Galle 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.
Area
South Coast
Type
Art & Architecture
History
Grade
Standard
Who
Adults
Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
1-2 Hours
Today with your local host you will explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Brimming with history at every corner, your knowledgeable guide will begin this fascinating tour from the entrance of the Fort, decorated with the Coat of Arms of the Dutch East India Company.
During this two hour experience pass the Fort's famous landmarks including the post office, All Saints Church and the old Dutch Headquarters, now an luxury Aman hotel.
You will also learn about both the Fort's colonial past and its more recent poignant history. In 2004 Sri Lanka was hit by the tsunami which left over 30,000 victims and this area on the south coast was badly hit. Since then, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs has worked tirelessly to restore and preserve this historical setting. End with a walk along the ramparts where you can take time to appreciate the impressive Galle Lighthouse, ending near the old Dutch Hospital.
After saying goodbye to your host, why not stay and enjoy all that the Fort has to offer. This area is buzz with boutique shops and restaurants.
Please note, the walled area of the town is best explored by foot, so don't forget to bring a bottle of water with you.
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 TourSri Lanka: Cultural and Coastal Bliss
Enjoy the very best that Sri Lanka can offer on this carefully curated itinerary, taking in everything from the verdant Hill Country plantations, to the cobbled streets of Galle and the cultural sites of Kandy. With an interesting heritage, Sri Lanka offers beautiful boutique properties full of character and charm which you can enjoy throughout your trip. This itinerary is perfect for anyone visiting Sri Lanka for the first time and wants to explore this island in true epic style.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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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.
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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 AccommodationThe Fort Printers
Located in centre of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Galle, The Fort Printers is a charming boutique hotel with 8 rooms and a separate villa with rooms. This chic Galle retreat is the perfect base for exploring Galle and its surrounds.
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View AccommodationAmanwella
Overlooking pristine beaches and the Indian Ocean, situated on the southern tip of Sri Lanka, Amanwella is an all suite chic retreat on the breathtaking Sri Lankan coast. With its laid back atmosphere, it is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
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View AccommodationGalle Fort Hotel
The renovation of Galle Fort Hotel is a triumph. The hotel evokes a subtle sense of colonial grandeur, skilfully updated for the modern age. This 12-roomed luxurious boutique hotel is an ideal base from which to explore Sri Lanka’s southern heritage.
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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 AccommodationCape Weligama
Perched on a dramatic cliff, Cape Weligama looks out over the endless Indian Ocean, where terracotta roofs peek through palms, infinity pools mirror the sky, and the rhythm of waves shapes days of quiet luxury and unforgettable moments.
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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 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.
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 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 ExperienceVisit a Cinnamon Plantation
Led by a local couple, enjoy a serene boat ride to the plantation on Cinnamon Island. During this unforgettable experience, you will experience the aromatic world of cinnamon craftsmanship and local traditions.
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View ExperienceAerial Whale Watching
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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 ExperienceThe Arrack Tasting Experience
Discover the essence of Sri Lankan spirits with an exclusive arrack and food pairing experience at The Sun House in Galle. This immersive session is ideal for exploring the rich flavours of Sri Lankan cuisine in an intimate setting.
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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 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.
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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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