Battles & Bastions

Overview

Explore the Galle Fort, a UNESCO Heritage Site, on foot with an experienced host who would regale you lost tales and stories about the history of the place. Discover the history behind Galle’s colonial architecture as you stroll through the pretty, car-free streets. You’ll see the iconic lighthouse, peer at the famous cricket ground from the ramparts and the Japanese Peace Pagoda.

Why you will love it!

• Explore the evolution of the fort through colonization and trading routes.
• Understand why the fort was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status in 1988.
• Multi-cultural influences are around every corner, testament to a diverse heritage.

What you will experience

Explore the Galle Fort, the beautifully preserved colonial Dutch fort with its quaint city, on foot with your host. Escape the day time heat and start the tour either early morning or evening. One of the most important archaeological, architectural and historic monuments to illustrate the European influence in Southeast Asia, the quaint walled city is charmed with dreams of past lifetimes. Discover the story behind its name, the changes the city has seen through years of Dutch, British and Portuguese rules as you walk through the meandering cobblestone streets.

Walkthrough streets and roads bearing interesting names inspired by specific events and people. Stop for a while and stand in awe before historic buildings that have stood the test of time as your host fills you in with valuable pieces of information. Climb the bastions overlooking Galle's celebrated cricket ground or watch children play inside its walls! End the tour at the iconic lighthouse overlooking the Japanese Peace Pagoda, but not before listening to stories of myth and history and the impact of the 2004 tsunami.