How to Have the Best Experience at Galle Fort

Known as one of the most historically significant towns in Sri Lanka, the Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the southwest coast of the island. It carries plenty of Dutch heritage through its Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient religious buildings, and historic mansions and museums. Additionally, the town carries a unique charm brought about by various vibrant markets and boutiques, and atmospheric cafes that line its cobblestone streets. If you want to visit this historic treasure in the south of Sri Lanka, here are a few tips on how to make the most of your time in this magnificent city.

When to Go

Deciding when to visit the Galle Fort is significant as the weather conditions can affect how you explore the fort and the surrounding areas. Accordingly, the best time to visit Galle and subsequently Galle Fort is during the period from December to March, when the rainfall is the lowest and most days have a pleasant amount of sunshine. These conditions are ideal for touring the various historical sites and attractions that the town has to offer. However, this also means that December to March is a popular time for tourists so you’ll likely encounter quite a bit of crowds in the area. 

How to Get There

Most visitors make their way to Galle from Colombo. Those who prefer to have the experience of using public transport can either opt for a three-hour train ride or the local bus route of a similar duration. A faster option would be to travel by car either via the expressway or the coastal route. However, if you aren’t accustomed to driving in Sri Lanka, hiring a taxi or a driver to take you around is a safer option.

Touring the Streets and Ruins of the Galle Fort

If you are staying nearby at a Kahanda Kanda villa you can travel the forty-minute journey to Galle Fort by vehicle and then spend your time exploring the area on foot; the Fort isn’t overtly big and many of its attractions are best experienced at your own pace. You can walk along the cobblestone streets and admire the historic architecture which is a unique blend of European and South Asian styles. 

One of the best activities in Galle is witnessing the mesmerising sunset from the Galle Fort Walls. The Flag Rock Bastion typically gathers crowds who gather not only to witness the sunset but also the local daring cliff jumpers who plunge into the depths below. However, the best vantage point for sunsets from the Fort is the Triton Bastion which has plenty of room on its grassy walls from where you can witness the sky ablaze with the sunset.

Visit the Local Religious Sites

The Dutch Fort is also home to several religious buildings that speak to the cultural diversity of the country but also to the colonial-era architectural grandeur. The Dutch Reformed Church is one such treasure that was built in 1755 and is now the oldest Protestant Church in the country. Its ancient relics which include a pulpit, organ and beautiful stained glasswork are of particular interest to curious visitors.

The Meeran Jumma Masjid is the only mosque within the Galle Fort and is immediately eye-catching with its bright white facade. Unlike other mosques, this one displays unique elements of Baroque and Victorian architecture, including a European atrium and stained glass windows like those found in churches. This makes it one of the more fascinating buildings to visit for those with a keen eye for architecture.

Immerse Yourself in History at the Museums

One of the best ways to learn about the history of Galle Fort is to tour its museums, containing a wealth of information about the past. The National Museum of Galle is the oldest remaining Dutch building at the Fort and it displays several traditional furniture, bronzeware, weapons, lacework and statuettes from Portuguese, Dutch and Chinese heritage.

Alternatively, you could visit the Maritime Museum in Galle which is located within a Dutch warehouse from 1671, above the Galle Fort’s Old Gate. The museum contains a detailed account of Sri Lanka’s history of marine life, navigation and anthropology through 3600 archaeological exhibits.