Colombo Trip Overview
Founded in the 16th century by the Portuguese, Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century, before the arrival of the British. It is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in South and South-East Asia, showing the interaction between European architectural styles and South Asian traditions. Explore this nostalgic city on a Galle city tour for an unforgettable travel experience!
Additional Info
Duration: 9 to 10 hours
Starts: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Historical & Heritage Tours
Explore Colombo Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
Founded in the 16th century by the Portuguese, Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century, before the arrival of the British. It is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in South and South-East Asia, showing the interaction between European architectural styles and South Asian traditions. Explore this nostalgic city on a Galle city tour for an unforgettable travel experience!
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Dutch Fort Galle, 26J8+375, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka
A vacation to the famous city of Galle is not complete without a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Galle Dutch Fort that possesses a history dating back to the 16th century. The Galle Fort’s archaeological and architectural splendor, along with the pride and heritage of the residents in the fortified city, reflects a fusion of traditional local and European culture. Thus making the site a symbol of a thriving Eurasian culture in Sri Lanka.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Maritime Archeological Museum (Galle), Queen Street Duch fort, Galle 80000 Sri Lanka
The historic port city of Galle is best understood by visiting the national maritime museum as it provides a comprehensive history of the port city ranging from shipwrecks to flora and fauna and the general society of Galle. Located inside the Galle fort, the maritime museum gives valuable insight to the life and times of the people dating back to pre-colonial times and the changes it has gone through as a result of colonisation. The museum displays many boat models and priceless relics, such as artillery cannons and gunpowder barrels belonging to the colonial naval and merchant ships that have wrecked along the southern coast of the country. It is a marine lover’s dream since it gives valuable insight into the flora and fauna such as corals, algae, plankton, turtles, seabirds and other mammals that inhabit the coastal belt which sustain the marine ecosystem.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Galle Fort Clock Tower, Rampart Street Galle Fort, Galle 80000 Sri Lanka
The Galle Clock Tower is located within the Galle Fort in Galle, Sri Lanka. The Clock Tower is a popular landmark and overlooks the central Moon Bastion, on the site of the former guard room. The Clock Tower was constructed in 1883, paid for through public subscriptions by the people of Galle, in recognition of Dr. P. D. Anthonisz. The clock itself was the sole gift of a grateful patient, Mudaliyar Samson de Abrew Rajapakse. The plate on the clock tower carries the inscription: This tower erected by public subscription to the perpetual memory of Peter Daniel Anthonisz in testimony of his skill and benevolence in relieving human suffering. MDCCCLXXXIII.Dr Anthonisz was a renowned Burgher doctor, who served as the Colonial Surgeon for the Southern Province and as a representative on the Legislative Council. The tower is roughly four storeys high and is situated immediately inside the fort ramparts.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Turtle Hatchery Hikkaduwa, Galle Road Colombo, Hikkaduwa 80240 Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s favourable geography, along with its tropical climate, make it the ideal location for a thriving biodiversity hotspot to many species of flora and fauna. The prominent marine life in Sri Lanka, graced by 5 of the 7 species of sea turtles, is one such aspect of the thriving biodiversity that has been praised.However, as a result of fishing malpractices, poaching of eggs of sea turtles and pollution of the southern coastal belt of the country, these species have become endangered. The ratification of the Convention in Trade of Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES) in 1979 made the government take strong initiative to conserve the endangered species by establishing small scale conservation farms engaging in turtle hatchery projects run by government officials.Today, these conservation farms still run their turtle hatchery projects and it has become an epicenter for eco – tourism in Sri Lanka, where one can volunteer anytime of the year to preserve the species and give back to Mother Earth.Places in the South Eastern and South Western coasts such as Hikkaduwa, Galle, Kosgoda, Koggala and Rekawa have all been praised to be the best turtle hatcheries in the country where volunteers engage in unique and sustainable methods for the conservation of the species.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Stilt Fisherman, X8PH+3M9, Koggala, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is famed for its ingenious traditional fishing techniques, be it fishing from shore, deep sea fishing or inland river fishing, fisher folk in the country have come up with unique ways that have been proven to be effective and efficient, even by modern standards due to its low-tech and cost-effective methods. Stilt fishing has quickly caught on to become one of the more intriguing fishing methods in the country that is very well practiced in the South-Western coast, especially in hamlets in Koggala, Hikkaduwa and Thalpe. Here, fishermen would sit on tall poles that have been firmly grounded on the shore. During high tide, the fishermen wait patiently for their catch, sometimes up to 6 hours without getting off. According to historical records, the fishing method came into being just after the Second World War, as a result of the migration of fisherman from the West and North coasts to the south.
Another intriguing practice is the use of mangrove swamps and this can be seen in places, such as Puttalam and Negombo. Due to the presence of lagoons in the area, many fishermen take it to their advantage by using the mangroves to creatively set traps for fish, prawns and crabs. This method of fishing generally takes a few days, but has been known to be effective in hauling a large catch.
Similarly, techniques and methods differ from place to place, making it quite enticing for any and all who are curious. A number of species such as Mackerel, Tuna, Snapper, Barracudas and many other species can be caught, making it all the more rewarding.
Duration: 1 hour
