Galle Fort Walk with a Local

Walkthrough the old fortifications of Galle, and hear the stories of times past from a local guide whose family has resided there for generations. Visit the museums with their memorable treasures and the lighthouse which was once an indispensable asset of the area. Wander around the maze of cobblestoned streets with their picturesque houses and Dutch names. Relax with a cup of Ceylon Tea or fresh King Coconut. A tour of immense charm to one of the best-preserved colonial forts in Asia.

Highlights:

• A visit to one of the best-preserved colonial forts in Asia.
• Tours of the Galle Dutch Fort.
• Walkthrough the lively streets and look at the buildings with their old architecture.

During this tour, you will visit the following points of interest in the specified order.

1. Church Street
2. Galle Fort Entrance
3. Galle Maritime Museum
4. Dutch Reformed Church
5. The Old Dutch Government House
6. Meera Mosque
7. Sri Sudharmalaya Buddhist Temple
8. St Joseph's Chapel
9. The Old Dutch Government House
10. All Saints' Church
11. Galle Fort Clock Tower
12. Galle Lighthouse
13. Galle Fruit Market
14. Moon Bastion
15. Sun Bastion
16. Old Dutch Hospital
17. Church Street

Experience:

You will start your tour at the church street, where you will be met by your host at 16:00. Your guide and host is a local who has been a resident of Galle his whole life, along with his ancestors. His masterful knowledge of the town and its history will show you the layers below the colorful beauty of Galle.

The natural harbor of Galle was famous as far back as 1400 BC. At that time it was one of the main ports in the world from which cinnamon was exported. The arrival of the Portuguese marked a change in the history of the town. They made Galle their headquarters and destroyed many important monuments that were in the area. The initial earth and palisade fort built by the Portuguese were expanded on by the Dutch, after their takeover of the Portuguese assets in the 17th century. The Dutch Fort was highly advanced with high stone ramparts and many bastions. They also built many other buildings for administration and residency. The Dutch made renovations to the streets and added advancements such as stormwater drains.

Today much of the Dutch fort still stands, contradicting the ravages of time. The history seeped streets of Galle retain their life and originality. You will be able to climb up to the ramparts of the fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and walk through the streets. The delicate filigreed roofs and old street signs with Dutch names add to their character. Your host will also take you on a tour to the museums which have many antiquities relating to the history of Galle and its harbor. Your walking tour will also take you to the Galle lighthouse which was built by the British. Along the way you will take a break with a cup of fine Ceylon Tea or a refreshing drink of King Coconut milk. Your walk will be completed back at the Dutch Fort at 18.00.

Notes:

Comfortable Walking Shoes Recommended for this tour.

Includes:

• Galle heritage demonstration by a well-experienced guide.

Excludes:

• Hotel Pick & Drop.
• Food or Drinks.
• Gratuities (Optional).
• Expenses of Personal Nature.