Galle, located 116km away from Colombo is one of Sri Lanka’s most beloved towns and was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This southern beach town is picturesque and was once home to the Portuguese and the Dutch. With many structures and remains still found in Galle from its previous captors, the town of Galle has become a popular tourist destination. For those looking for a serene villa in Sri Lanka to stay in during their vacation on this sunny island, properties such as Pebbles Beach Villa could be a great choice, especially if you’re travelling with a group.
Galle Fort is the heart of Galle rich history, as it was built by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British, and holds a quiet town within its walled ramparts. If you take a stroll through the fort, you will encounter many structures and old mansions that date back to 100 of years when the land was controlled by foreign occupants. Much of these structures still stand the test of time and as a great mark of history.
Two of the oldest mansions that have survived through the years are the New Oriental Hotel, located within the Fort and the Closenburg, located with a great view of the harbour.
One of the most notable places to visit in the fort is the Historical Mansion which has now been converted to a museum, which holds exhibits of colonial artefacts, antique typewriters, vintage jewellery and other things that were found or left behind by the previous settlers. The mansion is a colonial Dutch house and is quite possibly the largest private museum on the island. The museum also sells various stationary items, handicrafts, antiques etc, along with a gem shop. Featuring a stone slab that was sculptured in 1763, the most breath taking part of the museum is the central courtyard which plays a great tribute to its Dutch occupants.
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+
