Explore Galle Fort
While staying in the Galle Fort take the time to discover this fascinating colonial town, filled with history. Founded in 1588 by the Portuguese, the fort was subsequently occupied by the Dutch and the British, so there is plenty to explore.
Area
South Coast
Type
Art & Architecture
History
Grade
Standard
Who
Adults
Teens
Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
Half Day
Galle Fort, in the bay of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, is a historical, archaeological and architectural heritage monument, which even after more than 423 years maintains a polished appearance, due to extensive reconstruction work done by Archaelogical Department of Sri Lanka. The fort has a colourful history and today has a multi-ethnic and multi-religious population. The fort has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tours Featuring This Experience
Be inspired by the itineraries below which include this experience and let our travel specialists craft a bespoke luxury holiday for you.
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View TourJust us: Sri Lanka
If your dream honeymoon combines idyllic beaches, breathtaking adventures, and a touch of culture, Sri Lanka offers the perfect mix. From spotting leopards on safari and sipping fresh tea in the rolling hills to indulging in oceanfront luxury, this itinerary promises unforgettable memories for two.
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View TourIconic Sri Lanka
Showcasing our most popular properties and a route that remains a firm favourite with our guests, this journey captures the very best of Sri Lanka in effortless style. From serene colonial gardens to the untouched wilderness of Wilpattu, you’ll experience immersive culture, meaningful encounters and refined luxury throughout. Explore ancient kingdoms by bike and on foot, journey through emerald tea hills, and unwind on the southern coast—this is Sri Lanka’s classic highlights.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationAmangalla
Amangalla is a stunning boutique hotel with just 29 individual styled rooms, chamers and suites. Set in the Galle Fort on Sri Lanka's southern coast, it is the perfect place from which to explore.
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View AccommodationLeopard Trails - Yala National Park
Leopard Trails offers an immersive safari experience on the edge of Yala National Park, where you can spot leopards, elephants and crocodiles while staying in stylish tents and suites designed for comfort in the wilderness.
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View AccommodationKumu Beach
Kumu Beach is a chic, modern boutique hotel close to Balapitiya Beach on Sri Lanka's south west coast. A short distance from Galle and close to Bentota and Hikkaduwa, there are just ten rooms and suites here, making for a relaxing and stylish stay.
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View AccommodationThe Fort Bazaar
A stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Galle Fort, Fort Bazaar combines heritage with contemporary design. Explore the fort on foot before unwinding by the hotel's outdoor swimming pool, a peaceful oasis within the historic walls.
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View AccommodationKK Beach
Just 12km from historic Galle, KK Beach offers a contemporary retreat on Sri Lanka's beautifully craggy southern coast. This beach front property only opened at the end of 2016 in Habaraduwa and features ten stylish rooms with ocean views.
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View AccommodationThe Villa Bentota
Villa Bentota is a beautifully restored Geoffrey Bawa-designed villa on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast. Blending heritage architecture with contemporary refinement, it offers a relaxed yet stylish beachfront escape just moments from the Indian Ocean.
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View AccommodationHaritha Villas & Spa
Revel in utter luxury at Haritha with outstanding villas and mansions all nestled in a hidden jungle paradise. Bespoke service customised to you with a resident Ayurvedic doctor along with unscripted dining and dazzling infinity pools.
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View AccommodationUga Chena Huts
Surrounded by unspoilt wilderness, Uga Chena Huts is nestled amongst dunes and trees at the ocean's edge, lying within a few minutes from the entrance to Yala National Park. It is an ideal place to observe the magnificent profusion of wildlife and nature.
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View AccommodationKahanda Kanda
Kahanda Kanda is a stylish boutique retreat on a private tea estate above Koggala Lake. Offering total seclusion with easy access to Galle and the south coast, it’s an elegant, design-led escape blending nature, privacy and understated luxury.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceWhale and Dolphin Watching by Private Catamaran
On this full day boat trip you will have the opportunity to spot vast amounts of marine life from blue whales, false ores, sperm whales and bottlenose dolphins.
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View ExperienceGalle Fort Tour with a Local Host
Galle’s main attraction is the 17th century Dutch Fort. Much of the old Fort and the township still remain, within its well-preserved bastions including its public buildings, churches, the famous lighthouse and a maze of narrow cobbled streets.
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View ExperienceGalle: Local Cricket Experience
It’s hard to ignore the passion for cricket as you travel around Sri Lanka – in every village, side street and city there are locals with bat and ball in hand. We invite you to take part in a friendly cricket match in Galle Fort, joining a team of locals.
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View ExperienceAerial Whale Watching
Enjoy the picturesque southern coastline and observe undisturbed whales in all their glory from the air on a 3-seater Cessana with an experienced pilot.
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View ExperienceCycling & Kayaking in Galle
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Galle, through a thrilling combination of cycling and kayaking.
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View ExperienceReflections with a monk
Get up close and personal with Buddhism in Sri Lanka through a one-on one conversation with a local monk. Conversations on relevant topics, as guided by you, will explore this cornerstone of Sri Lankan culture and your specific interests in philosophy.
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View ExperienceExplore the Kapu Ela River by boat & Cycle through Rural Galle
Enjoy a scenic and immersive tour through the beautiful countryside surrounding Galle. Your journey will take you down the Kapu Ela River by boat and then by bike across the paddies, ending with a traditional Sri Lankan meal and a lesson in hopper making.
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View ExperienceGalle Cooking Experience - Food for the Soul
During your time in Sri Lanka you are sure to dine on some soul-stirring dishes, including the traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry. Food lovers will love this cooking experience, from the vibrant market of Galle to cooking in a local village.
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View ExperienceGalle Fort Treasure Hunt
Traverse the timeless streets of the Galle Fort on a Treasure hunting adventure and explore Sri Lanka's best preserved colonial fort in a unique and interactive way.
Call us on +852 2829 2000 to start planning