Galle Dutch Fort: A Timeless Fortress by the Sea
Explore Galle Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing colonial architecture and stunning ocean views in the heart of Sri Lanka.
A brief summary to Galle Dutch Fort
- Galle, 80000, LK
Galle Dutch Fort is a magnificent fortress located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, renowned for its rich history and stunning architecture. Built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later fortified by the Dutch in the 17th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a captivating blend of European and South Asian architectural styles. The fort's well-preserved ramparts provide panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, making it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts and history buffs alike. As you wander through the fort's narrow cobblestone streets, you'll encounter charming colonial buildings, vibrant boutiques, and cozy cafes that reflect the unique cultural heritage of Galle. The fort is also home to several historical landmarks, including the iconic lighthouse and the Dutch Reformed Church, each telling a story of its own. The atmosphere in the fort is lively, with local artisans selling their crafts and delicious street food tempting your taste buds. Visitors to Galle Dutch Fort can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the ramparts, especially at sunset when the sky transforms into a canvas of colors. The fort also hosts various cultural events and festivals, providing an immersive experience for tourists. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, or simply soaking in the coastal beauty, Galle Dutch Fort is a must-visit destination in Sri Lanka, offering a unique glimpse into the island's colonial past while celebrating its vibrant present.
Local tips
- Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.
- Don't miss the sunset from the ramparts for a spectacular view.
- Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking on cobblestone streets.
- Take your time to explore the small shops and cafes that showcase local crafts and cuisine.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning architecture and coastal views.
Getting There
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Car
If you're driving from the Eastern Province to Galle Dutch Fort, first head towards the A2 highway. Depending on your starting point in the Eastern Province, follow the signs to Trincomalee and then take the A2 road towards Colombo. After approximately 150 km, you'll reach the town of Galle. Once in Galle, follow signs to the Galle Dutch Fort. The fort is located in the center of Galle and is easily accessible. There is no entrance fee to the fort itself, but parking fees may apply.
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Public Transportation - Bus
To reach Galle Dutch Fort by bus, find a bus station in your town in the Eastern Province. Look for buses heading to Galle, which are frequent and inexpensive (around 200-300 LKR). The journey can take about 3-4 hours depending on traffic. Once you arrive at the Galle bus station, exit and walk towards the Galle Dutch Fort, which is approximately a 10-15 minute walk. Follow the main road towards the coast, and you will see signs leading to the fort.
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Train
If you prefer to travel by train, head to the nearest railway station in the Eastern Province and take a train towards Galle. The train journey offers scenic views and can take approximately 4-5 hours. Tickets cost around 300-500 LKR. On arrival at Galle railway station, you can either take a tuk-tuk (around 200 LKR) or walk for about 25 minutes to reach Galle Dutch Fort. Follow the signs to the fort as you exit the station.
Attractions Nearby to Galle Dutch Fort
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Galle Fort Attractions and Jumpers Sri Lanka
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Galle Fort Clock Tower
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Sunset Observing Place
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Galle International Cricket Stadium - ගාල්ල ජාත්යන්තර ක්රිකට් ක්රිඩාංගනය
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Old Slave Quarters
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Oldest Cafe in Galle Fort
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St Joseph's Chapel
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National Museum Galle
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Southland college Buddhist temple
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Beach Park - Galle Municipal Council
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Fort Harbor Temple
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Christian Reformed Church
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Dutch Reformed Church
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Taru Villas - Rampart Street
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Fort Dew Guest House and Restaurant
Landmarks nearby to Galle Dutch Fort
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Star Bastion
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The Entrance Galle Fort
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Sentry Point (රැකවල් ස්ථානය)
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Portuguese Structural Remains ( පෘතුගීසි ගොඩනැගිලි නෂ්ඨාවශේෂ )
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Galle Fort - Fishmark Bastion
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New Old Dutch House Galle Fort
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Rajgama Wella
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Dharmapala Park
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Rooster Monument | කුකුල් ස්මාරකය
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rumassala
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Laksala
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ආකර්ස්ලූට් බැස්ටියන Galle Fort - Akersloot Bastion
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Urban Island - Galle Fort
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Galle Bay