Galle Dutch Fort
A journey to the past see the remnants of a Dutch past at a World Heritage Site. Galle has been the emporium of foreign trade since the dawn of commerce. The Dutch Fort, which has been declared a World Heritage Site, surrounds the older part of the town and is situated on a headland of which three sides overlook the sea. The ramparts of the Fort are over 2.5 km in circumference and provides a pleasant and interesting walk.
The historian Sir Emerson Tennant claimed that Galle was the ancient biblical city of Tarshish. This city is said to have traded with King Solomon, the Persians and the Egyptians. In 1505 a Portuguese fleet led by Lorenzo de Almeida heading for the Maldives drifted accidentally into Galle. It is said that on hearing a cock crowing (cock means ”Galo” in Portuguese) they gave the town its’ name. Another explanation for the name is from the Sinhala name for rock ‘Gala’, plenty of which are found in the harbour area.
When the Portuguese arrived the town was already a thriving traders’ port and an entrenched settlement in the lowland territory of the Kandyan Kings. It was however not until 1587 when the Portuguese were able to control Galle. The Dutch then arrived, overthrew the Portuguese and took control of Sri Lanka in 1640.
It was the Dutch who had a major impact on Galle and the town still retains its characteristic Dutch architecture, the streets differing little from the times of Dutch occupation.
Galle Fort - Tour itinerary
Price
• 10 USD for per person
• 5 USD per additional person
Time and Duration
Option 1: After breakfast, depart from your hotel and arrive Galle Fort by 9.00 am and do 2.5 hours historical walk in the Fort.
Option 2: Depart from your hotel and arrive Galle Fort by 3.00 pm and do a 2.5 hours historical walk in the Fort and return your hotel after seen the dutiful/ spectacular sunset in the evening.
Travelling Distance and Duration
Gentle walk about 2.5 km by foot or short walks and Tuk Tuk drive combination as you wish.
What is included
Transport inside the Fort, Experienced Naturalist, Water Bottles, King Coconut, Binoculars, Sri Lankan Bird Guide Book for reference.
What is not included (available on request)
Transport, Entrance tickets, Sri Lankan breakfast picnic pack or Lunch
Recommending - What to wear / Bring
Comfortable clothes, hats/caps, insect repellent, sun block, camera
What can be seen
Birds
Mammals
Reptiles
Notifications
