GALLE FORT

 
 Galle Fort belongs to south coast of Sri Lanka .This is also called as Dutch Fort or Ramparts of Galle. It is one of the best-preserved colonial city in South Asia with the South Asian cultural and  European architectural value ,Hence it is listed up to the UNESCO world heritage list. It was also a trading port for hundreds of years. Galle Fort was constructed by the Portuguese and later Fortified by the Dutch and English ,Starting from the 16^th century. History says  about 500 families lived here under Dutch rule and the Fort is a massive structure with a number of fascinating museums , stunning churches, administrative centers, warehouses ,military facilities etc. Now most of the old buildings were turned into small boutiques ,coffee shops ,cafes and restaurants. Galle Fort is breathtaking .With my personal experience I can promise you that you will be able to spend beautiful days ,evenings ,nights in Galle Fort without any worries.

 
LOCATION

Galle Fort is in Galle town , roughly 110 km far from Colombo .it takes 2-4 hours to reach, and you can use any form of transportation as per your convenience .the cheapest way to reach out to the Galle Fort is train .it costs around 250 rupees &  easiest way is southern express highway . It’s spread over area of around 92 acre(132 hectare).it takes around 2hours to walk around the Galle Fort with stunting view of the ocean.

 THINGS TO EXPERIENCED

 1.Exploring The History

Bastions – In total there are 14 bastions.

• black bastion (Zwart)- This on is the oldest and it is the place where weapon production of Portuguese were happened, so it always covered by a black smoke that comes from canons and guns. Hence its name is black Fort.
• flag rock bastion In 1848 Sri Lanka’s first light house was built within the flag rock Fort which used as a signal point for ships .
  
• akersloot bastion -where the oldest breadfruit tree  in Sri Lanka can be seen and it was introduced by Dutch .
  
  

Old Dutch hospital – One of the oldest architect in Galle Fort. Now it’s become a dining and shopping area.

Groote Kerk (Dutch Reformed Church) – This is located near to the entrance of the Fort and build by the sponsorship of Casparus de Jong with the purpose of  gratefulness to the god for giving a child which they waited for so long. Even At the present  there is church service in every Sunday.

 Maritime Archaeology Museum -Previously this was a Dutch warehouse and now it displays underwater artifacts , ship models and other marine themed exhibits.

Galle Fort Light house -light house is one of the prominent architecture that attract tourist and locals to Galle Fort because of its classic beauty.it is an must watch thing when you visit to Galle Fort, situated on the southern part of the Fort .

Clock Tower -The northwest side you can see the clock tower which connects the Galle city and the Galle Fort.
 

 
 2.Enjoying The Sunset

Both the locals and the foreigners sometimes visits the Fort at the evening just to watch the sun disappear into sea ,this time sky explode into rainbow colors .Flag rock and rooftop bars/cafes(like Café Hula Hula ,Fort dew Restaurant,pedlar’s Coner Café) are great spots to watch the stunning sunset with the beers and snacks.

3.Surfing 

In beach towns Unawatuna (jungle beach- quite crowded -10 minutes far from Galle Fort),Mirissa (1 hour trip) you can experience surfing ,scuba surfing or just lying on the beach. March, April is the best season for the beginner surfing and there are diving schools and well-trained trainers.

 
  4.Crazy Jumpers 

You can watch the local daredevils jumping off the flag rock ancient citadel walls.( approximately from a height of 25 feet ,the place has low deep that’s why it’s risky) There are 3 jumpers named Mr.Asanka ,Mr.Lakshitha, Mr.Buddika and they have been performing crazy jumps for over 15 years to entertain tourists and the locals ,thereby earning a living. Per jump they charge 30 dollars from the foreigners and LKR 3500 from locals.

 
 
5.Watch The Cricket Matches and Walk Through The streets

Alongside the beach local play cricket, visitors walk on the fort walls, street vendors sell fruits, ice creams ,snacks etc. It creates a joyful scenery to watch

 

6.Shops 

Galle Fort is famous for its traditional crafts ,gems ,jewelry and masks, the atmospheric colonial streets are full of smart designer boutiques.

v Warm boutique-This is great place to buy Ceylon tea,coffee,organic spices ,handloom products, recycled products,souviners and mementos from your trip

v Barefoot – situated on the Coner of the Pedler Street. Its fashionable Colombo homeware shop where they sell clothing, sarongs ,toys ,bags etc.

v Karma Collection -this Gorgeous boutique have eclectic collection of fashion ,art, homeware and tea, near the Dutch reformed church

vStick no bills – where you can buy colorful graphics for your walls and printed postcards .

7.Restaurants

You can find some of the Sri Lanka’s best restaurants and cafes within the ramparts of Galle Fort.

Poonie’s kitchen –(63,peddler St.) located in  courtyard with blue colored walls. They have the short & sweet menu with using natural ingredients. This place gives beautiful and relaxed atmosphere to the customers. Recommended for Best lunch

Starbeans Ocean Bistro 

-located in the Dutch Hospital ambient environment with super friendly staff. You can have good food like, virgin mojito ,pizza, sea foods, milk shake ,coffees etc.

Dumplings café

- one minute far away from Dutch Fort. You can have best coffees and dumplings in here.

 Café Hula Hula – Address is 29b Rampart street ,Open from 8.00 a.m. to 10 p.m. .this café is very popular for cheese kottu among most of the Galle Fort lovers and have the best view.

8.ACCOMMODATION / HOTELS
 

Within the Galle Fort you can have the accommodation at (price range LKR10,000- LKR25,000)

§  Muhsin villa

§  56 by Deco
§  mango house
§  Fort bliss Galle
§  Khalid’s guest house

Enjoy your journey by exploring your knowledge ,tasting good foods and get a mental relaxation but make sure to preserve our world heritage for our future generations. Keep the environment clean and safe.