Galle Fort, Galle, Sri Lanka is an electric mix of Portuguese, Dutch and British influences. You’ll have an incredible experience with this fortified bastion located on the Indian Ocean. If you’re a lover of history and culture, this is the perfect place for you. Also, you’ll be fascinated with its sound of this ancient walled city.
Things to do
Bicycle Ride
Galle Fort is an excellent place to make a Bicycle ride. Over there, you’ll find a tour guide that will have all the knowledge you need. Also, this is the best way to really get to know the local culture. You’ll be able to know the interesting streets of Sri Lanka. At the same time, don’t forget to buy one of its delicious snacks. Let yourself enjoy this incredible ride full of rhythm, fun, reflection, and knowledge.
The Fort
Galle fort has amazing walls magnificently preserved where you can explore all the beautiful views of the Bay. Also, you’ll see how these amazing walls were built by the Portuguese and Dutch. Then, you’ll be able to tour all its fortifications and enjoy its local atmosphere.
Later, from the fort, you’ll have some incredible views of the port and the cricket stadium. Also, you’ll go to the Fort Lighthouse where you’ll learn everything about the Port’s authority in Sri Lanka. Finally, you have to visit the Clock Tower and its tiny streets at sunset.
Fishing on Slits
In this part of your tour for Galle Fort, you’ll start by admiring the conservation of the sea turtle. The turtle rescuers will teach you how they save all the turtles that can that are about to lose their lives.
Later, the Slit Fishermenwill teach you how this is a method of fishing exclusive to the island country of Sri Lanka. After that, they sit in a crossbar called “Petta”. Also, they tie it to a vertical pole and led to the sand a few meters from the coast.
Finally, you’ll see how they are placed from this height and throw their line. They will also pose for you to take the best pictures of them and ask all the questions about their custom.
How to get there
There are two main ways to get to Galle Fort from Koggala Airport (KCT):
- By Taxi: it is a 17-minute journey from the airport to Galle Fort. The price is $5 to 7 USD.
- By Drive: you can rent a car in the airport for only $1 to 2 USD.
When to go
The weather in Sri Lanka is hot and humid year-round. So it’s important for you to know that from December to March the weather is even drier and it has higher temperatures. However, you can go Between April and November if you pack an umbrella or rainproof clothing.
How long
To visit Galle Fort you’ll need just one or two days. However, there are a lot of amazing places in Sri Lanka to explore. I recommend you to take at least a weak for this trip.
Opening and Closing Hours
This place is opened from Sunday to Saturday at 5:30 a.m to 10:00 p.m
Planning
Over there, you’ll find some amazing places to shop. Take a considerable amount of money so you can buy the things you want. Also, you have the possibility of make the tour in your vehicle around the fort. On the other hand, before going to Sri Lanka it is important to have basic immunizations such as Tetanus and Diphtheria up to date.
Inside Information
To truly get to know Galle fort you’ll make long walks. I recommend you to accomplish them early in the morning when the air is still cool or late afternoon before sunset. Also, with this hot weather remember to take your freshest clothes and comfortable shoes. Above all, don’t forget your camera to take amazing pictures.
History
The Portuguese started the seafront fortifications in this place. In this way, Galle was built as a coastal city. However, it was the Dutch who built the stout bastions that surround the town today. In consequence, Galled has gone through several reincarnations since the first Europeans arrived in the 16th century.
Also, this city was a British colonial and its stamp is still on Galle’s streets. As well as them, much of the Dutch colonial architecture still survives.
Websites
Other Nearby Attractions
Jungle Beach, Unawatuna
This is a stunning bitch in Galle where you can go surfing, scuba diving, or just lie there. If you’re traveling with your family, this will be the perfect place to spend your day. Over there, you’ll have the perfect atmosphere to relax with no tourist crowds.
Old Dutch Hospital
You can’t visit Galle without visiting the oldest buildings there, the Old Dutch Hospital. This once time Hospital is now an incredible shopping mall. Also, in this beautiful building vintage, you’ll have the best view of the Galle Harbour. In the same way, you’ll visit nice boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.
All Saints’ Church
With the style of a 13th Century Gothic Church, you’ll find this amazing edification. Over there, you’ll find a lovely old church with a lot of history. Also, in its walls, you’ll see pretty stained glass windows that will remind you how charming it must have been. Also, it will be the perfect place for you to take the most original photos. When you get there, make sure you go right inside. The true splendor of the church is located from inside with its beautiful glass windows.
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