TRAVEL | EXPLORING GALLE FORT
Sitting at the tip of the southern coast is quaint and charming Galle, a 17th century Dutch fort and an UNESCO Heritage site.
The tuk tuk ride to the fort is an experience in itself, swerving in and out of the chaotic traffic, passing the fish market with its daily arrival of fresh fish, and looking out onto the vast Indian ocean with the iconic Sri Lankan fishermen perched on their stilts awaiting their next catch. Galle’s international cricket stadium sits outside the fort and even if there are no fixtures, you can imagine the roaring crowds when Sri Lanka scores.
You can happily stay inside the fort but we chose to stay outside at Why House, a beautifully restored plantation home, located a few miles inland and set in tropical gardens with lush paddy fields views. Hosted by by the wonderful Henrietta and the team, you're made to feel instantly at home and with her sprightly sausage dog, Nigella in tow, it's really more like staying with friends.
But back to Galle Fort. It was first built in the 16th century by the Portuguese and fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century. Today, it’s a melting pot of cultures but its Dutch roots are very much intact with its architecture including the Dutch Reformed Church and the National Maritime Museum, housed in a Dutch warehouse.
On arrival, head to the iconic palm-fringed lighthouse for lovely Indian ocean views and a chance just to relax and take in the city’s ambience. Hop across the road to the Amanghalla hotel, former home of the Dutch governor and be transported back to the colonial days with its beautiful furnishings where you can enjoy a coffee or apertivo on their veranda.
Galle is also now a shopping destination with a range of shops
- Stick No Bills 35 Church Street: vintage postcards and posters. You’ll be spolit for choice
- Barefoot, Pedlar Street: synonymous with Sri Lankan artisan made goods including home textiles, fashion, tea, toys and books
KK by George 71 Pedlar Street: full to the brim with home treasures from Sri Lanka and further afield.
Mimimango 56A Lighthouse Street: lovely beachwear designs including kaftans, trousers, sarongs and scarves.
Chrysolite Jewellery 38 Church Street: gem specialist and well worth a visit.
The Old Dutch Hospital is also home to shops and restaurants including A Minute by Tuk Tuk, Sugar Bistro and The Tuna and the Crab
Or lazily wander the cobbled streets, enjoy the architecture and absorb the locals’ way of life, watch a game of cricket outside the Maritime Museum, and if you can muster enough energy then do the ‘Fort Walk’ - a 2km walk on the fort’s ramparts but best to do early morning or evening to avoid the fierce midday sun.
