A historic coastal city situated on the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka and 119km from Colombo is the city of Galle. Galle is home to one of Sri Lanka’s many natural harbors, has been an important seaport since as far back as 1400. Galle is also one of Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist destinations owing to its rich history, amazing attractions, and unique culture. The Tamarind Hill Galle is one of the most recommendable Galle hotels in Sri Lanka.
Of the many attractions in Galle, none are as popular or iconic as the Galle Fort. The Galle Fort, with its high ramparts and impressive gates, was one of the most fortified forts in existence during its peak, and is also considered to be the largest fort of its kind in Asia. Although initially constructed by the Portuguese during the 16th Century, the Galle Fort was at its peak during the Dutch era of Sri Lanka, and is still considered to be one of the best places in Sri Lanka to learn more about the Dutch occupation of Sri Lanka in the 17th Century.
Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, the Galle Fort is a landmark that all visitors of Galle simply must visit. The exterior of the fort is guarded by high ramparts made of stone and brick, and have withstood the test of the time throughout the years. As one ventures into the elaborate “Old Town” of Galle through one of the fortified gates, you will come across many structures built by the Dutch in almost perfect condition. Small houses with typical Dutch architecture, a network of quaint paved streets and pathways, grand Catholic churches with immense historic and architectural value, and a string of small boutiques, shops and many fancy restaurants. Aimlessly walking through the myriad of pathways of the fort gives one a glimpse into the times when the fort was fully functional under the Dutch, making the Galle Fort an archeological attraction with a historic and cultural charm that is well worth a visit.
Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+