Colombo Trip Overview
Galle is a city on the south coast of Sri Lanka. It is famous for the Galle Dutch Fort plus breathtaking beaches along its coastline. Galle Dutch fort is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Sri Lanka. It is a seventeenth-century colonial fort made of coral limestone and granite. In many ways, Galle is the holiday resort district in Sri Lanka. The stretching coastline boasts of pristine beaches blessed with picture-perfect sunsets. The most popular beaches are Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Koggala, Dalawella and Narigama. Thousands of sun worshippers, surfers, scuba divers and holidaymakers travel to Galle in Sri Lanka each year. Galle is a must visit destination if your tour to Sri Lanka!
•Two way hotel transfers included
• Hear commentary from an expert guide
• Discover the Old Town of Galle
Additional Info
Duration: 11 to 13 hours
Starts: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
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What to Expect When Visiting Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
Galle is a city on the south coast of Sri Lanka. It is famous for the Galle Dutch Fort plus breathtaking beaches along its coastline. Galle Dutch fort is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Sri Lanka. It is a seventeenth-century colonial fort made of coral limestone and granite. In many ways, Galle is the holiday resort district in Sri Lanka. The stretching coastline boasts of pristine beaches blessed with picture-perfect sunsets. The most popular beaches are Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Koggala, Dalawella and Narigama. Thousands of sun worshippers, surfers, scuba divers and holidaymakers travel to Galle in Sri Lanka each year. Galle is a must visit destination if your tour to Sri Lanka!
•Two way hotel transfers included
• Hear commentary from an expert guide
• Discover the Old Town of Galle
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Galle Fort, Church Street, Galle 80000 Sri Lanka
The Galle Dutch Fort is a seventeenth-century colonial fort in Sri Lanka. It stands on a rocky promontory facing the Indian Ocean. Rocky shores and an imposing landside rampart defend it on all four directions. It was the Portuguese who chose Galle as a permanent trading post in 1588. Following the siege of Galle (1640), the Dutch ousted them from Southern Sri Lanka. Then the Dutch extensively fortified the fort until 1729. Its present form was mainly conceived under Dutch company rule and hence the name Galle Dutch fort. In its heyday, the fortification also served as the island’s southern commandment of the Dutch East India trading company (VOC). Its sister cities were Colombo, Trincomalee, and Jaffna. The fort defended the main VOC trading port in Sri Lanka. In 1796, it was peacefully handed over to the British who maintained a military presence until 1948.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Flag Rock Bastion- Galle, Flag Rock, Galle, Galle 80000 Sri Lanka
The flag rock bastion served as the signal station for Galle port ships traffic. It is a bastion built on a natural boulder at the southernmost point of fort’s shoreline. The popular cliff jumpers risk their lives by hauling themselves from the flag rock down to the rocky waters below. An old wooden lighthouse stood here until a fire burned it down in 1930.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Galle Fort – Dutch Reformed Church, 26H8+8R5, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka
The Dutch Reformed Church (1755) stands 12 meters above sea level (highest point inside Galle fort). The church design is in the form of a Greek cross. It shows Doric architectural features similar to the Wolvendaal Church (1749) in Colombo. However, the interior has undergone many changes during the British era, with a stained glass window, a side canopy, altar, communion rails and a 1760 organ.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Maritime Archeological Museum (Galle), Queen Street Duch fort, Galle 80000 Sri Lanka
The highlight of the National Maritime Museum is its building, which is the seventeenth-century Dutch warehouse. It is a long warehouse, built into the ramparts facing the old port of Galle. The structure has thick walls and solid pillars, which can withstand direct cannon fire. The interior shows some artifacts belonging to Sri Lankan maritime history. The old gate runs through the warehouse. This was the original entrance to the fort of Galle. Both Dutch and British coat of arms can be seen above the entrance. The Dutch coat of arms hovers on the inner side whilst the British coat of arms faces the port side.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Unawatuna Beach, Unawatuna Sri Lanka
Unawatuna bay is a paradise beach. Its circular beach sports panoramic views often blessed with spectacular sunsets. The best time to visit is from November to April. The water temperature never falls below 27o. A string of trendy restaurants and sunbed hotels dot the palm groves bordering the beach. Unawatuna beach is a cool place to chill out with some good food and drinks. It is a family vacation destination and there is something for everyone at Unawatuna. The beach is only five kilometers away from Galle city.
Duration: 1 hour
