Matara Trip Overview
Galle is the administrative capital of Southern Province and the fourth largest city in Sri Lanka. Before the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century, Galle was the main port on the island and has reached the height of its development in the 18th century during the Dutch colonial period. Galle is the best example of a fortified city built by the Portuguese in South and Southeast Asia that shows the interaction between Portuguese architectural styles and native traditions. The Galle Fort is a world heritage site and is the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers. This walking tour will give you the chance of visiting this heritage site with a well-experienced local guide.
Additional Info
Duration: 2 hours
Starts: Matara, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Walking & Biking Tours >> Walking Tours
Explore Matara Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Matara, Southern Province, Sri Lanka
Galle is the administrative capital of Southern Province and the fourth largest city in Sri Lanka. Before the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century, Galle was the main port on the island and has reached the height of its development in the 18th century during the Dutch colonial period. Galle is the best example of a fortified city built by the Portuguese in South and Southeast Asia that shows the interaction between Portuguese architectural styles and native traditions. The Galle Fort is a world heritage site and is the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers. This walking tour will give you the chance of visiting this heritage site with a well-experienced local guide.
Itinerary
07.00 AM – You will be greeted and picked up by our TUK TUK driver and driven you to the starting point.
07.30 AM – On arrival to the Galle Dutch Fort Old Gate, you will start the walking tour with our guide. Galle Fort covers an area of 52 hectares (130 acres) and the important heritage monuments in the fort includes the Dutch Reformed Church with its historic belfry dated 1707 and cast in 1709 that rings every hour, the old Dutch government house, the residence of the Commander, Great Warehouse near the Old Gate built around 1669 to store spices and ship equipment that is now National Maritime Museum, the Old Dutch Hospital, the Meera Mosque built-in 1904, the Buddhist temple built at the site of Portuguese Roman Catholic church, the All Saints Anglican Church built in 1871, the 1882 Clock Tower and the 1939 Galle Lighthouse and many more to see. It usually takes a full day to explore Galle Fort properly, but by walk, we should be able to carry out in a leisurely and relaxing manner.
09.00 AM – After an enjoyable walking tour, you will be taken back to your hotel in Galle by our TUK TUK driver.
09.30 AM – You will be dropped off at your hotel.
Stop At:
• Galle Fort, Church Street, Galle 80000 Sri Lanka
