Galle Fort: Southern Sri Lanka
Galle Fort is is a magnificent tourist destination if you find yourself enjoying the southern beaches of Sri Lanka. A mere 130 km south of Colombo and within 20-30km of most major tourist beaches, it makes an excellent day trip.
Galle Fort was originally built by the Portuguese however it was soon modified by the Dutch in the 17th century. The fort is now over 400 years old and full of colonial architecture and beauty. As you walk around inside the fort you notice a distinct style and class, with high end hotels and villas. Much of the fort is still owned by Dutch families who use it as investment or vacation properties, finding homes for long term rental or several week vacations should be no problem here and signs are often posted in the windows.
This area is certainly more posh that the rest of the city of Galle located about 5 minutes walk once you exit the fort walls. Major shopping facilities, buses, and cheaper restaurants are found in the city of Galle, whereas within the walls it's geared to tourists and westerners with higher budgets.
Inside the fort walls there are several museums to see, such as the maritime museum. But most people just enjoy the walk along the fort walls enjoying the view of the city and the ocean. I would estimate it would take 1 to 1.5 hours to walk around the fort walls and I would suggest that you try to do it in the morning or afternoon. The Sri Lankan heat can really be overbearing and you need to make sure to bring a long a bottle or two of water.
Once you have had your fill of staring at miles of clear blue ocean and sky as far as the eye can see it should be time to head in to town for some posh restaurants or a little bit of culture. There is some magnificently built churches in the centre of the Galle fort which I highly suggest taking a look at.
Though the fort itself faired very well against the 26 December 2004 tsunami that raged against much of the Sri Lanka southern coastal towns. As you tour the city and the resorts in the area you can't help but notice many vacant lots where hotels, homes and businesses once stood.
One things I found quite cute about the Galle Fort is that it is quite the dating location for young Sri Lankan couples. As you walk along the fort walls you will find couples kissing and picnicking in every little secluded nook and cranny of the fort that has a view. I would have to agree this walk along the wall can make a wonderful romantic outing.
Finally, another great thing about visiting the Galle Fort is it is entirely free. There is no admission costs because it is essentially an extension of the town of Galle itself. So enjoy the scenery and take in the experience.
Happy Travels!
Galle Fort was originally built by the Portuguese however it was soon modified by the Dutch in the 17th century. The fort is now over 400 years old and full of colonial architecture and beauty. As you walk around inside the fort you notice a distinct style and class, with high end hotels and villas. Much of the fort is still owned by Dutch families who use it as investment or vacation properties, finding homes for long term rental or several week vacations should be no problem here and signs are often posted in the windows.
This area is certainly more posh that the rest of the city of Galle located about 5 minutes walk once you exit the fort walls. Major shopping facilities, buses, and cheaper restaurants are found in the city of Galle, whereas within the walls it's geared to tourists and westerners with higher budgets.
Inside the fort walls there are several museums to see, such as the maritime museum. But most people just enjoy the walk along the fort walls enjoying the view of the city and the ocean. I would estimate it would take 1 to 1.5 hours to walk around the fort walls and I would suggest that you try to do it in the morning or afternoon. The Sri Lankan heat can really be overbearing and you need to make sure to bring a long a bottle or two of water.
Once you have had your fill of staring at miles of clear blue ocean and sky as far as the eye can see it should be time to head in to town for some posh restaurants or a little bit of culture. There is some magnificently built churches in the centre of the Galle fort which I highly suggest taking a look at.
Though the fort itself faired very well against the 26 December 2004 tsunami that raged against much of the Sri Lanka southern coastal towns. As you tour the city and the resorts in the area you can't help but notice many vacant lots where hotels, homes and businesses once stood.
One things I found quite cute about the Galle Fort is that it is quite the dating location for young Sri Lankan couples. As you walk along the fort walls you will find couples kissing and picnicking in every little secluded nook and cranny of the fort that has a view. I would have to agree this walk along the wall can make a wonderful romantic outing.
Finally, another great thing about visiting the Galle Fort is it is entirely free. There is no admission costs because it is essentially an extension of the town of Galle itself. So enjoy the scenery and take in the experience.
Happy Travels!
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