The history and mystery of Galle Fort
Galle is a romantic, old-world town that lies on the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka. A UNESCO world heritage site, this historic city is best explored by foot to see some of the imposing Dutch colonial buildings, grand mansions and museums, ancient mosques and churches and the stylish and quirky cafes that speak of another era of time gone by.
The cobbled streets of Galle Fort have seen four hundred years of history from Arab merchants to Portuguese adventurers and savvy Dutch privateers. Galle is a place that captures the imagination of every traveller.
The exotic old harbour
Galle owes its glory to its harbour. Because of the strategic position concerning the sea routes, from as early as the 14th century, Galle harbour became the island’s chief of all ports and was home to a lot of traders from around the world at some point in history.
If you are looking at Galle from above, it’s an impressive sight to witness the ramparts and red tile-roofed colonial homes surrounded by a small peninsula jutting out to the Indian Ocean.
The quintessential culture
Perhaps one of the most remarkable things about Galle Fort is that it’s a living monument. Home to about 400 historic houses, families who have lived here for generations continue to inhabit the fortified streets and embrace its ancient and colonial past. Some of the older buildings are from the Dutch era and to date, many of the streets bear their Dutch names or are direct translations.
The culture in Galle rather speaks of a “happy-go-lucky” vibe on an otherwise laid-back island. Aside from the impressive colonial monuments, Galle is a place where you will come to enjoy simple pleasures in life. From random local vendors selling thambili “king coconut” to buying crispy vaddeis from a smiling lad on a bicycle cart, the authenticity of Galle reveals itself once you pull the veils and discover its true treasures.
Foodie musings
A place laden with multicultural culinary delights, Galle Fort conveniently offers charming eateries for those who crave Chinese, Japanese, Italian and Middle Eastern amongst many other local flavours of Sri Lankan cuisine tucked within the magnetic ambience of the historic ramparts. All the cafes can be explored by foot since they are located within walking distance. Poonie’s Kitchen on 63 Pedlar Street (through Tallentire & Mimimango), Gallery 52 (52A Church Street), Dumplings, Pilgrim’s (6 Sudarmalaya Road), Church street social at Fort Bazaar and A Minute by Tuk Tuk (The Old Dutch Hospital) are excellent places to settle down for a relaxing meal after a morning or evening stroll down the streets of Galle Fort.
Conventional Arts & Crafts
If you have an interest or a knack for creative arts, there are several experiences in Galle and its neighbouring towns that might pick your curiosity. The small coastal city of Ambalangoda is famed for having workshops of local artists and their crafts. On the way make a pit-stop at a local temple which houses Asia’s largest reclining Buddha. Discover more about traditional mask making used in drama and dances as they were once believed to have protective and healing powers. Sithuvili is the best place to brush up your skills on carving and painting these beautiful masks and it’s located within the Fort.