- Galle Fort - The Galle Dutch Fort is a seventeenth-century colonial fort in Sri Lanka. It stands on a rocky promontory facing the Indian Ocean. Rocky shores and an imposing landside rampart defend it on all four directions. It was the Portuguese who chose Galle as a permanent trading post in 1588. Following the siege of Galle (1640), the Dutch ousted them from Southern Sri Lanka. Then the Dutch extensively fortified the fort until 1729. Its present form was mainly conceived under Dutch company rule and hence the name Galle Dutch fort. In its heyday, the fortification also served as the island’s southern commandment of the Dutch East India trading company (VOC). Its sister cities were Colombo, Trincomalee, and Jaffna. The fort defended the main VOC trading port in Sri Lanka. In 1796, it was peacefully handed over to the British who maintained a military presence until 1948.
Many of Galle fort’s European inhabitants left it, following the 1972 constitution, which completed the transitional phase of Sri Lanka into a republic. Thereon, the structure became dilapidated until renovations started after the 2004 tsunami followed by the end of the war in 2009. Today, the Galle Dutch Fort is the most well preserved colonial fort in South Asia. Most of its main features are miraculously preserved. A rare Portuguese fortalice and thirteen Dutch bastions dot the original ramparts, each with a different story belonging to a different time. Its exotic blend of European and Asian architecture attracts many local and foreign visitors. Artists, photographers, writers, and architects own many restored colonial buildings inside the fort. Trendy cafes, boutique shops, and hotels add a unique character to the atmosphere of the fort’s colonial streets. However, the real energy of Galle fort comes from its active colonial court complexes, government offices, public schools, trading companies, and beautiful churches, harking back to a thriving European colony.
- All Government Taxes included.
- Madu River Boat Safari cost covered.
- Complimentary 500ml mineral water bottle per person.
- Lunch at a local restaurant provided.
- Air conditioned vehicle with English speaking driver.
- Hotel pick up and drop off included for nearby Galle hotels.
- Entrance fees to Galle Fort and Turtle Hatchery included.
- Gratuities.
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions.
The Galle day trip prominently features the Galle Dutch Fort, Madhu River, and the turtle preservation center in Balapitiya.
Galle is a city located in the southern expanse of Sri Lanka, known for the historical Galle Dutch Fort and stunning beaches lining its coast. The Galle Dutch Fort has become one of Sri Lanka’s most frequented tourist spots.
Located in the vicinity of Galle, the Madu River boasts of numerous small islands within its water and lush mangrove forests along its shores that provide habitat to a variety of amazing wildlife.
The southern shoreline is significant as a breeding place for sea turtles. A number of sea turtle conservation initiatives work along the beach to safeguard sea turtle nests. In total, five types of sea turtles nest on the beaches of Sri Lanka.
- Please be ready at the hotel lobby 15 minutes before the pick up time.
- Please come with a comfortable attire for the tour.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
