Dutch originally identified it as the Middle Point. The seriously damaged bastion due to the war was reconstructed and renamed in 1667 as the Moon Bastion by Hester de Solemne, referred to in connection with the Sun Bastion. This was the strongest and the largest bastion out of three facing the mainland. By 1760 this bastion was mounted with nineteen cannons. Passing the drawbridge was the Main Gateway from landside which was fixed to this Bastion. On the top of the rampart was a broad path between Sun and the Star Bastion where soldiers might have marched to observe any possible danger up and down from the land.

Star Bastion

Star bastion which is at the northern end was named by the Portuguese as Sao Antonio (St. Anthonyâ€™s). The Dutch first named it the Zee Punt (Sea Bastion). In 1667, it was named Star Bastion by the wife of Commander Adriaan Roothaas. On this occasion, the first cannon was fired by the daughter of the Dutch Commander to mark the occasion. By the year 1760, there were about 6 canons installed on this bastion.

The lighthouse, painted white, was located on the southwest bastion, Utrtecht Bastion, of Galle fort on the western side of Galle Harbor giving it full view of any ships entering Galle Harbour. This was constructed in place of the iron structure formerly fixed at the Flag Rock built in 1848 and burnt down in 1939. The present lighthouse was completed in 1940. The lantern is fixed 92 feet above the water level of the sea and it is built approximately 6 meters (20 ft) above the road level on the ramparts. The original light was furnished with a glass prism lens floating in a bath of mercury (to reduce friction) and was powered by a weight-driven machine.

Hospital Building

The Old Galle Dutch Hospital is one of the oldest buildings in the Galle Fort area dating back to the Dutch colonial era and it has been used for several different purposes, over the years. The hospital was constructed on the site between the Black Fort and Aurora bastion. The Dutch established the Galle hospital to look after the health of the officers and other staff serving under the Dutch East India Company. In 1850, the British used this building first for the office of the Collector of Galle and subsequently the Galle Kachcheri or the Office of the Government Agent of the Southern Province. It is remarkable to note that experiments were conducted against Smallpox in this building as this deadly disease was spreading widely in the vicinity of Galle before smallpox vaccination in Europe was invented. In 2014, the building was converted into a shopping and dining precinct, with the historic architecture having been preserved. The building reflects seventeenth-century Dutch colonial architecture. As many Dutch buildings of the era, the walls are 50 cm (20 in) thick. The structure features massive teak beams. The upper floor can be reached with a wooden staircase. The upper story has a wooden floor. Long open verandas run along the length of each wing of the building.

The Roman-Dutch law was introduced by the VOC to their newly acquired territories in the East including Sri Lanka. Consequently, it became the law of the maritime districts of Sri Lanka in 1656. It was adopted and continued during British times and has become the Common Law of Sri Lanka. The Councils of Justice functioning in the three judicial districts of Colombo, Jaffna, and Galle, each consisted of seven members, appointed by the Governor from the officers of the Company serving in Sri Lanka. The Commandeur of Galle simultaneously exercised the civil and judicial powers. In the 18th century, there was a small building used for the Council of Justice, and the present building was constructed for the purpose just after independence in 1948. It is also known as Court Square since it is in front of Galle’s Magistrates Court Building. It has four white columns in each corner which support a pyramidal clay tile roof in the old colonial Dutch style.

Galle Fort Ambalama

The Galle Fort Ambalama is situated within the open space of Courthouse square at the far end of the Galle Fort. It is a simple structure made up of brick and mortar with four pillars holding its roof. The Ambalama stands on a raised platform but does not have any side walls common among the other brick and mortar ambalamas found elsewhere. The building of the Ambalama was renovated in 2008.

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The fort that stands proudly above Galle has become an icon for the South of Sri Lanka, while also serving as a stark reminder of the country’s rich colonial past. The fort is, in fact, a world heritage site and the largest remaining fortress built in Asia by the Europeans. For anyone touring the south, the fort serves as an excellent landmark and central location which connects a number of interesting destinations and attractions to each other.

Though commonly it is referred to as the Dutch fort in Galle, the structure was originally built by the Portuguese back in 1588. Once the Dutch expelled the Portuguese from Sri Lanka’s coast, they set about fortifying it extensively. Now, over 400 years after its construction, the fort still maintains a polished and regal appearance thanks in large part to the extensive renovation works that have been constantly implemented by the Sri Lankan government.

The Galle Fort contains both Portuguese and Dutch buildings within it, and as such reflective of the relationship, Sri Lanka had with the colonial powers. The architecture on display here harkens back to a bygone age when Sri Lanka was ruled by the great powers of Europe. Due to its historical importance, the government of the Netherlands has worked hand-in-hand with Sri Lanka’s to ensure the continued preservation of this site. For example, the two governments collaborated to open the National Maritime Museum in Galle near the gates of the fort. This establishment showcased various artefacts recovered from the surrounding area that belonged to the colonial period. In 2014, the Old Dutch Hospital – one of the oldest building found inside the fort – was renovated and reopened as a dining and shopping complex.

There are quite a few heritage monuments and important landmarks situated in and around the fort. The most notable of these being the Dutch Reformed Church – first established in 1707. There is also the Dutch government house which was once the residence of the reigning commander and the Great War house where military exploits were once planned. All of these and more can be visited and admired during your trip to the fort.

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6°1'48.15''n 80°12'57''e, ගාල්ල කොටුව.

Galle Fort (Sinhala: ගාලු කොටුව Galu Kotuwa; Tamil: காலிக் கோட்டை, romanized: Kālik Kōṭṭai), in the Bay of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards. It is a historical, archaeological and architectural heritage monument, which even after more than 432 years maintains a polished appearance, due to extensive reconstruction work done by Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka.

The fort has a colourful history, and today has a multi-ethnic and multi-religious population. The Sri Lankan government and many Dutch people who still own some of the properties inside the fort are looking at making this one of the modern wonders of the world. The heritage value of the fort has been recognized by the UNESCO and the site has been inscribed as a cultural heritage UNESCO World Heritage Site under criteria iv, 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." The Galle Fort, also known as the Dutch Fort or the "Ramparts of Galle", withstood the Boxing Day tsunami which damaged part of coastal area Galle town. It has been since restored.

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References & External Links

Wikipedia - Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 3.0 Unported License (CC-BY-SA)

"Galle and Galle Fort" . Discover Sri Lanka. Archived

Tatler Asia

A guide to galle, sri lanka’s magnificent fort city.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a living, breathing museum

A Sri Lankan spread (Photo: Courtesy of the Amangalla)

If you’re taking a trip to Sri Lanka , there’s every chance you’re planning to visit the fabled tea fields or palm-lined southern beaches. You’d be sorely remiss, however, to bypass the spectacular, UNESCO World Heritage-listed fort city of Galle.

A two hour drive south of Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital city, this former colonial outpost is a living, breathing museum. Built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, embellished further by Dutch occupiers in the 18th, and taken over by the British in 1796, the port was a hub for the trade of spices, gems, ivory and other exotic materials.

See also: Khmer Cuisine And Temple Hopping In Siem Reap

Today, Galle is a melting pot of cultures and religions, evidenced in its food, architecture and local community. Thankfully, its moss-dappled stone ramparts saved the city’s historic monuments and picturesque streets from the devastation experienced by neighbouring villages when the Boxing Day Tsunami struck in 2004.

Where to stay

Amangalla’s Dutch colonial charm (Photo: Courtesy of Amangalla)

Look no further than Amangalla . History, privacy and luxury fuse in this sanctuary. Originally constructed by the Dutch as the headquarters for commanders and their staff, the building dates back to 1684 and has been operating as a hotel since 1865.

The minimalist décor stays true to the property’s Dutch roots, with high ceilings, tones of slate, eggshell and navy, cane furniture and big arched windows. It will be difficult to tear yourself away from the tourmaline green pool, where waiters ply you with fresh coconuts as you recline on soporific day beds.

Forget a concierge—a personal butler caters to your every need, from guiding you on walking tours of the town, to recommending and making reservations at local restaurants. Don’t miss a sunset drink on the hotel’s top floor, which boasts unparalleled views over the church steeples and centuries-old tiled rooves to the ocean beyond.

Amangalla, 10 Church Street, Fort, Galle, Sri Lanka, +94 91 223 3388, aman.com

What to see

View of Galle from the ramparts_rock.jpg

The Dutch Spice Warehouse (Photo: Courtesy of Madeleine Ross)

A sunset walk around the fort’s ramparts is a must—not just because the setting Sri Lankan sun is dreamy, but also because any other time of day, bar dawn, is too hot.

Begin at the saffron-coloured 17th century Dutch spice warehouse on Queen’s Street. This spectacular building is now a maritime museum and worth a visit if you’re interested in learning more about Galle’s history as a trade port.

From there, wind your way through Court Square, admiring the handsome white colonial Magistrates' Court and the former Dutch Hospital, which now houses boutiques and restaurants. Climb up Pedlar Street and find yourself high up on the walls. Hug the ramparts, with the Laccadive Sea to your left and the historic buildings of Galle fort to your right.

The walk is punctuated by landmarks: the Galle Lighthouse, the blindingly white Meera Mosque built in 1904, and Shri Sudarmalaya Buddhist Temple, which is built on the site of a Portuguese Roman Catholic Church.

The Dutch Reformed Church (Photo: Courtesy of Madeleine Ross)

This sunset stroll also provides a fascinating insight into Galle’s diverse local community, made up of Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Sinhalese and Tamils, all of whom flock to the ramparts for picnics, games, swimming and cliff jumping when the heat of the day subsides.

Other unmissable architectural highlights are the Dutch Reformed Church and its belfry, which neighbours the Amangalla hotel. The All Saints Church, also on Church Street, is worth a visit too, as is the old Post Office.

The streets are littered with quaint, perfectly preserved terrace houses and shops, and so a casual wander will yield numerous discoveries. Don’t miss the marvel of Deco on Forty Four , a 1930s building constructed by a wealthy gem merchant. We can’t vouch for the rooms or the food, but the architecture alone is worth a trip.

Where to eat

Local delicacies at Poonie's Kitchen (Photo: Courtesy of Madeleine Ross)

Poonie’s Kitchen is located in the whimsical courtyard of clothing boutique Mimimango, and decked out in shades of aqua and pink. This casual café serves technicolour plates of salad thali, squash fritters with beetroot relish and an out-of-this-world prawn, pumpkin and coconut soup. Lunch only.

In the evening, sit around the pool of charming boutique hotel The Fort Printers for a peaceful, candle-lit meal. Avoid the Mediterranean fare, which is predictably inauthentic, and opt for one of the Sri Lankan curries—preferably lobster or prawn.

Don't miss the built-for-Instagram Church Street Social . Located in the new Fort Bazaar boutique hotel, this charming café lures the blogger crowd with its white walls, sage floor tiles and minimalist Moorish décor. Come for iced coffee, coconuts and afternoon tea, or stay for something more substantial. The black pork curry is a winner, as are staples like the beef burger and the pepper cuttlefish.

Poonie's Kitchen, 63 Pedlar St, Galle, Sri Lanka, +94 91 2 244030, facebook.com The Fort's Printers, 39 Pedlar St, Galle, Sri Lanka, +94 91 2 247977, thefortprinters.com Church Street Social, 26 Church Street, Galle, Sri Lanka, +94 77 007 2597, teardrop-hotels.com

Where to drink

Sunset drinks at Amangalla (Photo: Courtesy of the Amangalla)

Be transported back to the 1800s in Amangalla Terrace , the outdoor dining room of the historic hotel, with its antique silverware, period furniture and tiled floors. Whether you opt for Sri-Lankan fare or Western classics, there is no going wrong. Service is excellent. Be sure to savour a gin and tonic for the full experience.

It’s also worth grabbing a pre-dinner cocktail or two on the terrace of the historic Galle Fort Hotel . They make a mean passionfruit caipirinha.

Amangalla, 10 Church Street, Fort, Galle, Sri Lanka, +94 91 223 3388, aman.com Galle Fort Hotel, 28 Church St, Galle, Sri Lanka, +94 91 2 232870, galleforthotel.com

Where to shop

Buy your postcards at Stick No Bills (Photo: Courtesy of Madeleine Ross)

Mimimango is the ticket for chic, hand-beaded silk and cotton kaftans, dresses and sleepwear, as well as funky clutches and scarves. The products are refined, beautiful and have prices to match. At Stick No Bills , lovers of vintage posters will swoon over prints of retro ads for Ceylon and its exotic lures.

For gifts and home wares, pop inside Barefoot and KK Collection , while for Sri Lankan sapphires, garnets and silver jewellery, visit M.M. Ibrahim , Laksana or Pedlars Inn Jewellery .

Stick No Bills, 35 Church St, Galle, Sri Lanka, +94 91 2 242504, sticknobillsonline.com Mimimango, 63 Pedlar St, Galle Fort, Sri Lanka, +94 91 2 242702, joedenmimimango.com

Where to re-energise

The Amangalla's outdoor pool terrace (Photo: Courtesy of Madeleine Ross)

If you’re staying at the Amangalla, join the daily 9am yoga classes in the outdoor pavilion. These are challenging, so prepare to sweat.

After a shower, some breakfast and a dip in the pool, head to The Baths spa located in the hotel for a range of restorative Ayurvedic treatments, such as reflexology, body scrubs and massages. The classic massage treatment includes a rather liberal stomach massage, which might make some guests uncomfortable particularly if given a male therapist, so be sure to ask your therapist to clarify the extent of the treatment before it gets underway to avoid any awkward moments.

Where to take a day trip

Photo: Courtesy of Talpe Beach Club

If the fort gets claustrophobic (we doubt it will, but just in case) venture to one of the numerous beaches and restaurants nearby. Talpe Beach Club is the perfect spot to watch the waves roll in, cocktail in hand.

Alternatively, The Owl and the Pussycat , a relatively new hotel also in Talpe, serves a mean Sri-Lankan curry and an authentic Italian crab linguini. The latter is a great base for a night or two if you want to explore surrounding beaches, visit turtle hatcheries or go whale watching.

Unawatuna Beach is a 15-minute car trip from Galle fort, and although some say its beauty was marred significantly by the 2004 tsunami, it’s still a worthwhile sojourn. Have a meal at Kahanda Kanda , located in the paddy fields. The hotel uses fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs grown on the estate.

Talpe Beach Restaurant & Bar, Matara Road, 1042 Talpe Galle, Sri Lanka, +94 91 228 2647, talpebeach.com The Owl and the Pussycat, 788, Matara Road, Thalpe, Galle, Sri Lanka, Talpe, Sri Lanka, +94 91 2 283844, otphotel.com Kahanda Kanda, Angulugaha, Galle, Sri Lanka, +94 91 494 3700, kahandakanda.com

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Going To Sri Lanka? Visit Galle Fort, The Largest Remaining Colonial European Fort In Asia

Galle Fort is one of the largest and oldest forts of its kind and is one of the top attractions of visiting Sri Lanka.

Galle Fort in Sri Lanka is one of the largest and oldest European-era forts in South and Southeast Asia, built by the Portuguese in 1588 and later fortified by the Dutch before British occupation.
Galle, a busy port since ancient times, had a long colonial history with Portuguese, Dutch, and British dominance, shaping its architectural heritage and importance.
Today, Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing the interaction between European architecture and South Asian traditions, with guided tours and a mix of cultural influences in Galle City.

The large Galle Fort in Sri Lanka is one of the largest and oldest European-era forts in South and Southeast Asia. The Galle Fort was first built by the Portuguese in 1588 (the same year as the Spanish Armada sailed against England). It was later extensively fortified by the Dutch before the British took over the island.

Sri Lanka is famous for its tropical beaches and timeless landscapes, and there are many reasons to visit Sri Lanka . The tropical island of Sri Lanka is a memorable place to visit with ancient attractions and natural wonders galore. Start at the Galle Fort in Sri Lanka.

The Long Colonial History Of Galle Fort In Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka achieved independence in 1948 from the British. But before the British, the Portuguese and the Dutch had established forts and dominated some of the coastal parts of the country (although they never fully controlled the interior of the country).

Galle Fort dates from the earliest times of European colonialism in the region. The fort was first built by the Portuguese in around 1588, before the first successful English settlement in the United States (Jamestown in 1607).

First Built: Approx. 1588
Expanded: 17th century (after 1649)

Sri Lanka's port of Galle was first recorded on an ancient Greco-Roman map by Claudius Ptolemy on his world map between 125 and 150 AD. Even back in those times, Galle was a busy port that traded with ancient Greece, Arab countries, China, and other places.

Portuguese Period: Early 16th century to mid-17th century
Dutch Period: mid-17th century to 1796
British Period: 1796 to 1948

The Portuguese first landed there in 1505. They started to fortify the fort but then moved to Colombo (today the capital and largest city of Sri Lanka). But after the Sinhalese attacks on the Portuguese there, they returned to Galle.

The Dutch, with a force of around 2,500 men, managed to capture Galle Fort in the mid-17th century (during this period, the Dutch and Portuguese were colonial rivals across Asia, Africa, and the Americas). Many of the buildings seen at Galle Fort today date from the Dutch period.

The Dutch period came to an end in 1796 when the British took over the fort. The British extended their control and took over the interior of the island in 1815 (see Kandy - the historic capital of Sri Lanka in the center of the country ) and then ruled Sri Lanka until its independence in 1948.

The British developed Colombo as the main capital and port of Sri Lanka and so Galle's importance declined. The fort had an epilogue in World War Two when fortifications were built and installed to defend the fort against the Japanese.

Related: It Takes Less Than An Hour To Hike To Sigiriya, And It’s Worth It

Galle Fort & Galle City Are Unique Attractions In Sri Lanka

Today Galle Fort is one of the great historical and architectural heritage monuments in Sri Lanka. Thanks to extensive reconstruction over the years, the over-430-year-old monument remains in a great state of repair.

Galle Fort is now UNESCO World Heritage Listed for being "an urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries."

Galle is considered the best example of a European-colonial fortified city in South and Southeast Asia. It shows interactions between European architectural styles and South Asian traditions.

Fortifications Walls: Mostly Date From 1663
Sea Walls: Completed 1729

Galle is a developed tourist destination with beaches, historic monuments, and plenty of guided tours available. Galle City itself is a small city of around 112,000 inhabitants that developed around the fort. The inhabitants are a mix of descendants of Sinhalese, Moors, Dutch, English, German, and Portuguese who arrived there.

Related: 10 Adventure Activities To Try When Exploring Sri Lanka

What To Know About Visiting Galle & Sri Lanka

Since 2012, Galle has been connected by Highway A2 from Colombo (enabling visitors to avoid traffic jams and slow roads).

Visitors should take the time to explore the visitor center and the Dutch museum in the fort. See 13 bastions made out of coral and granite stones spacing an area of 130 acres.

Admission Fee: Free
Opening Hours: Always Open

It takes around two hours to explore all of Galle Fort (although visitors can spend all day there). There are plenty of gift shops, restaurants, and cafes in the historic buildings of the Fort.

Sri Lanka is easy to visit. All visitors need to get an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in advance and then get a visa on arrival when entering Sri Lanka. The visa is valid for 30 days and can be extended for up to 180 days.

Visa Policy: ETA & Visa On Arrival

There are many other excellent colonial cities and forts to explore around the world. St Augustine, Florida is the oldest city in what is now the United States ; it was founded by the Spanish in 1565. Salvador de Bahia is the oldest city in Brazil and is noted for its excellent colonial architecture.

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Exploring Sri Lanka

Dutch Fort of Galle (ගාල්ල කොටුව)

Old entrance of the Galle Fort dated 1668 seen from inside the fort

The pride of a nation and the country in the eyes of the world is enhanced by its civilization, its culture and its natural beauties. Endowed with these qualifications with a 2500 year old history supported by ancient archaeological treasures, Sri Lanka is rated as a biodiversity hot-spot of the world.

The historical importance of the Galle Fort is unchallenged. The origins of Galle though lost in antiquity still survive through artifacts which confirm its existence in pre-Christian and Roman eras. Through the medieval ages, the Galle Fort emerged as Ceylon’s major southern international port attracting Chinese, Indian, Indonesian, Persian, Roman and Arab traders.

The Galle Dutch Fort is a rare historical jewel protected by dark, thick stone walls – with the endless ocean on one side. The roads inside the Galle Fort have hardly changed, like the squares on a chess board crisscrossing in regular patches. Straight and narrow lanes branch in and out inviting the visitor to a delightful walk into the 17th century.

Today’s Peddler Street was called “Moorse Kramerstraat” by the Dutch, Lighthouse Street was “Zeeburgstraat and Middelpuntstraat”, Hospital Street as `Nieuwe Lijnbaanstraat and Lijnbaanstraat (New Ropewalk Street), Old Ropewalk Street as Oude Lijnbaanstraat (Old Rope-Walk Street), Church Street as Kerkstraat, Parrawa Street as “Parruasstraat” and Chiando Street as “Chiandostraat”. Through this memory walk, one would however miss the 17th-century familiar vendors who traded in cinnamon, lace, elephants, tortoise and turtle shell ornaments besides the famous down south sweetmeats like “Bondi Aluwa” hanging in garlands from the shoulders of vendors.

In 1505 a group of Portuguese sailors led by Don Lorenzo de Almeida arrived on the island and they built the first fortification in Galle on a cliff, jutting out into the sea. It was called the Swart Bastion or the Black Fort in 1520. Later it was fortified and enlarged by the Dutch in 1667.

14 bastions have been identified on the fort today.

Sun Bastion

It is recorded that by about 1620 this deference bastion was very strongly built by the Portuguese. It was named Sao Iago .

On 4 th August 1667 it was renamed by the Dutch as the Zon (Sun) Bastion . On this occasion, the first canon shots fired as a guard of honour from this bastion were in honour of the fiancé of the Dutch Governor Hester D. Solomin Razikloff Van Govassas.

In 1697 the base of the bastion was further strengthened. By about 1760, there were about 15 canons installed on this bastion.

Moon Bastion

The Portuguese had named this bastion as Conceycao , which meant “the pure conception.” The Dutch originally identified as the Middle Point . In 1667 it was officially named as Mark or the Moon Bastion .

By 1760 there were 19 canons installed on this bastion. The main entrance to the fort lies between the Sun Bastion and the Moon Bastion. This entrance was made by the British by carving out the rampart.

Star Bastion

This bastion was named by the Portuguese as Sao Antonio (St. Anthony’s) . The Dutch first named it the Zee Punt (Sea Bastion) . In 1667 it was officially named by them as the Star Bastion . After it was renamed, the first canon shot was fired by the daughter of the then Dutch Commander of Galle Adrian Ruthas.

There were about 6 canons installed on this bastion.

Aeolus Bastion

To defend the western approaches to Galle Fort the Dutch built a long rampart wall linked by four gun platform bastions between the Sun Bastion in the northwest corner of the fort and Flag Rock in the southwest corner. All these bastions are open to the public and ideal locations for enjoying the sunset over the sea.

Aeolus means the sea breeze. It is believed that it was so named because the Dutch Naval Commander’s official residence was located here and due to the importance of wind for ships.

Clippenburg Bastion

Neptune bastion.

This is a minor bastion on the western ramparts of the fort. During the Dutch period, it had been named Neptune’s Bastion. In British period maps it is marked as Neptune Bastion. This bastion was occupied by flag staff and a signalling station during World War II.

Triton Bastion

Another minor bastion is seen on the exploratory map of Galle Fort which was drawn by chief engineer Reimer in 1790. It is recorded that there was a windmill erected here to draw water which filled tanks with sea water to supply carts which went through the roads of the fort spraying sea water to keep the town dust-free and cool.

Flagrock Bastion

This bastion lies at the southernmost end of the fort and has also been known as Visser’s Hoek and Viaggeklip Bastion in the past. According to J.W. Heide, the Dutch flag had been hoisted here by 1733.

In Gems Cordine’s book Description of Ceylon , it is stated that in 1796 the British flag was hoisted here.

In 1848 the first lighthouse in the island of Sri Lanka had been constructed here. The light had been powered by kerosene oil and gas. It had been destroyed by fire around 1930.

Today this is one of the most popular places for tourists to catch the sun sinking beneath the sea over the horizon and during the daytime, you can find a group of local daredevil group jumping off the bastion in the rocky waters below for entertainment of the tourists.

Point Utrecht Bastion

It has been named after the hometown of the first clergyman of the Dutch Reformed Church who arrived in Galle in 1641, namely, the Rev.Anhenrio Husaivers. By 1760, it had 6 canons installed.

After the first lighthouse on the Flagrock Bastion was destroyed by fire, the new lighthouse which is 92 feet high was erected here in 1939. Bunkers had been built around the lighthouse during the Second World War. They were removed some time ago.

Near the lighthouse, there is a flight of steps leading to the beach where there is a bathing spot. During the British period, it was used as the Ladies’ Bathing Place.

There is a gunpowder magazine close to this bastion which bears a Dutch inscription from 1782, facing the road.

Aurora Bastion

This bastion is named after the Roman God Aurora. It is believed that it was so named because it is the point in Galle Fort from which one could get the best view of sunrise.

By 1760, 6 canons had been installed here.

Akersloot Bastion

This bastion has been named after the hometown of Commander Wilhelm Jacobs Coster who led the Dutch conquest of Galle Fort. This is located next to the old Dutch hospital building. It is said that it was once used during the Dutch period for postmortem examinations. It has the inscription “Akersloot 1759” although in fact it was erected earlier.

It is an excellent vantage point for the observation of the Galle harbour and bay. From the British period onwards, it has been used as the official residence of the Harbour Master. It is believed that there were 7 canons installed here to protect the bay from invading vessels.

Another interesting feature of this bastion is the old breadfruit (Artucarpus incisisus) tree found here which is believed to be the first breadfruit tree planted by the Dutch on the island of Sri Lanka.

Zwart Bastion (Black Fort)

The Black Fort of Galle, Sri Lanka also called Santa Cruz or Zwart Fort (Zwart Bastian)

This is believed to be the original fort of the Portuguese thus the oldest section of the fort. This has been restored and is open to the public.

See here for details of the Black Fort.

Commandment Bastion

This is marked in Reimer’s map of Galle Fort (1790). It is believed that was named due to its proximity to the Dutch Commander’s official residence

Fishmark Bastion

his is also found in Reimer’s map of Galle Fort (1790). It is believed that it was named Fishmark because fishing craft could be well observed from here.

Ancient monuments within this historical complex included the Lighthouse, the clock tower, the first Dutch Reformed and Anglican churches, the Meera Mosque, the Buddhist Temple, and the Commander’s Residence. Worthy of mention is the Dutch Reformed Church with its baroque facade and the usual double scroll mouldings on its gables which testify to indigenous influence. The military architecture of the Fort is European in design. The unique Galle Fort is still the best preserved fortified city in South Asia.

The fortification of the Galle Fort as a seat of administration was seen during the Portuguese, Dutch and British periods. The neglect of the Fort began after 1948 with vandalism being prevalent.

Considering its importance as an outstanding architectural and archaeological monument in Asia during the colonial period and to prevent its further degradation the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the International Committee on Monuments and Sites (COSMOS) registered Galle Fort as a World Heritage Site. Subsequently, the Government of Sri Lanka enacted legislation under the Galle Heritage Foundation Act No. 7 of 1991 for the conservation and management of the Galle Fort and its environs.

Since then the Galle Public Awareness Programme was launched with assistance from the Netherlands Government in association with the Departments of Archaeology and Museums, the Ceylon Tourist Board and the Amsterdam and the Netherlands Departments of Conservation. A Maritime Museum was opened on March 28 1999.

After government the withdrew restrictions on land ownership by non citizen a large number of heritage buildings within the Galle Fort were grabbed by foreigners and has been converted into eateries, pubs and hotels. Some have blamed these overseas owners have carried out changes to buildings within this world heritage city violating provisions of the Antiquities Act and of bribery to government officials to look away.

The Galle Fort World Heritage Protection Society (GFWHPS) too has appealed to the made an appeal to Government urging their immediate attention to protect our World Heritage Sites. They allege that foreigners who purchase sites within the Galle Fort have contravened the Antiquities Act which is a non-bailable offense.

The wall of the Galle Fort on the North Eastern side seen from outside.

Ancient Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka
Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity

Map of Galle Fort

The map above also shows other places of interest within a approximately 20 km radius of the current site. Click on any of the markers and the info box to take you to information of these sites

Zoom out the map to see more surrounding locations using the mouse scroll wheel or map controls.

Driving Directions to Galle Fort

Travel time from Colombo to Galle is approx 1.5 to 2 hours if the new Southern highway is used. For a picturesque drive, you can take the A2 route along the coastline. This trip would take 2.5-3 hours from Colombo. The best time to visit the fort is in the evening.

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7 incredible things to do in galle fort, sri lanka's colonial fortress.

Colonial grandeur, an inviting tropical vibe, and as authentic as can be, that’s Galle Fort in a nutshell. Here’s my traveller’s guide to Galle Fort, featuring what to see and do, where to stay, and where to eat – plus insightful travel tips.

The number of travellers that visit Galle has increased rapidly in the last few years, and I can easily understand why.

Colonial grandeur, an inviting tropical vibe, and as authentic as can be, the historic Dutch fortress in Galle, simply can’t be missed in your Sri Lanka itinerary .

Constructed by the Dutch in 1663, Galle Fort was once of significant importance, when it functioned as Sri Lanka’s leading trading port throughout the Dutch Golden Age.

The charm that characterizes the fort area today, is realized by decayed colonial buildings, lively, cobblestone laneways, and trendy contemporary cafés.

Galle Fort is home to a bunch of breathtaking things to see and do; the famous Galle Lighthouse, Dutch Reformed Church, its incredible interior, and many boutiques that are found throughout Pedlar Street.

To me, it is no surprise that the scenic Galle Fort has been acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage site, as it continues to amaze travellers with its rich and captivating history.

Whether you plan to visit on a day trip, or keen to stay a couple of days exploring every inch of the fortress, this guide covers everything you need to make the most of your time in Galle Fort.

7 INCREDIBLE THINGS TO DO IN GALLE FORT, SRI LANKA

1 | follow the ‘fort walk’ and overlook the galle fort interior.

There are plenty of reasons to follow the popular ‘Fort Walk’, but what fascinated me most, was the incredible view you’ll get when you walk atop of the outer ramparts of the fort.

The towering outer ramparts provide the most picturesque views over the fort’s iconic tangerine-coloured rooftops, charming interior, the infinite-looking Indian ocean, and Galle’s famous International Cricket Ground.

The 3-hour walk starts at the historical Clock Tower and brings you along all the significant landmarks within the fort; the Galle Lighthouse, Old Dutch Hospital, Meeran Mosque, and the All Saints Church, just to mention a few.

If you’re like me and plan to explore every inch of the historic Galle Fort, I’d highly recommend to do this impressive promenade first thing in the morning or late afternoon.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | The Clock Tower, Galle Fort

2 | ADMIRE THE INCREDIBLE GALLE FORT LIGHTHOUSE

Travellers have flocked to Galle Fort for years, and since the iconic Galle Lighthouse went viral on Instagram, its popularity has reached a whole new level.

Perched on the most southern ramparts of the fortress, and encircled by palms is the famous Galle Lighthouse: a picturesque structure with the shimmering Indian Ocean as its backdrop.

The historical lighthouse was first constructed by the British in 1848, yet the current construction isn’t the original version of the lighthouse.

As a consequence of an unfortunate event, the construction went up in flames in the midst of 1936, thankfully, it was successfully reconstructed in 1939.

Today, the Galle Lighthouse is undisputedly the most iconic landmark of the fortress, and thus a must-see in Galle Fort.

Where | Galle Lighthouse

3 | ROAM THROUGH THE NARROW LANEWAYS OF GALLE FORT

Galle Fort has no shortage of breathtaking colonial buildings, and wandering through its narrow, cobblestone laneways is unquestionably one of the best things to do in Galle.

The charm that defines Galle Fort, is the fact that these crumbling, colonial buildings result in a completely different atmosphere than elsewhere in Sri Lanka.

Everywhere you look, colonial buildings define the fort’s captivating and VOC-like character, it is, therefore, no surprise that Galle Fort was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Some of the most fascinating landmarks in Galle Fort are:

Old Dutch Hospital | What was once established as a hospital, has now been developed into a thriving shopping and dining area. The Dutch Hospital was built in the 17th century and is considered one of the oldest buildings in Galle Fort.

The Dutch Reformed Church | One of the oldest Protestant churches in Sri Lanka, dating back as far as 1755. If it wasn’t for the Fort’s robust ramparts, the church would have been wrecked by the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami.

Meeran Mosque | Facing Galle lighthouse, the Meeran Mosque is a mesmerizing piece of architecture, combining baroque, British Victorian, and Islamic detailing. Was built in 1904, to serve Galle’s local Muslim community.

All Saints Church | An impressive Anglican church that was built in Victorian Gothic Revival style. The church’s most striking feature is its incredibly, detailed stained-glass windows. The All Saints Church dates back as far as 1868.

All Saints Church | Things to do in Galle

4 | HAVE AN UPLIFTING CHAT WITH THE GALLE FORT LOCALS

Clearly, the best way to get a feel for Sri Lanka is by simply having a chat with its local people. Not to mention the captivating stories you might hear – it’s sincerely a great opportunity to learn about the country’s rich culture and history.

One of the goals I’d set for my trip through Sri Lanka was to create meaningful interactions with the locals while documenting portraits in the most genuine way.

Being brave enough to have a sincere conversation, or asking someone’s portrait is rather challenging at times, especially given the language barrier.

But if one thing is for sure, it is the fact that Galle Fort is one of the best places to chitchat with Sri Lanka’s people – who are arguably one of the friendliest in the world.

Don’t be shy, and make sure you start a conversation, it’s one of the best experiences in Sri Lanka.

5 | SHOP ON PEDLAR STREET, GALLE FORT

Whether you’re after a unique souvenir, beautifully produced handicrafts, or natural health & beauty products that are based on the healing rituals of Ayurveda, Galle Fort is where you want to be in terms of shopping in Sri Lanka.

Pedlar Street in specific, has no shortage of fascinating stores, such as art galleries, handicraft stores, spas, boutiques, and gem stores. If, like me, you appreciate arts and crafts, roaming around Pedlar Street to admire the craftsmanship is one of the best things to do in Galle.

But don’t expect to find a bargain, Galle Fort is one of the most popular places in Sri Lanka, which inevitably means that you won’t get the best price.

Some stores I enjoyed visiting are:

Barefoot | An iconic shop that houses an exceptional atmosphere. Barefoot sells a wide selection of traditional artisan handicrafts, including fabrics, linen, clothes, and gifts.

Stick no bills | Widely known for its retro ‘Ceylon’ poster art, and one of my favourite stores in Galle Fort. Stick no bills makes a great store to buy yourself or a loved one a souvenir.

Orchid House | An inviting boutique that is all about hospitality. Orchid House is specialized in gemstones, spices & tea, and also sells a broad variety of handicrafts.

Where | Pedlar Street, Galle Fort

6 | WATCH SUNSET FROM THE GALLE FORT WALLS

After an active day exploring everything Galle Fort has to offer, it’s time to venture for the fort’s walls to watch a glorious sunset reflect upon the shimmering Indian ocean.

Every day around sunset, locals and travellers alike flock to the fort’s walls, which turns it into a cheerful happening.

The atmosphere here is extremely energetic; kids are playing all sorts of games, kites are floating high in the coloured sky, and travellers chat and relax while watching the world go by.

I highly recommend finding yourself a spot atop of the western part of the wall – ending your day here is mesmerizing and unquestionably one of the most delightful things to do in Galle Fort.

Where | Western walls of Galle Fort

7 | EXPLORE THE GALLE MARKETS

You’ll have to admit it, the atmosphere found in a local market is often unrivalled in terms of authenticity, and is perfect to become familiar with a country’s culture. This is clearly also the case within the buzzing Galle Markets.

Just outside Galle Fort, you’ll notice several authentic markets that sell a wide variety of local produce, such as delicious tropical fruits, the finest vegetables, freshly caught fish, and high-quality spices and herbs.

A stroll along the markets in Galle is excellent if you’re looking to expand your spice collection, or stock up on fruits to fuel your adventures in the fort – plus it’s the best way to experience the hustle and bustle of daily life in Sri Lanka.

Where | Galle Markets, Galle

WHERE TO EAT IN GALLE FORT | BEST RESTAURANTS IN GALLE FORT

It’s easy to find a restaurant that suits your preference when you’re surrounded by a wide variety of excellent eateries.

I truly believe that some of Sri Lanka’s most unique restaurants are found within the ramparts of the lively Galle Fort – there’s just something magical about the colonial ambience within the fortress.

Some of the restaurants I enjoyed visiting are:

Chambers Restaurant | Serves the most delicious Mediterranean food, including Lebanese, Moroccan and Middle-eastern dishes. The food here is mouth-watering, but keep in mind, it’s more expensive than you’re used to in Sri Lanka.

Poonie’s Kitchen | A great café where locally sourced produce is used to make the most delicious and nourishing contemporary dishes. Best known for their Instagrammable ‘salad Thali’, a must-eat when you plan to eat at Poonie’s.

The Indian Hut | Perfect for flavourful, Indian dishes – plus it’s really affordable. Longtime readers of WTSW might remember my affection for spicy curries. If you prefer spicy food like me, I’d recommend you head over to the Indian Hut.

Coconut Sambol | Similar to its eponymous dish, Coconut Sambol is extremely yum! Clearly one of the best Sri Lankan restaurants within Galle fort. They serve an all-you-can-eat buffet, which includes several delish curries, rice, and my all-time favourite; coconut sambal. If you fancy ginger, make sure you try their homemade ginger beer.

GALLE FORT | TRAVEL ESSENTIALS AND TIPS

Where to stay in galle fort.

Galle is no stranger to excellent accommodations, both within and outside the Galle fort .

The enchanting fortress is home to an abundance of elegant hotels, many of which have a great colonial feel to them, not to mention the charming rooms and unique private courtyards they offer.

Whether you choose to stay within the Fort, or just outside, depends largely on your travel budget.

To help you experience the Galle Fort in its full potential, I made a list of my favourite accommodations, including some of the best budget-friendly options.

Bastille | Comfortable rooms with a classical design for an excellent price-quality ratio. Located right at the lively streets, which are packed with cafes, boutiques and places of interest.

The Bungalow – Galle Fort | A 17th-century bungalow that offers a unique, colonial ambience and great comfort. Located in the heart of Galle Fort.

The Heritage Hotel Galle Fort | A vintage, luxurious boutique hotel in the centre of the UNESCO world heritage site of Galle Fort. Offers spacious rooms, comfortable beds, and the staff is as friendly as it gets.

The Bartizan Galle Fort | Nestled within the charming Galle Fort – this heritage hotel provides a great mix of colonial elements and modern luxuries. Staying here is a unique and opulence experience.

Alternatively, search for accommodations in Galle Fort on booking.com .

WEATHER IN GALLE | BEST TIME TO VISIT GALLE FORT

The best time to visit Galle is from October to April, with February – April as the absolute peak months. During this period there is low rainfall and great overall temperature, which makes it pleasant to explore Galle Fort and surrounds.

Do be aware that Galle is significantly more crowded this time of year.

Galle is often considered a year-round destination, yet it is completely common to experience more rainfall during the southwest monsoon (May till September).

I personally visited Galle Fort in September and was fortunate enough to have the best of both worlds. Do keep in mind that travelling during the shoulder season doesn’t always guarantee good weather.

HOW TO GET TO GALLE FORT

The train journey along the picturesque coastline is easily the most scenic (and best) way to get to Galle, especially if you’re planning to visit after Colombo, Hikkaduwa or Mirissa (Weligama Railway Station). With a great train connection between Colombo Fort (stops in Hikkaduwa) and Galle, it’s quite straightforward, just make sure you avoid travelling during the peak hours.

From Colombo to Galle

Where | Colombo Fort Railway Station

Cost | 200 – 280 LKR, ($1.10 – 1.54)

Travel time | Around 3 hours

From Hikkaduwa to Galle

Where | Hikkaduwa Railway Station

Cost | 120 – 200 LKR, ($0.66 – 1.10)

Travel time | Around 30 minutes

From Mirissa (Weligama Railway Station) to Galle

Where | Weligama Railway Station

Cost | 110 – 160 LKR, ($0.60 – 0.88)

Travel time | Around 45 minutes

If you’re looking to visit Galle after Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna or Mirissa, I highly recommend travelling by local bus. Using local busses as your service of transport is cheap and a great way to get a feel for the country and its people.

Local bus from Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna or Mirissa

Cost | 50 – 150 LKR ($0.30 – 0.80) per person

Travel time | 0.5 – 1 hours

Direct bus from Colombo to Galle

If you’re planning to travel from Colombo, I recommend taking the train or opt for the more luxury direct bus from Colombo to Galle (with air-conditioning), which leaves from the Maharagama bus station. Keep in mind that this bus station is about 15-kilometres south of the city centre, making it quite difficult to get to during peak hours.

Where | Maharagama Bus Station

Cost | 400 LKR ($2.20) per person

Travel time | 1.5 – 2 hours, departs every 15 minutes

Local bus from Colombo to Galle

For those on a budget, it is also possible to take the local bus from Colombo to Galle. This journey takes significantly longer, making it quite an exhausting trip.

Where | Bastian Mawatha Bus Station

Cost | 100 LKR ($0.55) per person

Travel time | 3 – 3.30 hours, departs every 20 minutes

STAY SAFE IN SRI LANKA | TRAVEL INSURANCE

Though Sri Lanka is perfectly safe for travellers, I always strive to sort out my travel insurance before arriving in a foreign country, and I highly advise anyone else to do the same.

Where we prefer that everything goes smoothly during our travels, something unfortunate can happen at any moment, whether it’s an injury or an accident on the road. When that happens, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Heymondo | Whether you’re going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way – plus full covid-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy, more information here .

World Nomads | If you’re an adventure seeker, backpacker, or planning your once-in-a-lifetime world trip, make sure you check out World Nomads, they designed the perfect travel insurance to help you travel safer and smarter. Do note that they’re not covering covid-19 related claims.

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Some believe that the word 'Galle' is derived from the Dutch word 'Gallus' which means chicken. But some believe that there was a very large 'Gaala' of cattle here. 'Gaala' in Sinhala means the place where cattle are herded together. So, they believe Galle is a development from 'Gaala'. It is from Galle harbour that Portuguese led by Lorenzo de Almeida first arrived in Sri Lanka. Their arrival marked an important watershed in Sri Lanka's history because it completely changed the course of Sri Lankan history. Their arrival, however, was not a planned one. It was by mere chance that they came here as their ship was caught in a storm and it was the winds that brought their ship to Galle.

After their arrival in Sri Lanka, they befriended Dharmaparakrama Bahu, the then King of Kotte. He permitted them to build a fort and church inside. The Fort was meant for the security of the Sinhalese. But by an irony of fate, that Fort later became the prison to keep Sinhalese who opposed them.

Founded in the 16th century by the Portuguese, Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century, before the arrival of the British. It is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in South and South-East Asia, showing the interaction between European architectural styles and South Asian traditions. Galle's earliest historical existence is traced to Ptolemy's world map of 125-150 AD when it was a busy port, trading with Greece, Arab countries and China. Its mention as a "port of call of the Levant' is made in the cosmography of the Cosmas Indicopleustes.

This is the harbour where the Portuguese, under the leadership of Lorenzo de Almeida, made their first landing in 1505 on the island and caused a notable change in the history of the island with their close friendship with Dharmaparakrama Bahu (1484-1514), the then king of the country. Before the Portuguese came here, Ibn Batuta had touched base at this port.

This was the beginning of the Fort's history, which was built by the Portuguese, along with a Franciscan chapel (now mostly in ruins) in Fort in 1541. The fort also, in later years, served as prison camp to incarcerate Sinhalese natives who opposed the Portuguese.

The Portuguese had moved to Colombo from Galle as they preferred that place. In 1588, however, they were attacked by the Sinhalese King Rajasinghe I (1581-93) of Sitawaka, which forced the Portuguese to go back to Galle. At Galle, they initially built a small fort out of palm trees and mud. They called it the Santa Cruz, and later extended it with a watch tower and three bastions and a "fortalice" to guard the harbour.

In 1640, the events took a turn with the Dutch entering the fray joining hands with King Rajasinhe II to capture the Galle Fort. The Dutch, with a force of some 2,500 men under Koster, captured the fort from the Portuguese in 1640 itself. Although not an ideal situation for the Sinhalese, they were instrumental in building the Fort as seen in its present form in the Dutch architectural style. Fortifications continued to be built until the early 18th century.

The establishment built consisted of public administration buildings, warehouses and business houses and residential quarters. A Protestant church (planned by Abraham Anthonisz) was also built in baroque style in 1775 to cater to the colonists and the local people who were converted to Christianity.

The most prominent buildings in the Fort complex were the Commandant's residence, the arsenal and the gun house. Other buildings erected in the fort catered to trade and defense requirements such as workshops for forgings, carpentry, smithy, rope making and so forth. They also built an elaborate system of sewers that were flooded at high tide, taking the sewage away to sea.

The British took over the Fort on February 23, 1796, one week after Colombo was captured. Sri Lanka remained a British colony from 1815 till it became an independent island nation in 1948. In 1865, part of the fort was converted into the New Oriental Hotel, becoming the Amangalla in 2005.

The importance of Galle also declined after the British developed Colombo as their capital and main port in the mid nineteenth century.

In 1640 King Rajasinhe II captured the Galle Fort with the assistance of the Dutch. As he found later, the Dutch were no better than the Portuguese. This gave rise to the Sinhala proverb which means ' Like giving ginger and taking Chillies instead. (Inguru deela Miris gaththa vagey) The walls of the Fort you now see as you enter were built by the Dutch according to their style of architecture.

The building inside the Fort are also of Dutch architecture. The Dutch were also responsible for introducing a system of roads and canals for transportation. They devised a sewage system to carry all the waste in the Fort to the sea by gravity, using the high tide. There are two main gates in Galle Fort. The walls in front of the Fort were built by the Portuguese . The Dutch have reinforced them by building several bastions. - Star Bastion, Moon Bastion and Sun Bastion. In the gate from where you enter towards the harbour, outer walls contain the logo of the British while you see VOC, the logo of the Dutch East India Company on the inside walls.

The Aurora Bastion, Tremon Bastion, Kleipenberg Bastion, Emaloon Bastion and the Light House add more colour and interest to the beautiful view of the Fort. Some of the street names in the Fort still bear Dutch words. The Oriental Hotel inside Fort which was built in 1694 , was a building constructed for the use of Dutch Governor and his officials. The Dutch Museum consists of a large collection of items used during the Dutch Period. The museum is near the Oriental Hotel while the first Marine Museum of Sri Lanka is housed near the Old Gate.

The 2004 tsunami had a devastating effect on the Galle Fort. Most of the buildings were either completely destroyed or were damaged to a large extent. Those completely destroyed are being rebuilt afresh and those which were damaged are being renovated now. These are being done under the supervision of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs so that the new buildings and the renovations retain the old appearance which was there prior to tsunami.

The breadfruit tree in the Fort is believed to be the oldest breadfruit tree in Sri Lanka. Popular belief is that the Dutch introduced breadfruit to Sri Lanka thinking that the highly 'heaty' nature of breadfruit would either kill them or make them sick. But Sri Lankans ate breadfruit with coconut which neutralised the adverse effects of breadfruit. Ultimately, it became a delicacy among the population. It is now considered to be very tasty and nourishing. It is so popular now that there is no part of Sri Lanka where you cannot find a breadfruit tree if it could be grown there.

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Galle: The evolution of a colonial town

This essay traces the evolution of Galle, a coastal multi-ethnic, multi-religious city with a natural harbour in southern Sri Lanka. It has a population of around 100,000 residents (according to the 2011 census of Sri Lanka). Boxem and Fuhren, 2011, write that Galle is globally significant as an outstanding example of the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions of the 16th to the 19th centuries. Although its pre-colonial history is less documented and mapped, Galle has functioned as a significant shipping port since the 4th century AD. The city profile of Galle Municipal Council, prepared by UN-Habitat, highlights that the Galle port was a meeting point for Chinese and Arab traders (2006). Habarakada-Liyanage wrote in 2012: “The earliest recorded history of the town dates back to 545 AD when Cosmas Indicopleustes made reference to it in his travel journal.” The port of Galle was the main natural marine hub on the Sri Lankan island, used by many foreign traders in pre-colonial times. Today, Galle is well known for the historic Galle Fort originally built by the Portuguese in 1588 after they landed accidentally in Sri Lanka in 1505. Its historical and natural appeal have made it one of the most popular tourist destinations in southern Sri Lanka.

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Colombo has been the principal commercial port of Sri Lanka since the fifteenth century. Successive European powers, commencing with the Portuguese in 1518, fortified the harbor against both colonial rivals and the kingdoms of the interior. By the last quarter of the sixteenth century Colombo was a fortified city with up to 60,000 inhabitants enclosed within a bastioned enceinte. Following its capture by the Dutch in 1656 the defences of Colombo were entirely rebuilt creating a military quarter in the west and an open civil settlement in the east. Following the transfer to British rule in the early nineteenth century the Dutch defences continued in use largely unmodified until the middle of the century by which date they were redundant.

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The last region in Sri Lanka to come under the influence of the Portuguese was the Northern Kingdom of Jaffna i.e. the Island of Mannar in 1560 and subsequently, the Peninsula of Jaffna in 1619. It is reported that during this period, Portuguese missionaries built a great number of churches in the region. Following the expulsion of the Portuguese by the Dutch in the middle of the 17th century, almost every Portuguese influenced religious construction was either destroyed or modified to accommodate their newly established Reformed faith. However, during this period of the persecution of Catholicism, there was one decisive factor which enabled Portuguese-influenced ecclesiastical art and architecture to virtually, thrive, and that is, the insidious help it received from the influx of Goan-Oratorian missionaries, who arrived in Sri Lanka at the end of 17th century. With the advent of the British in the island and subsequently, the granting of religious freedom, the influx of new Italian missionaries in the second half of 19th century marked a symbolic end to the 300-year span of Portuguese influence on ecclesiastical construction in Sri Lanka. Fast-forwarding through the chronicles and pausing at the recent post-war era, the constantly evolving face of Portuguese Art and Architecture in the Northern Province may be observed. It can be say that, the 30-year war, played a pivotal part in the elimination of the remains of Portuguese ecclesiastical Art and Architecture in the Northern Regions. It is against this background that this paper intends to explore, both the origins of and the current status of Portuguese-Influenced ecclesiastical art and architecture within the surviving churches of the Old Portuguese mission stations in the Northern region of Sri Lanka.

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Colombo, Sri Lanka’s commercial capital is a forceful creation of European colonialists who occupied the island for over four centuries. Its urban structure displays the social fragmentation sought by the rulers. Colombo elaborates an extraordinary process of city-making, stratified with its Dutch-origin, British-reshaping, and post-colonial adaptation. Proclaiming such a contested past as an inheritance requires an inclusive heritage interpretation. The recent renovation of monumental buildings for potential market values and demolishing minor architecture do not display such a heritage interpretation. This, placing undue attention on a selected social group, is found to be further emptying the compartmentalized city. The exclusion of some sub-societies also cost possible stewardship to urban heritage. Having observed the non-sustainability of current heritage-interpretation practised in Colombo, we searched for alternative means to unify societies in time-space thus sustaining the diversity of urban spaces. Our empirical studies have established the need to integrate the inherent cultural values of the colonial-built urban fabric in heritage interpretation. The results of vibrant heritage-interpretation results have been studied through a literature survey with aims to contribute towards the development of an inclusive heritage interpretation practice to protect Colombo’s colonial past sustainably.

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The Destination Galle In Sri Lanka Tourism Essay

Galle is the capital of a territory with the same name and is besides called the Gateway to the South. This larboard metropolis, 119 kilometer from Colombo, has managed to retain its old colonial town experience even today and is besides known for its Dutch walled fortress.

It is believed that Galle is the scriptural haven of Tarshish, from which King Solomon obtained gold, tusk, Inachis ios and other valuables. Bing on the strategic sea-route between Arabia, India and Southeast Asia, every bit good a natural seaport, Galle became an of import trading port for Persians, Arabs, Greeks, Romans, Malays, Indians and Chinese.

Harmonizing to other schools of idea, the name Galle derives from ‘Gallus ‘ ( chicken in Dutch ) , or from ‘Gaala ‘ , in Sinhala, intending a herding topographic point for cowss. Before the Portuguese arrived in the sixteenth century, Galle was known as ‘Gimhathiththa ‘ . In less than 100 year, the Dutch had taken over and reinforced the garrison. TheA Galle fortA is now a universe heritage site and shows the merger of EuropeanA architectural manners with south Asiatic traditions.

Beyond Galle, lies a stretch of seashore with a series of beaches like Unawatuna and Thalpe, the latter besides being celebrated for its stilt fishermen. In cricketing circles, Galle is known for its cricket land, which has rebuilt itself successfully after the tsunami devastation.

Other outstanding landmarksA are the natural seaport, theA National Maritime Museum, A St. Mary ‘s Cathedral, Amangalla the historic luxury hotel and one of Sri Lanka ‘s mainA ShivaA temples. Other natural attractive forces, temples and garrisons are besides tourist hot spots.

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By itself Galle is a big town, with a busy coach station and market are its bosom. It provides variable attractive forces for its tourers with multiple art festivals. The one-year Galle Literary Festival attracts essayists from all over the universe.

Hotel Overview

General info on adjustment options and specific info on types of adjustment harmonizing to location.

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A broad scope of adjustments from invitee houses, bed and breakfast, star hotels, to boutique resortsA is available in Galle. There is something for every budget, with monetary values runing from 20 USD to 600 USD for sole belongingss. Most of the hotels in Galle are situated in the Fort and Beach country. However, one can happen hotels located within the metropolis bounds every bit good. There are besides a figure of villas offering epicurean adjustment.

Among the high terminal hotels, the Amangalla and the Galle Fort Hotel inside the Fort and The Dutch House outside promise epicurean colonial manner adjustment.

Among the medium scope belongingss, The Lady Hill is the best option. The Fort House and Tamarind Hut are other options..

The budget belongingss are largely household tally guesthouses, offering plain diggingss and place cooked nutrient. Beach Haven, Weltevreden and Rampart View are some such belongingss.

The Villa are by and large historic houses or tea plantation cottages. The Last House, Auraliya and The Beach House are the few high terminal 1s. The Fort House and Tamarind Hut come with lower budgets.

Info on International and major domestic hotel ironss

There are no major international ironss of hotels runing in Galle. A local concatenation of hotels, Jetwing does nevertheless hold belongingss here.

Focus on concern & A ; leisure travel

Most of the hotels here have concern and leisure installations. One can happen conference halls, wireless cyberspace and facsimile installation in most of the hotels.

High terminal hotels besides have in house amusement picks for invitees, which takes of the leisure needs of tourers.

Pricing fluctuation harmonizing to season and events

The monsoon months from April to September are less busy and the monetary values are somewhat on the lesser side during these months. Otherwise, Galle is a typical tropical coastal town and conditions remains warm and welcoming throughout the twelvemonth.

Thingss to Make

Thingss to make – overview, overview of what all can be done in the finish across assorted classs of thingss to make. besides, continuance based possibilities to be listed..

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There are tonss of things to make in Galle. It has beaches, cultural attractive forces, temples, tea plantations, paddy Fieldss and besides shopping and dining. Everyone can happen an activity of their pick here.

OldA Galle has been declared a universe heritage site by UNESCO. The good preserved seventeenth century colonial Galle FortA is the major attractive force here. The garrison is an illustration of the colonial manner of architecture.

There is a museum inside the garrison which represents the art and civilization of the Southern Province. The Maritime Museum besides inside the garrison provides the history of Galle ‘s maritime successes. The Dutch Reformed Church has been restored and is worth a visit for its ambiance and architecture.

The Galle seaport still handles transportation, and one can acquire a position of cruising yachts now and so. The cricket bowl here reminds one of the Dutch architecture.

Guided motorcycle Tourss are besides available to acquire a position of the countryside. Around Galle, trips to the Koggala laguna, the Sea Turtle Hatchery, Whale watching trips from Mirissa and Kottawa Rainforest and Arboretum make for twenty-four hours excursions. The beaches of Unawatuna and Thalpe are besides good options.

Sightsing – Overview

Overview on the rubber-necking in the finish, including the popular 1s and thematic 1s.

The chief attractive force for sight visionaries in Galle is its old colonial Fort. With a batch of Reconstruction work done recently, the Fort has late been restored. Inside the bulwarks of the garrison, there are a batch of old edifices and colonial constructions to see.

The Dutch Reformed Church and The All Saints ‘ Church are the Dutch and Anglican topographic points of worship. The National Museum, Maritime Museum and the Historical Maritime Museum have some ancient artifacts.

Themed walking Tourss of the Fort, adapted to single involvements can be taken to acquire some new penetrations into the life of Fort occupants every bit good as see some off the all in facets of the Fort.

The Koggala Lagoon, with several islands, is a topographic point for bird observation. The Temple Island here has an old Buddhist temple, which is still in usage and attracts many visitants on full Moon ( Poya ) twenty-four hours. The Cinnamon Island is besides deserving researching and Ananda Spice Garden are other sightseeing options here.

The Kottawa Rainforest and Arboretum, on the route to Udugama introduces one to the Sri Lankan rain forest.

Sightsing – Individual degree write-ups

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For illustration:

Name of the attractive force.

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Address: Dummy text, silent person text

Timing: 9 a.m – 5:30 p.m ( Monday to Friday )

9 a.m – 9:00 p.m ( Saturday and Sunday )

Admission Fees: RM 3.00 per entry for grownup and RM 0.50 for kids and pupils.

The Galle Fort

This garrison, ab initio built by the Portuguese, was taken over by the Dutch in 1640. They farther fortified it over the following 6-7 decennaries, besides constructing a new luxuriant system of cloacas. Every high tide they would be flooded, taking the sewerage out to the sea.

This walled metropolis, within the metropolis gives a extremum into Galle ‘s colonial yesteryear. The pillars and the frontages, courtyards full of the stores selling spices and sarongs, old-timers and modern oddities give a glance of the old times.

The Fort is a common interest of tourers every bit good as locals. Walking Tourss, organized by Juliet Coombe and Daisy Perry, may be adapted harmonizing to single gustatory sensations – wildlife, history or architecture.

National Museum, ( Church Street, Tues – Sat, 9am to 5pm, LKR 300 ) , Historical Mansion Museum ( Leyn Baan Street, daily, 9am to 6pm, contributions optional ) and Maritime Museum ( Queen ‘s Street ) are located inside the Fort.

Koggala Lagoon:

‘Koggala Lagoon ‘ , approx 20 kilometer from Galle has Rhizophora mangles which are place to birds and reptilians like proctor lizards and serpents. There is besides a beach which stretches upto the Ahangama and Midigama bays.

There are several islands within the laguna. On Poya ( full Moon ) twenty-four hours, many people visit the Temple Island, which has an old Buddhist Temple. One can besides research the Cinnamon Island, or the Ananda Spice Garden on a separate island.

Visitors to Koggala can besides see the Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Art Museum. Beyond Koggala, in the town of Ahangama, one can see a batch of stilt fishermen as they fish on piles, surrounded by H2O. Further on, Midigama offers surfing options.

Kottawa Rainforest and Arboterum

Located 16 kilometer from Galle, this is easy accessible and introduces the Sri Lankan rain forest to the tourers. A 1 kilometer walking trail is shaded by dipterocarps. One can happen violet faced langurs, elephantine squirrels, barking deer and samburs shacking here. There are besides different assortments of birds and reptilians. Guided Tourss for groups are run by Rainforest Rescue International ( LKR 2250 – LKR 3000 ) .

Address: 14 kilometer station, Udugama Road

Timing: 8 am – 5 autopsy

Admission Fees: LKR 600

Activities – Overview

Info on the sort of activities possible in the finish.

One can research the Fort and the environing country either on pes or on a bike. The bike drives can run from staid 2 -3 hour 1s to whole twenty-four hours trips. Surfboarding at Midigama and Ahangama is another option for surfing partisans. Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa offer beautiful beaches. Galle besides offers the option of plunging to see stone and coral reefs and besides some unreal reefs which have come up on wrecks.

One can besides travel to Habaraduwa, to see baby polo-necks hatching at the Sea Turtle Hatchery. For those interested in treasures and jewelry, Millenium Gems offers a scope of treasure rocks and jewelry.

Activities – Generic, Individual level write-ups

Overview of any 3 top, generic activities of the finish.

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Headline –

Address and contact inside informations ( if applicable. )

Sea Turtle Hatchery – Habaraduwa

With the purpose to help the endurance of sea polo-necks, Sea Turtle Farm and Hatchery is a not- for- net income organisation which has opened a “ Turtle Farm ” in Habaraduwa ( Galle District ) near a beach. This 8is kilometer from the Galle Matara route. The farm was opened in 1986 and to day of the month hold released over 500,000 sea polo-necks into the sea

With the entry fee of LKR 300 merely, one can see a babe polo-neck hatching out and doing its manner to the sea.

Millennium Gems:

To see a scope of treasure rocks and ready-made jewelry, one can see Millennium GemsA in the Fort country. A 5th coevals jewelry maker, the proprietor, Mr Mahesh, has over 20 old ages of experience in doing custom jewelry. All the jewelry on offer is hand-made. Millennium Gems specialise in Moonstones and are licensed exporters for it.

Surfboarding

Surfboarding is a popular activity in Galle. There are many beaches in and around the metropolis where one can take portion in H2O sporting activities including H2O surfboarding. However, one should avoid the monsoon months if one wishes to bask the H2O featuring activities here, as the beaches are closed during the monsoon months. A popular location for surfing in the part is Ahangama and Midigama, which are less crowded than some other countries.

Excursions & A ; Tours – Overview

Info on the type of jaunts and tourss possible from the finish and the popular 1s depending on pick and budget.

Excursions to Kottawa Rainforest and Arboretum and Hiyare Rainforest Park are possible as full twenty-four hours excursions. The Samakanda eco-tourism undertaking ( www.samakanda.org ) has a 60 acre organic farm and eco-retreat. Day trips can besides be organised to see tea plantations and tea processing mills for approx LKR 750-1000 per individual

The Yala Wildlife Sanctuary has leopards, elephants and crocodiles. There is besides rich birdlife here, particularly from October to March when migratory birds arrive.

Whale observation is another activity possible near Galle. The seas South of Dondra are a good location to see bluish giants. Recent perceivers besides say that it may be possible to see bluish giants and sperm giants together.

Restaurants – Overview

Info on main culinary arts, types of constitutions, street nutrient, specialities etc..

A scope of eating houses offering western every bit good as local culinary art are available in Galle. Most eating houses are expensive, but a batch of coffeehouses have besides come up to provide light repasts at sensible monetary values. Several guesthouses in the Fort country besides dish out home-made local cookery for budget travellers.

Seafood is popular, and the traditional culinary art has a whole scope of vegetarian options as good. Pan Asian nutrient is besides easy available. Most cafes offer rice and curry at lunch period, every bit good as soups, salads and sandwiches. Restaurants at Amangalla an Galle Fort Hotel are rather popular.

Restaurants with other international culinary arts are besides coming up. Though non many Indian eating houses are available, one can happen rice and curry options at most topographic points. Indian Hut, ( on the format of Pizza Hut ) offers a scope of Indian, Pakistani and Chinese dishes for nice monetary value.

( DO NoT give references / contact inside informations in eating house. )

Shoping – Overview

Info on chief shopping territories, duty-free, deals, fortes, vat refund etc..

A figure of galleries and dress shops have come up in Galle. These offer both the western necessities and native artifacts. Galle is besides celebrated for its handcrafts. Teas, spices, old-timers and handcrafts are some of the chief shopping points for tourers.

The Dutch Market is known for selling the freshest fruits and veggies and day of the months back 300 old ages. Elephant Walk has a good choice of spices, potions and handcrafts. Kanthisiri is a good option to purchase good quality cotton cloths. Traditional Sri Lankan dress can be bought at Shoba ApparelA

Traditional craftspeople can be seen making jewelry, leatherwork, batik, lacing and embellishment at the South Ceylon Industrial Agency & A ; Handicraft Factories. For antique Dutch furniture and reproductions, one can see OlandaA .

Attractions – Overview

Overview of the chief finish ‘s high spots.

( This will be a summary of 5 to 6 chief attractive forces from sightseeing, activities, jaunts, shopping and eating houses, as applicable )

The Galle Fort is the landmark attractive force. The garrison dates back to 1640 and has late been restored after batch of Reconstruction and beautification work. There are many old structured within the garrison to see and research.

The Dutch Reformed Church is the oldest church in the part. An old pipe organ with manual bellows, though non in working status can still be seen inside the church.

The Galle beacon on Point Utrecht bastion is besides popular. Peace Pagoda, a Buddhist temple, and Meeran Jumma Masjid can besides be visited. The beaches of Unawatuna are besides a major attractive force. The traffic free portion of Main Street offers the local coloring material of little stores and paving bargainers.

Whale observation is besides a really popular attractive force. Apart from all that, one can travel surfing on the assorted beaches here. There is besides the sea turtle hatchery at Habaraduwa which one can see. The hatchery is a non net income administration where tourers can see violet polo-necks puting their eggs.

The Yala national Park houses many species of workss and animate beings. The topographic point gets a batch of migratory birds during the month of October, which makes it good for bird observation.

Traveling To

Traveling to – overview, overview of how to go to the finish.

Wordss: 150

At present, the lone manner to acquire to Sri Lanka is to wing into the island ‘s international airdrome at Katunayake, merely North of Colombo. Sri Lanka is good connected by international air hoses and to the Asian air webs.

From India, regular non-stop flights of Jet Airways, Kingfisher, Air India and SriLankan Airlines are available from Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Trivandrum, Tiruchirappali and Delhi. As such, one halt connexion is available to Colombo from about all Indian metropoliss. A few sail line drives that sail between India and Maldives besides stop at Colombo.

After acquiring out of the airdrome, one can take a tuk-tuk or cab to the train station less than 1 km off. This station can be used to catch a train to Colombo and onwards to Galle. Alternatively one can take a cab to Colombo and so catch the train to Galle. A individual one manner trip to Galle from Colombo costs Rs 100 to Rs 340 per individual, depending on the category of travel.

One can besides travel to Galle by route, either by a cab or by coach. The distance from the international airdrome to Galle is 130 kilometer. It takes about four hours to make Galle from the airdrome by cab or coach, depending on the traffic denseness.

Best manner of making the finish – will be site specific, including linking flights.

Taxis or rental autos are the fastest and most comfy manner to make Galle from the airdrome or Colombo. However, taxis are an expensive option. There are standard taxis and gilded taxis, which are air conditioned, available from outside the airdrome.

Trains and coachs are a inexpensive option to taxis and auto leases. Intercity express is available from Colombo to Galle and offers comfy seating. However, trains are normally late and do non run often.

Buss are another option to make Galle from the airdrome. Majority of the coachs are run by the authorities, although there are private operators every bit good. Buss run often, at an interval of 15-20 proceedingss. However, coachs can acquire crowded as they are the most popular manner of conveyance among locals.

Airport info: Location in metropolis, info on airdrome itself and services available, on the terminuss.

The Bandaranaike International Airport is 130 kilometer from Galle. It has 39 check-in desks, 4 Gatess, short term parking infinites, 3 Airport Hotels, Banks, Post Office, Restaurants, Cafeterias, Bars, VIP Lounge, Duty Free Shop, Gift Shops, Travel Agent, Tourist Help Desk, Car Rental, Taxi Service/Rank, First Aid, Baby/Parent Room and Disabled Access/Facilities.

Six Bankss operate in the arrival anteroom for currency exchange installations. Telephone booths are available in the reaching, going and theodolite countries. A communications counter with international direct dialling and facsimile installations is located in the theodolite sofa.

Travelers can besides avail the bond luggage installation at the airdrome. Day suites are available for theodolite riders.

There are ATMs and currency exchange counters easy available at the airdrome.

If airdrome is nearby, include distance, manner of conveyance and travelling clip

The airdrome is 130 kilometer from Galle. From the airdrome, one can take a coach or a cab to come to Colombo. Taxis and coachs are available at the airdrome. From Colombo to Galle, one can take a train or coach or cab. The journey from Colombo to Galle takes approx 2.5 to 3 hour.

The coachs from airdrome to Colombo Fort Railway Station ( Bus # 187 ) run often and cost about LKR 50 per individual, ( may bear down extra LKR 50 per piece of luggage ) and take about 1.5 hour.

There are taxis available straight from the airdrome to Galle. The journey by cab takes about four hours and is the most expensive option to travel.

Transportations to metropolis ( from the airdrome )

Taxi/bus/metro etc. , distance and traveling clip.

From the airdrome, one can lease a auto or engage a cab, to Colombo or beyond to Galle itself. Alternately, take coach # 187 from the airdrome to The Fort Railway Station in Colombo. From Colombo, a coach or a train or a cab can be taken to Galle.

Buss do non run straight to Galle. However, one can catch a coach to Colombo and so catch a connecting coach to Colombo. The journey by coach takes about 4 hours form the airdrome to Galle. Trains are another option to make Galle. However, to catch the train, one has to come to Colombo Fort station from the airdrome.

The distance between Colombo and Galle is 117 kilometer and the journey by train takes about 2 hours.

Train station info: Basic info on the station/s. Location and distance from metropolis landmarks. Facilities at the station

The train station in Galle is located near to the cricket land and near the garrison country. The coach base is merely 500 m off from the station. One can catch a coach signifier the station for going around the metropolis. The station has ATMs and currency exchange counters.

There is besides a supermarket outside the station from where one can purchase food markets and other material. The Galle Fort is at a walking distance from the Galle railroad station. One can besides develop timings at www.bluehaventours.com

If nearby train station, include distance, manner of conveyance and travelling clip

The coach station is near to the train station and there are coachs available to other parts of the metropolis every bit good as other neighboring countries. Buss run often from the station and the cheapest manner of conveyance to go. However, they can acquire crowded. Three Wheelers and taxis are besides available from outside the station.

The three Wheelers or the tuk tuks do non hold a meter installed, which is why 1 has to negociate a monetary value before get oning the three Wheeler.

Facilities available in the trains

The intercity express is a train which runs from Colombo to Galle. The train has sleeper category and anterior reserve is needed to board the train. The train has big seats and broad insides.

Bus station info: If multiple coach Stationss, reference them and portion info

The chief coach station of Galle is located in the cardinal country of the metropolis, outside the train station. Buss originate from here and travel to other parts of the metropolis and besides neighbouring metropoliss. There are air learned coachs every bit good as standard coachs available from the coach station.

The coachs run at regular intervals, normally at a spread of 15-20 proceedingss. There are bus bases near major tourer attractive forces, and coachs provide good connectivity within the metropolis. However, coachs can acquire crowded, as they are the popular manner of conveyance in the metropolis.

Operators: Govt. and Private, Frequency of operation

Both authorities and private coachs ply on the Colombo – Galle path. Frequency of the coachs ranges from 15 to 30 mins.

Summary: General clime, Best clip to see

Galle ‘s conditions remains pleasant throughout the twelvemonth. Coastal and low-land countries have a high temperature around 30 C. Humidity is high, sometimes upto 90 % . Galle being on the south-western seashore experiences the southwest monsoon from late April or May to September/October, with May and June being the wettest months.

The best clip to see Galle is from November to mid April. Galle being a cosmopolite with a figure of exiles settled here, does non shut down in the monsoon season like some other smaller towns. However, the sea remains jerky during this season and activities may be restricted. Cotton apparels are advisable throughout the twelvemonth, with extra waterproof protective vesture required during the monsoon season.

Visa info: Basic debut on visa

It is easy for Indians to obtain the Sri Lankan visa, because of the assorted tie ups and the 1954 understanding between India and Sri Lanka.

India is one of the 80 states listed in the agenda “ A ” of Sri Lanka Visa list. Residents of any of these states can obtain the visiting visa at the port of entry in Sri Lanka. The paperss required are valid passport, application signifier, exposure and visa fees. Default cogency of visa is 30 yearss which can be extended by 2 months. Visa fee is about LKR 150 with a revenue enhancement of LKR 1.50.

Tourists can besides acquire theodolite visa at the entry port if the traveller is doing an incident journey to Sri Lanka during his/her onward journey to his/her concluding finishs.

Sri Lanka besides has a invitee Visa strategy, which encourages foreign investors to shack with household in Sri Lanka and contribute to the socio economic development of the state. The occupant ‘s visa can be availed by the partner, kids, and parents of the primary applier along with the applier. There are some investing demands to be fulfilled in order to obtain the occupant guest strategy of visa.

For farther information, please contact:

Sri Lanka High Comission, India

196, T. T. K. Road, Alwarpet

600 018 Chennai India

+91-44-498-7896

+91-44-498-7612

+91-44-498-7894

Electronic mail:

sldehico @ md3.vsnl.net.in

Department of Immigration and Emigration

# 41, Ananda Rajakaruna Mawatha,

Tele: +00-94-11-5329000, +00-94-11-5329316/20/21/25

Electronic mail: dcvisa @ immigration.gov.lk

Web site: www.immigration.gov.lk

Based on arising state – clip period, on arrival handiness etc

If one is from India, one can acquire a visa on reaching in Sri Lanka. However, if one wishes to use for a Visa before set downing in Sri Lanka, one can make so by using at the Sri Lankan high committee in the state. It normally takes 3-4 yearss to acquire the visa for Sri Lanka.

One needs a valid passport, two passport sized exposure, a duly filled application signifier and visa fee to use for a visa to the state.

Residents of Britain, Australia, US, Canada, Japan and other EU states do non necessitate a visa to see Sri Lanka.

Tourists from the undermentioned states are issued visas free of charge for a period of 30 yearss on reaching at Colombo Airport ( installation applicable merely for the tourers ) :

( B ) subjects of Albania, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, China ( PR, including Hong Kong ) , Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Korea ( Rep ) , Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malaysia, Maldives, Montenegro, Nepal, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Serbia and Montenegro, Singapore, Slovenia, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates ;

( degree Celsius ) subjects of CIS states.

However, all concern travellers to the state need a visa.

Documents required, processing clip etc..

India is one of the states listed in the agenda “ A ” of Sri Lanka Visa list. One can obtain the visit visa on reaching in Sri Lanka with the paperss such as valid passport, application signifier, exposure and visa fees. If one is using for a visa before coming to the state, it normally takes 3-4 on the job yearss for the application to acquire processed. The visa allows a 30 twenty-four hours of stay cogency along with an extension for 2 months allowed with grounds. Visa fee is about 150INR with a revenue enhancement of 1.50INR.

Overview: Name, denominations etc.

The currency used is the Sri Lankan Rupee represented as LKR. Each rupee has 100 cents. Coins come in denominations of LKR 10, 5,2 and 1 and 25 and 50 cents. Notes are available in denominations of LKR 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000. It is advisable to maintain alteration ready to hand as alteration may non be available with all tradesmans.

Accepted Currencies: Other currencies widely accepted

Most of the hotels and travel services quote their rates in US Dollar or Euros. However the payments still need to be made in the Sri Lankan Rupee. The Indian Rupee besides can non be used for any minutess and must be converted. Some hotels may accept payments from recognition cards of another currency.

Currency handiness: Best locations where to change over currencies, ATM, Money modifiers, acceptableness of traveler ‘s checks and international recognition cards, Comparative fees charged for these services

One can interchange the currency at the airdrome itself, which has many exchange counters, which are unfastened 24/7. The exchange rates at the airdrome are normally the best.

There are besides assorted ATMs available on the airdrome itself, if one needs to retreat money. However, the Bankss may subtract some service charges for retreating money from an ATM. ATMs and money money changers can besides be found near the fort country or in markets. However, the money money changers in this country do non offer really good exchange rates.

Private Bankss, like Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank, HSBC and Sampath Bank offer a quicker service than their government-run rivals ( Bank of Ceylon, People ‘s Bank and National Savings Bank ) .

It is ever advised to do all foreign exchange minutess through authorized Bankss or exchanges with the proviso of an encashment reception. Changing money through unauthorized traders is illegal. Unspent rupees may be reconverted at a commercial bank before one leaves the state.

Travelers ‘ checks ( T/Cs ) issued by American Express and Thomas Cook ( in UK? , US $ or Euro a‚¬ ) are best and are accepted without trouble and give a somewhat better exchange rate than currency notes in Sri Lanka. They besides offer the security of replacing if lost or stolen.

Banking Hourss

Mon – FriA A A Most Bankss are unfastened from 9.00 am to 3.00 autopsies, while certain Bankss are unfastened till 5.00 autopsy

SaturdayA A A Most Bankss are unfastened on Saturdays till 1.00 autopsy

SundaysA A A A A Banks are closed

Info on Forex modifiers and possibilities of best monetary values

Foreign currency can be exchanged at the Bandaranaike International Airport every bit good as Bankss, hotels and authorized exchanges found all over the city.A However, one should avoid hotels, which ever charge immense premium over the rates available in the metropolis locations.

Alert on cozenages and tips to avoid them

Sri Lanka, along with many states has a major job with credit/debit card fraud card planing etc. Peoples have even had jobs at the airdrome. Therefore, it is best advised to utilize the recognition cards merely when highly necessary.

Some constitutions may seek to add a surcharge on the recognition cards payments, which is illegal. Touts and peddlers may jostle and force you while seeking to take you to a peculiar hotel or attractive force as besides for taxis and three-wheelers.

It is advisable to non to go entirely after dark. In instance of larceny or any unpleasant incident, reach the Tourist Police Unit

Overview – General write-up: What is Travel insurance? What ‘s covered and what ‘s non, How one can use, How one can claim, which are the taking companies.

Travel insurance or Overseas Medical Insurance is something one should ne’er bury whenever be aftering an abroad trip. It is indispensable because it covers against medical and other fiscal exigencies that may go on during your travel, like trip hold, loss of passport etc. While a low cost policy does cover the rudimentss, it normally does non cover all affairs of exigencies. Travel insurance is one country where it is non advisable to purchase the cheapest policy. Always do a small research to find the degrees of screen offered with the policy.

Major Players in India: ICICI Lombard, Bajaj Allianz, TATA AIG, New India Insurance & A ; Royal Sundaram etc.

Travel insurance can now be bought straight on the web. Frequent travelers may desire to purchase Multi trip / Frequent Flier plans. In instance of a medical exigency, one must reach the insurance company ‘s Third Party Administrator who can so set up for cashless claims for medical intervention. To do a claim, it is necessary to maintain grosss, or constabularies study, in instance of theft/loss of passport and/or properties.

Destination specific insurance policy, Single traveler insurance, Family insurance, against Illnesses etc.

Insurance premium differs between the companies, as there are some alone benefits with each supplier. there are few who besides provide insurance against hard currency loss / stolen every bit good., insurance is categorized for chiefly us / non-us travel and premium varies between these finishs. besides, there are certain finishs, which are non considered safe or attract inauspicious evaluation from international safety organizations or your state of beginning. thesiss may hold a high premium or limited liabilities offered holding certain exclusions..

Insurance sum besides varies as per the amount assured.

For an illustration, for Sri Lanka travel, for 5 yearss for a Single traveler, ICICI Lombard Overseas Medical Policy costs around INR 600/- , for a amount assured of USD 50K.

For a household travel, insurance cost can be straight relative to figure of grownup / kid going together. However, there are certain household bundles besides, where predominating strategies need to be checked with the particular operators.

Traveling Within

Traveling within – overview, overview of the options to go within / inside the finish.

The chief travel in Galle is within and around the metropolis. Regular trains are scheduled from Galle to Colombo in the North or Matara to the South. There is a web of services of private coachs from the cardinal coach station to assorted finishs. When going by route, sooner engage a accredited vehicle ( with driver ) for the twenty-four hours or prosecute a cab or tuk-tuk for local journeys.

Sri Lanka has a good web of roads linking all major towns & A ; tourist finishs. Vehicles drive on the left of the route. The Central Transport Board besides has a broad web of coach services. Express coachs are available to all major metropoliss from Galle.

Taxis are besides easy available in the metropolis. Lot of people besides use tuk-tuk, three-wheelers for travel around the metropolis.

The cheapest manner of conveyance to go within the metropolis is the coach followed by the three Wheelers. A short journey in a three Wheeler costs around LKR 100. The menu for a coach journey within the metropolis ranges from Rs 4 to Rs 25, depending on the distance travelled.

Buss ( info incl. contact inside informations & A ; links ) :

Buss run often within the metropolis and offer good connectivity. The Sri Lankan Tourist Development Authority has initiated Tourss in and around Galle to the touristry hot spots. Private coachs ( semi luxury and luxury ) have besides been recently added to the Galle Road service, although they are still in little Numberss merely. They may hold English mark of finish name. By and large they are better maintained and more comfy with drapes and soft seats.

Some hotels have their ain taxis for invitees, private chauffer goaded autos are easy available for one-way or return journeys, half yearss, full yearss or more. However, one should negociate on a menu before going.

Galle has Taxi services where the autos frequently have metres get downing on Rs. 40 and charge about Rs. 65 per kilometre. Some of them may hold air conditioning.

Metro/Subway

There is no metro service in Galle as of now.

Train services are easy available to acquire to nearby topographic points. The trains are available for all budgets, from luxury to the economic system category. The trains to other tourist topographic points like Bentota and Kandy are busy at all times. Trains are run by the Sri lankan Government. The approximative menu for a one manner journey by train from Galle to a neighbouring metropolis ranges from Rs 114 to Rs 250, depending on the distance travelled and the category of travel.

Three Wheelers are a popular option for intercity travel. However, they do non hold a meter installed, which is why 1 has to negociate a monetary value before get oning. Recently, the Sri Lankan touristry board has introduced Tuk Tuks which have meters installed. These can be identified from their different coloring material combination that the remainder.

Indicative menus

The coach menu ranges from Rs 4 to Rs 25 for a one manner trip. A one manner trip by cab can be upwards of Rs 250. The menu for Tuk tuks starts at Rs 50 for 3 kilometers and goes up as the distance additions. The approximative menu for trains for intracity travel is Rs 114 to Rs 250, depending on the distance and the category.

Pass ( tourist/visitor & A ; otherwise ) :

There are no tourer passes available for travel

There are plentifulness of private operators supplying auto rental services in the metropolis. However, to book a auto, one must be 23yrs or older, have a Sri Lankan or International drive licence, possess a recognition card and do the reserve for at least 1 hebdomad.

Ratess vary for auto leases harmonizing to the auto selected and the continuance wanted for. For illustration, a Suzuki Alto rents for USD 150.00 for a hebdomad. Mileage restriction is 90 kilometer / per twenty-four hours. Excess milage costs USD 0.16 per kilometer

A Jeep / Nissan X-trail will lease forA USD 373.00 a hebdomad and extra milage is USD 0.40 per kilometer

Other Public Transportation

Buss: timings of operation, frequency, connectivity, average day-to-day fare/daily base on balls.

The Central Transport Board ( CTB ) and private coach companies operate parallel services. The frequence of the coachs is good, normally at an interval of 20-25 proceedingss, but the coachs are normally crowded. The coachs provide good connectivity, with coach Stationss spread across the metropolis, at popular tourer finishs.

There is no installation of a day-to-day base on balls available right now. The approximative menu for coachs is between Rs 4 to Rs 25, for a standard coach.

Taxis: Timings of Operation, Frequency, Connectivity, Average daily menu

Taxiss are easy available in the metropolis and all major tourer finishs, but dialogue demands to be done on the monetary value forepart. Taxis can besides be arranged from the hotel itself, although it might be a little more expensive.

Approximate menu for cab for a distance of 5 kilometer is LKR 100.

Hired mini-vans with a driver are besides available through travel bureaus and hotel concierges

Metro/Train: Timings of Operation, Frequency, Connectivity, Average day-to-day fare/Daily base on balls

Trains are non meant for intercity travel. One can go from Galle to other neighbouring metropoliss via train. The trains do non run often and frequently run behind agenda. There are economic system trains available every bit good as luxury trains for travel. Anterior reserve is required for some trains like the Intercity Express.

Intercity Express has sleeper category and large seats. The approximative menu for a one manner train journey ranges from Rs 114 to Rs 250, depending on the distance travelled.

Other: Rickshaw/Trishaw etc.

Geting about by tuk-tuk is most convenient. Most three-wheelers do non hold any metres fitted with them and so one has to ever negociate and hold on a monetary value before one takes a trip. The approximative menu for three Wheelers ranges from Rs 50 to Rs 250.

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The City Of Galle

Published Date: 02 Nov 2017

Disclaimer: This essay has been written and submitted by students and is not an example of our work. Please click this link to view samples of our professional work witten by our professional essay writers . Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of EssayCompany.

The city of galle in Sri lanka plays a major role in Sri lankan Tourism. The Dutch fort of Galle is arguably most interested among both Local and Foreign travelers. It was declared as a UNESCO world heritage site in Sri Lanka. Galle Dutch fort has a long history. This glorious fort was firstly built by Portuguese in 1588. Remarkably it had been marked in the Ptoloamyâ€™s world map illustrated around 125-150 A.D. At that time this fort situated in Galle bay, was a quite busy port. The fort was retained by Dutch in 17th century. It was visited by Chinese, Greeks, Arabs and Indians for business and commercial trading purposes. Dutch fort of Galle is also called as â€˜Ramparts of galleâ€™. The name Galle is generated from the Dutch word â€˜Gallusâ€™ by means of chicken. Other version is that there was a big stable made for cattles. In Sinhalese it is â€˜Gaalaâ€™ and the name â€˜Galleâ€™ derived from â€˜Gaalaâ€™.

The fort is a profess to South asian customs and European architecture around 19th century. The Portuguese invader â€˜Lorezo de almeidaâ€™ was able to build up a tight friendship, with the Sri Lankan King â€™Dharmaparakramabahuâ€™(King of Kotte kingdom). As a result of that he got the permission to build a camp to affirm the safety of the coastal areas of Sri lanka. But they were ordered to return the fort to King â€˜Seetawakla rajasinghaâ€™. In 1940 King Rajasingha 2 captured the Galle fort from Portuguese with the help of Dutch. Dutch were not seconded to the protugese on behalf of the disaster brought to Ceylon. Gradually Dutch began to engage with Ceylon politics. However with the arrival of Britains, the fort was enslaved again.

There are 2 main entrances to the fort. The entrance through the Galle cricket ground is much crowded with travelers. You can find the motto under the logo of British monarch at the top of the main gate. Other than that the Dutch logo â€˜VOCâ€™ which represents Dutch East India Company is placed in the inner side of the gate. Other cluster of sites in the Galle city are Galle fort temple, Galle fort mosque, Galle fort light house, Maritime museum, fort library and the Anglican church. The inside walls of the fort are adorned with Dutch architecture. Thus Kleipenberg bastion, Emaloon bastion and Aurora bastion has uplifted the glory of the fort. The bread fruit tree planted in the fort is believed to be the oldest bread fruit tree of Sri lanka. Bread fruit is also brought to Sri lanka by Dutch.

Hikkaduwa, one of the largest & most influential tourism sites of Sri anka has gained a tremendous stride with the rise of the tourism sector. Hikkaduwa is more famous for itâ€™s Coral sanctuary. This natural, multi colored coral reef has been well conserved; many species of fish and sea turtles attract many people from all over the world. After a short distance southwards from this impressive coral reef is palled. The beach provides best sea waves for surfing during its dry season. In addition travelers interested in surfing and diving prefers Hikkaduwa most. More interested tourists can take a PADI course to explore Hikkaduwaâ€™s Coral reef sanctuary. The area is divided into 4 main breaks. From north to south is Locals break, Main peak, Hansa surf break and beach break. Crystal clear water, white sand beach attract many surfers from UK, Japan and USA. Pubs, restaurants, shops and night clubs can be easily found in Hikkaduwa area. Though you can enjoy and dance at Dance floors nearby the Beach. Accommodations can be reserved from guest houses and hotels. Obviously there is no other tourism place similarly to Hikkaduwa. While walking on the long stretched sandy shore, you can taste various sea foods. Itâ€™s a great opportunity for sun worshippers and sea worshippers.

J.W Bennet reported that â€˜is most pleasantly situated, and great resort of picnic parties for galleâ€™ in 1843. Such witnesses prove that Hikkaduwa was a famous tourism destination since from the past. Hence this funny coastal area is used for snorkeling and diving by many foreign tourists. You may see more than 3 ship wrecks remained for diving seekers, to be explored. The wrecks, corals and sundry species of fish are waiting to show their colors in the sea. Probably November to march is the most appropriate months to dive in underwater. So that, take diving equipments from dive shops at the beachfront.

It seems to be that the Germans involved in the Hikkaduwa beachfront since from the past. Sign boards and menus in German are still remained around the beach. Annual National championship of Japanese Pro surferâ€™s association was held at Hikkaduwa since last 5 years. If you want to do some shopping you can follow the Galle route located through the town. But be care full to bargain with salesmen because the prices may arise at high seasons. So visit Hikkaduwa and enjoy your holidays with an exclusive experience.

Galle light House

Donâ€™t get tired of searching panoramic beaches listed at Sri lankan Tourism sites. Galle Light house located at the Galle fort is one of the 14 remaining light houses of Sri Lanka. In fact the Galle fort is a UNESCO world heritage site. The glorious Galle fort was firstly built by Portuguese in 1588. Remarkably it had been marked in the Ptolamyâ€™s world map designed around 125-150 A.D. Subsequently the Galle fort is noticed in the records of Arab traveler â€˜Iban bhathutaâ€™. At that time this fort placed in Galle bay, was a quite busy port. The fort was fortified by Dutch in 17th century. Usually it was visited by Chinese, Greeks, Arabs and Indians for business and commercial trading purposes. The light house is erected 7 m above from the road. Presently it is maintained by Mr. Sarathchandra. It is known as the oldest light house in Sri lanka. The light house was firstly built in 1848, but it was burnt in 1936. The appearing tower was built in 1940.This landmark is almost crowded with local and foreign travelers. The lights are operated through a computerized system. Therefore Mr. Sarathchandra is not almost busy. The foremost light at the top of the light house switches off in every morning and switches on at night.

As indicated above this round shaped construction was built in 1939 and completed in 1940. It is 26.5 m in height and 47 m in range. This offshore at Galle fort is operated by Sri Lanka Ports Authority. Fantastic view of the Indian Ocean is appeared besides with the light house. Due to Sea breeze and sea waves, your cumbersome will be vanished. Subsequently it can be known as a relaxing spot. Local kids who are engaged with flying kites and playing cricket is a frequent view here. Locals prefer to have sea baths while playing an enjoying their weekend holidays. While walking on ancient erected ramparts you can enjoy the sunset at evenings. Remember that the Light house is not allowed to be climbed. So have fun at outside views.

Historical mansion museum

Though Galle is a UNESCO world heritage site the Historical mansion museum in Galle preserves the originality of the Tourism destination of Galle, Sri lanka. Since Portuguese were reached to Ceylon unexpectedly, they have influenced to develop, change and improve our culture. The historical mansion museum is a privately owned museum, initiated by Abdul gaffer. Abdul Gaffar, the creator was prompted to build this museum because of the â€˜Salarjung museumâ€™ in India. On behalf of that he collected and exhibits miscellaneous things. It must be pointed out that this mansion is a characteristically Dutch architectural feature. This supposed to be a stalwart attraction to draw attention of the tourists. On the other hand there are negative affections too. In 1640, Portuguese had to hand over the colonial country, Ceylon to the Dutch. Finally British conquered Ceylon and ruled till 1948. However all these invasions had been affected to the development of Galle.

The mansion is settled in a grandeur colonial Dutch house. Further this may be the largest private museum in Sri lanka. Perhaps you may get amazed seeing the equipments placed in the museum. Rather it is not just a museum but a shop that sell stationary, table clothes, handicrafts, antiques, jewellery etc. Sometimes it will be a rare experience to buy such exhibited things (All most all the things are for sale) in a museum. A gem shop is also positioned in the museum. Looming over the museum you will be asked to see a live embroidery presentation (â€˜beeralu laceâ€™) or a sapphire cutting and polishing. The embroidery art, done with â€˜beeralu laceâ€™ was a significant industry introduced by Portuguese. A wide range of bric a brac is preserved in good condition. Perhaps the climax of the museum deemed to be the Dutch well in the central court yard. There is a stone slab sculptured in1763. Chinese Porcelain plates and mugs which have the printed VOC symbol are recently preserved. Not only that but also there are fashionable tea cups and kettles, with printed head of Queen Elizabeth 2 in the museum.

Significantly the museum doesnâ€™t charge you a fee at the entrance. You can visit the national maritime museum situated near the fort too. Galle is famous for several industries like handicrafts made of turtle shells, and buffalo horns. While on stroll you may be capable to see them. For as much as turtles are faced to extinction these handicrafts are much rare.

Yet another place to be toured regarding Sri Lankan tourism sites is Rumassala. In colonial era it was known as â€˜Buona Vistaâ€™ (pleasant view). The legendary chronicle â€˜Ramayanaâ€™ proclaims that â€˜Rumassalaâ€™ is a chunk of Himalayan Mountains in India. Rumassala hill gives you a beautiful view of the southern coast of galle. Colonials used Rumassala as a watering point to fill their crafts with fresh water. Even today we can see the Surplus of the jetty. By the way now it has become a service centre of ships and crafts. The Rumassala forest has a vast collection of bio diversity. It is a yet another home to mammals, birds, insects and reptiles. Some of the indigenous and endemic animals, plants had been survived in the jungle. The ocean is is quite rich with coral reefs and sea bio diversity. Tourists can snorkel, dive and explore the underwater bio diversity. However the Rumassala mountain range and the coral reefs have been ensured.

Rumassala is a best place to spend and enjoy your weekends leisurely. The epic â€˜Ramayanaâ€™ reveals a beautiful folklore. Occasionally King Rawana and Rama were in the battlefields; lots of soldiers of Ramaâ€™s army get wounded and injured. Therefore Rama pleased to the Monky king â€˜Hanumanâ€™ to bring few medicinal herbs from Himalayan Mountains. The herbs were namely Mritasanjeevani, bidhalayakarani, suvarnakarani and sandhani. But Hanuman couldnâ€™t recognize those listed herbs. So that he brought back a part from gigantic Himalayan Mountains. Henceforward finding the required herbs, Hanuman threw away the rest of the mountain part. Today this part of Himalayan Mountain, fallen to Sri Lanka is known as Rumassala. So that there is no doubt that there are medicinal herbs. The solemn shrine, Japanese peace pagoda was gifted by Japanese monk Nichidatsu Fuhi thero; founder of the Nipponzan â€“ Myohoji Nikaya in Japan. It has added some colors to the Rumassala mounatain. Thus a giant statue of Hanuman is built at the Peace pagoda temple. Even today devotees visit this statue and worship â€˜Hanumaâ€™ (Hanuma is believed to be a God now). A panoramic view of the Galle bay and the Indian Ocean will entertain you at the top of this hill.

The reef also supports the fishermen in the area to catch fish. You will see the traditional fishermen engaged with their fishing duties. So far it is more legitimate for family trips and picnics. Please remind that not to disturb the bio diversity of Rumassala.

Koggala and Madol Duwa

Places like Koggala attract tourists to Sri Lanka from various countries. Koggala is located in the southern face of Sri lanka. Koggala museum is the home of former famous writer Martin Wickramasingha. Koggala town has a valuable culture, custom and folks. Koggala is an ideal place for travelersâ€™ aptitude of Sinhala culture and tradition. Koggala museum consists of wood, furniture, traditional masks and costumes of folk dancers. Visitors can enjoy the boat trips in the laggon and Koggala lake to explore other tiny islands and the bio diversity around the koggala site. Koggala is a perfect place for bird watching. Hundreds of birds are coming roost at evening.

Madol duwa is a yet another island whereas became very famous through the â€˜Madol Duwaâ€™ book. This novel was written by Martin Wickramasingha. Martin Wickramasingha is identified as a most renowned writer in late 20th century. The story is developed around Upali, Jinna, Ranadewa, Dangadasa and Siripala. Their struggle to success their lives in the deserted island named madol Duwa, is elaborated through the story. Even the story was made in to a film in 1976.

Koggala Lake is a large unspoiled lake located within few kilo meters away from town. Bird watching at evening is a breathtaking. At the entire lagoon is teemed with prawns and birds. You are allowed to take boat trips and explore the islands around the Koggala lake. In fact it will be a relaxing experience. Pol oya, reckoned as Sri Lankaâ€™s largest natural lake comprised with 8 small islands. You are indulged to see various species of mangrove swamps. It is witnessed that approximately 10 of them are endemic to Sri lanka. There are 7 islands around â€˜Pol oya that can be reached. On your way to â€˜Madol duwaâ€™ these islands will be found. The first island is â€˜kathduwaâ€™. Obviously the place was used to land sea planes by Japanese during the World War 2. Even today sea planes from Nuwara eliya or marawila can be landed here. â€˜Sekku galaâ€™, the well magnified at Madol Dowa novel is still remaining at the Madol Duwa Island. Nowadays it is going to be polluted due to the misbehaviors of the peasantry around the area.

There is a Turtle hatchery at the border of Koggala city. Purposely it was built to conserve and promote Sri lankan Tourism. Since 1996 the hatchery is trying to conserve turtles. Turtles are interested to lay eggs around the Sri lankan coastal shore. They make aware the community and travelers the importance of turtle conservation.

â€˜Dooli Ellaâ€™ is another cascade in Sinharaja forest, Galle. Sinharaja forest covers an area about 11330 hectares. It is declared as a World heritage site due to the worth flora and fauna diversity. Dooli ella is located in the southern offsetof the Sinharaja forest. It is about 200 feet in height. This wide terrific cascade gets this name â€˜ Dooli ellaâ€™, as it is comprised of a widely spreading water fall like a spray. It is quit difficult to get closer to the water fall. Though this water fall is not travelled by many travelers you can get away from the hustle-bustle at Galle city.

Unawatuna Beach

Unawatuna, worth spot of sri lankan Tourism is basking on the southern coast of Sri lanka. It can be toured within 5 km from Galle. Tourists visit the Unawatuna beach to spend their holidays and weekends leisurely. Unawatuna beach is protected by a natural reef in the Indian Ocean. Unawatuna is very mush rich of bio diversity. Sea worshippers and Sun worshippers are warmly welcomed yet the sun rays wonâ€™t burn your skin. Significantly the fleet water can be enjoyed by snorkeling and diving at underwater. Perhaps you can have a tour for watching whales in the Sea within 20 min away from the bay by a boat. Though the beach is constituted of sheltered water for swimming, ship wrecks, and sea baths and diving within the coral reefs, this edifice is a paradise for the travelers. This natural swimming pool is almost preferred by scuba divers. Either you can drink a coconut palm or bliss at Ayurvedha spa treatments to refresh your mind and body. The Ayurvedha treatments are served with local medicinal herbs and ointments. Thus you will be awaked with the offered spicy sea food meal. Nowadays Prawns, cuttlefish, lobster, crabs and tunas are very popular among the sea food menus. It should be highlighted that most of the restaurants, hotels, and rest houses at Unawatuna will kindly serve you to full fill your needs as you wish.

The Dagoba at Unawatuna is being worshiped by lots of visitors who arrive at Unawatuna beach. A panoramic view of the ocean can be seen from the Dagoba. The Indian chronicle â€˜Ramanayanaâ€™ says a long legend about Sri Lanka and India. Once, the Sri Lankan king â€˜Rawanaâ€™ visited India. On his way back he saw Princess â€˜Sitaâ€™. The king was attracted to her and he kidnapped and brought her back to Sri Lanka. Sita was the loving wife of Prince â€˜Ramaâ€™. Therefore â€˜Rawanaâ€™ and Indian price â€˜Ramaâ€™ struggled to rescue â€˜Sitaâ€™. This root cause called to a battle. In the moment Ramaâ€™s brother â€˜Lakshman was injured in the battlefield. Therefore Prince Rawana ordered the monkey King Hanuman to bring some medicinal herbs from Himalayan Mountains. Yet hanuman couldnâ€™t identify the herbs he took a part from the Himalayan Mountains. Occasionally Hanuman was lifting a part of the mountain a chunk of the mountain fell down on the location of Unawatuna. Other chunk is at Rumassala. So that there is no doubt that there are many endemic medicinal plants nearby.

AndaHelena Watarfal

Many travelers come and travel around hot tourism spots in Sri lanka and miss awesome spots that cannot comparable to any other. One such destination is â€˜Andahelenaâ€™ water fall. It is a sheer beauty is located in Pituwala, about 6 km away from Elpitiya city, Galle. From Colombo it is about 95 km in distance. The expanse area is full of greenery trees. This forest is called Beraliya jungle. It covers an area about 4774 hectares. It is about 12 m in height. The route to reach the fall is much difficult but quite worth. An elegant pool is formed at the top. Kaluwara, bakmee, telkekuna,wanasapu, venivel, Ehela, Teak, Ankenda and bata domba trees are stretching itâ€™s branches to shade you similarly to a canopy. The Divankara lena (Divankara cave) is also positioned in the Beraliya Mukalana (Beraliya jungle). It is a cave temple on a rock plaque. Long time ago the plaque was built by one of the foreigners in a tea estate located close to Pituwawala. Later Alpitiya was famous for tea estates. By the way the estate got vanished due to the Cinnomon crops.

The final part of the journey to the Anda Helena fall must be completed on foot. So enjoy the facts of natural bio diversity of Sri lanka. Singing birds, murmuring bees grumbling trees will definitely will be a relaxation to negotiate the busy life style you had. Pure and cool atmosphere will energize your lungs. Therefore it will feel like an adventure through huge â€˜Beraliya jungleâ€™.

Water sports in Bentota

While stimulating among best places for water sports, you will find the most wanted subjects in the worldâ€™s famous tourist paradise Bentota. Number of great sports activities can be played at the Bentota Sea. Bentota is the exceptional beach for surfers and jet skiers. Water skis, surf boards, jet skis and speed boats are available at many sports centres around Bentota beach. Gradually youth are mostly involved with stunning sports. Whether you are not interested, you will be attracted soon as you can see the others. Beginners can be trained under the supervision of professional trainees of water sports. Sun worshippers can stroll along the beach under and endless canopy of palm trees. The beach is a stretch of well maintained Golden sand. Body board rides, canoeing, diving, tube rides, snorkeling and lagoon fishing are the most preferred sports among elders as well as youth. PADI (Professional association of Diving Instructors) instructors will accommodate you to be good at sports. Obviously Bentota beach is one of the safest beaches in Sri lanka. It is fed by Bentota firth. Thus there are water sports for kids too. While you are enjoying with above indicated diving, snorkeling, jet skis etc your kids will play with banana boats. Boat trips can be arranged In the Bentara river. It deemed to be a thrilling experience. Bentara River is opined as a legendary river flows in to the Indian Ocean at Bentota estuary on behalf of forming a large lagoon at the end. In fact you can see the mangrove swamps and kinds of animal like reptiles, birds nestled at the river. You can entertain a local fishing experience on this excursion on the canoeing boat.

Forsooth the beach is a famous destination among wedding couples. Not only locals but also foreigners come to spend their honeymoon days at beach side hotels. Eventually well oriented and well trained instructors and trainers are eagerly waiting to welcome tourists for water sports at Bentota. Furthermore you can visit the Turtle hatchery at Kosgoda within few minutes from the Bentota beach. An array of luxurious hotels, restaurants and rest houses are also in the beach perimeter. Mostly the Bantota bay beach gets crowded in the dawn of the Monsoon season. The southern border of the beach ends with the pristine plam fringed broad beach instant the northern border ends with the estuary named â€˜paradise islandâ€™.

Gatabaru dewalaya

Kanneliya rain forest.

Kannelya rain forest is just one of the Galle's many landmarks to discover. Tourists whom are seeking adventure based tourism locations in Sri lanka tour the Kanneliya rain forest. Probably it is more appropriate for a natural bath, Hiking, waterfalls and beautiful landscapes. It is a low land forest extends about 5306 ha. Galle is consisted of 3 major forest reservation complexes. Namely Kanneliya, Dediyagala and Nakiyadeniya (Some call it the KDN complex). Kanneliya rain forest located about 36 km to the northeast from Galle. And also it is tropical rain forest in galle district. The mean annual rainfall is around 3750 mm. Kanneliya forest is well enriched with bio diversity. It may be second listed just because of the Sinharaja Forest. â€˜Gin gangaâ€™ river is the main water supplement to the Kanneliya forest. Multitudes of endemic plants are preserved in the forest. As the forest is comprised with many attractions, you donâ€™t have to investigate whole the area as they can be reached easily. The Anagimale fall is just 2km from the entrance.

By the way several forest conservation projects are carrying out to preserve this natural diversity. Hence ward the forest department is also supporting them. Due to a reforestation program carried out in early 1970â€™s has recovered a little. It is evident that once you harmed to the environment it takes more time to be recovered.

December to February is the most suitable months to travel as it gets the highest rain fall. Usually the streams are running with their full force of water through the jungle and create beautiful cascades and sceneries. It will make you sense. You can bath in cool natural streams. Eventually it will energize you. Somehow you will have to take care of leechs. Bring some lime with you and if you are beaten, put few drops on the leech and it will leave you at once. Some of the popular pools located at the forest are the natural pool behind the Kanneliya forest resort, the pool in front of the Kanneliya conservation centre (KCC) and the pool behind the KCC. Tourists looking for hiking are encouraged to visit the forest during the months of March or April as it may get reduced the rain fall. There are two traces used for hiking. You can select either route to Kabbale Mountain or the route through â€˜Narangasâ€™ ella. The gigantic â€˜Navadaâ€™ tree is on the same way. A panoramic view of the entire area can be entertained at the top of the Kabbale hill. The light filtered through the forest canopy and tree leaves is unmemorable.

Kataluwapurwarama temple

Koggala lake and surrounding.

Koggala Lake is a yet another place to be visited in Sri Lankan tourism. Koggala Lake is a un- spoiled lake located about few kilo meters away from Galle. It will feel like a paradise for nature lovers who are eagerly seeking for sites to explore and study the natural bio diversity and eco system. The isle is comprised with lush mangrove swamps at all. The lake is embellished with rocky islands, animals and shrubs. You can explore whole the area and all the islands. It is quite tremendous for bird watching and sunset sceneries in the evenings. Even many species of birds have immigrated to Koggala islands. In fact Koggala lake is consisted with 8 small islands.. There are 7 islands around â€˜Pol oyaâ€™ that can be reached by a catamaran or a motor boat. The first island is â€˜kathduwaâ€™. The famous island â€˜Madol Duwaâ€™ is also in the same cluster of the sites. Madol Duwa Island became more famous due to the â€˜Madol Duwaâ€™ novel written by the great novelist Martin Wickramasingha. Later Koggla was identified as the village of the great novelist. The surrounding is tranquil albeit you can hear the shivering tones and trembling sounds of the water. Sometimes you will find reptiles pacing on the shimmering water. You will meet thrilling and amusing moments on your journey to Koggala Lake. On behalf of that you can have a nature bath if you are interested. But donâ€™t try to pollute the Koggala lake and the surrounding as it should be preserved for the next generation.

More over Koggala lake is an adorable place to while away your holidays and weekends purposely. There are number of people who donâ€™t know anything about nature. For such Cool atmosphere and the vivacious breeze will cumin from the busy life you had.

Sea turtle Hatchery

Sea turtle hatchery situated in Habaraduwa, is mostly admired by nature lovers, and both local and foreign tourists. It is a non profitable organization located as well as a popular tourism attraction in Sri Lanka. Habaraduwa is 5 km from the Galle â€“ Matara Road. In order to conserve turtles and other marine species the small hatchery was firstly started in 1986. Sri lankan beaches are reckoned as a favorable breeding spot of the sea turtles. In case Bentota, Induruwa, Kosgoda, Ahungalle, Unawatuna and Balapitiya are few of the most preferred nesting areas of the Sea turtles. Some wicked people have been motivated and attempted to kill turtles and grab and poach the turtle eggs for commercial purposes. This has lead to extinct rare varieties of sea turtles, from our mother earth. Thereby several hatcheries have been erected in Sri Lanka to act against these poaches. Actually this conservation project should be admired which is trying to develop a combat against those poaches.

It is said that these sea turtles need a specified location or beach to lay down their eggs. Therefore they come to places like Sri lanka ignoring many more beaches around the world. Eventually they lay down the eggs on the sandy beaches and return back to sea. All the tourists are demonstrated to ensure the life of turtles and conserve them. The Sea turtle hatchery is a day care for new born turtles. The babies must be released to the Ocean at heel of 4 days. Perhaps you will receive a rare chance to release the baby sea turtles to the sea. Most have got the opportunity to oversee and take them to their hand. Gradually five varieties of sea turtles are found in Sri lanka, such as Hawksbill turtle, Olive ridley turtle, Loggerhead turtle, leatherhead turtle and Green turtle. These new born turtles are protected in small water tanks. The injured turtles are conserved in another tank in the hatchery. A small clime of sand is nearby to the tanks where clans of eggs are conserved. Each of them is labeled with the date and number of eggs in the clan. However these people are making a wonderful work to save this animal kind. There are 4 officers involved with the project in the hatchery. Since it was started the organization has released over 500000 sea turtles to the ocean. They will cost you a Rs.400 for each. Purposely it is used to take care of the sea turtles.

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Galle Fort
Etymology. There are many versions of the word 'Galle' that is suffixed to the fort. One version is that it is a derivative of 'Gallo' from the Portuguese language, meaning "rooster".The other version is that it was a "gaala", in Sinhala meaning a "cattle herd" or place where cattle was herded.. History Galle Fort ±1672 Map of Galle Fort ±1740 View down Church Street, 1737
The History of Galle Fort: A Deep Dive into Its Past
The Galle Fort, located in Galle, Sri Lanka, has a fascinating history that dates back several centuries. The origins of the fort can be traced back to the 16th century when the Portuguese arrived in Sri Lanka. In 1505, the Portuguese first set foot on the island and established a trading post in Galle. However, it was not until 1588 that they ...
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Housed within the Galle fort this museum showcases Sri Lanka's rich maritime history. Explore exhibits that highlight ancient navigational instruments, shipwreck artifacts, and the fascinating tales of seafaring explorers. It's a captivating journey through time that sheds light on the island's deep-rooted connection with the sea.
Discovering the Rich History of Galle Fort
Galle Fort is a historic walled city in Sri Lanka's southern region. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist spots in the country. The Fort, which the Portuguese constructed in the 16th century, has seen the nation's history. Today, it remains a significant monument that depicts Sri Lanka's past and present.
The Destination Galle In Sri Lanka Tourism Essay
According to other schools of thought, the name Galle derives from 'Gallus' (chicken in Dutch), or from 'Gaala', in Sinhala, meaning a herding place for cattle. Before the Portuguese arrived in the 16th century, Galle was known as 'Gimhathiththa'. In less than 100 yrs, the Dutch had taken over and reinforced the fort.
Galle Fort
Galle Fort has quite a history. Originally built by the Portuguese in 1588 and later, when overrun by the Dutch in 1640, was fortified even further. The British later took over the fort in 1796 around the time when they were colonising Sri Lanka. Despite the amount of time that has passed and the effect of the horrendous boxing day tsunami in ...
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Galle Dutch Fort stands as a remarkable historical gem, its magnificence intensified by the vast expanse of the ocean lapping against its foundations. These dark stone walls, enduring the tests of time, encircle a world frozen in history, preserving the essence of a bygone era. Changing Paths, Enduring Legacy: Evolution of Galle Fort.
Galle Fort
The Dutch Reformed Church. Famously known as the Groote Kerk, the Dutch Reformed Church in Galle Fort - Sri Lanka was built in the year 1755 and is among the most prominent and oldest churches that are still in use on the island. It was constructed on the 4th of July 1752 under the supervision of Abraham Anthonisz.
Galle Fort Sri Lanka
Explore 16th-century Galle Fort. Located on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, the Galle fort is considered a national treasure in terms of its historic and cultural significance. Originally built in the year of 1588, the fort is one of the country's well-preserved colonial establishments and world heritage sites recognised by the UNESCO.
Visit the iconic Galle Fort Sri Lanka
Galle Fort. The fort that stands proudly above Galle has become an icon for the South of Sri Lanka, while also serving as a stark reminder of the country's rich colonial past. The fort is, in fact, a world heritage site and the largest remaining fortress built in Asia by the Europeans. For anyone touring the south, the fort serves as an ...
Galle Fort
Galle Fort (Sinhala: ගාලු කොටුව Galu Kotuwa; Tamil: காலிக் கோட்டை, romanized: Kālik Kōṭṭai), in the Bay of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards. It is a historical ...
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Discover Galle Fort in Galle, Sri Lanka: This fort dates back to 1588 and was colonized by the Portuguese, Dutch, and English and sits prominently on the Indian Ocean where azure water lap the coast.
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Be sure to savour a gin and tonic for the full experience. It's also worth grabbing a pre-dinner cocktail or two on the terrace of the historic Galle Fort Hotel. They make a mean passionfruit caipirinha. Amangalla, 10 Church Street, Fort, Galle, Sri Lanka, +94 91 223 3388, aman.com. Galle Fort Hotel, 28 Church St, Galle, Sri Lanka, +94 91 2 ...
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Here, you'll get a chance to walk through the old fort of Galle with a local, professional guide and hear the histories of the colonial times when Galle was a thriving trading port. This is a fun and exciting way of exploring Galle Fort. Take an afternoon walking tour (16:30/ 4:30 pm - 18:30/ 6:30 pm) to beat the heat.
Going To Sri Lanka? Visit Galle Fort, The Largest Remaining Colonial
The large Galle Fort in Sri Lanka is one of the largest and oldest European-era forts in South and Southeast Asia. The Galle Fort was first built by the Portuguese in 1588 (the same year as the Spanish Armada sailed against England). It was later extensively fortified by the Dutch before the British took over the island.
Galle Fort of Sri Lanka
Travel time from Colombo to Galle is approx 1.5 to 2 hours if the new Southern highway is used. For a picturesque drive, you can take the A2 route along the coastline. This trip would take 2.5-3 hours from Colombo. The best time to visit the fort is in the evening. Route from Colombo to Fort of Galle. Distance :126 km.
Galle Fort
The Galle Fort, a world heritage site, is a living monument to Sri Lanka's colonial past, and an epitome of old world charm. [email protected] (00) 94 - 777 - 744 644
7 Incredible things to do in Galle Fort, Sri Lanka's colonial fortress
The number of travellers that visit Galle has increased rapidly in the last few years, and I can easily understand why. Colonial grandeur, an inviting tropical vibe, and as authentic as can be, the historic Dutch fortress in Galle, simply can't be missed in your Sri Lanka itinerary.. Constructed by the Dutch in 1663, Galle Fort was once of significant importance, when it functioned as Sri ...
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Galle has a very long history and is marked in the island of Sri Lanka in Ptolemy's world map prepared around 125 - 150 AD. During that time Galle was a busy port. Foreign traders such as Greeks, Arabs and Chinese have been visiting Galle for trade. The Dutch entrance to Galle Fort. Some believe that the word 'Galle' is derived from the Dutch ...
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Kaushalya Herath. This essay traces the evolution of Galle, a coastal multi-ethnic, multi-religious city with a natural harbour in southern Sri Lanka. It has a population of around 100,000 residents (according to the 2011 census of Sri Lanka). Boxem and Fuhren, 2011, write that Galle is globally significant as an outstanding example of the ...
The Destination Galle In Sri Lanka Tourism Essay
Words: 200. The Galle Fort is the landmark attraction. The fort dates back to 1640 and has recently been restored after lot of reconstruction and beautification work. There are many old structured within the fort to see and explore. The Dutch Reformed Church is the oldest church in the region.
The Destination Galle In Sri Lanka Tourism Essay
Essay, Pages 26 (6439 words) Views. 1156. Galle is the capital of a territory with the same name and is besides called the Gateway to the South. This larboard metropolis, 119 kilometer from Colombo, has managed to retain its old colonial town experience even today and is besides known for its Dutch walled fortress.
The City Of Galle
In fact the Galle fort is a UNESCO world heritage site. The glorious Galle fort was firstly built by Portuguese in 1588. Remarkably it had been marked in the Ptolamyâ€™s world map designed around 125-150 A.D. Subsequently the Galle fort is noticed in the records of Arab traveler â€˜Iban bhathutaâ€™.