Galle is the capital of Southern Province and the district capital of Galle District. Where Galle got its name is not exactly clear but there are a few theories like Galle came from the Dutch word “Gallus” which means rooster and The Dutch used the rooster symbol to identify Galle.
Historically speaking, it was the main port on the island before the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century. And it held a reputation for being a prominent seaport long before Portuguese Dutch and British ruled in the country. Persians, Arabs, Greeks, Romans, Malays, Indians, and even the Chinese were doing business through Galle port. The Galle we know today is actually a work of the Dutch. The iconic fort, the lighthouse and most of the buildings in the Galle town are works of skilled Dutch architects.
Galle is blessed by Mother Nature for its natural beauty with rivers like Gin, the hilly protective barrier of ramassala and pristine beaches like unawatuna. It is also refreshingly new experience due to the different culture present in the fort town down under.
What’s stopping you from visiting the iconic fort city? Experience it all and go back with tons of amazing memories that you’ll definitely look back later in life and remember for the experiences you had when you travel with of Rapid Holidays. We make planning of your trip fun because at rapid holidays, we give you the best service possible.
From the old colonial buildings recommissioned into amazing restaurants and boutique shops, to the small stands selling traditional handicrafts. There are a ton of things to see in the old town. The building facades are intact so you can have a glance at the past.
This one of the many sea turtle farms in Galle which are working to save endangered species of sea turtles. They buy eggs from villagers and nurture the babies until they’re old enough to look after themselves. They also rescue injured turtles and take care of them.
This is the childhood home of an interesting Sri Lankan writer Martin Wikramasinghe, which has been preserved as museum. A great place to visit to witness Lankan folk culture and history.
The Galle Fort was built encircling the entire old town. Visit the Galle fort late afternoon to go shopping, watch the sunset in the evening and treat yourself to a scrumptious dinner at night.
The Old Dutch hospital is located in the Galle fort and now has been updated and transformed into a few blocks of shops and restaurants which are well worth even a short stroll through.
Back in the day, The Dutch church was a center for their colony, and the building is built amazingly well and remarkably well preserved. It’s a relatively small church with ancient architecture and furniture.
This Lighthouse was used during the reign of the Dutch. It is not a grand scaled building but it is a major point of the Galle Fort area. You can sit around this and enjoy the sunset over the Indian Ocean.
This whole fort was built during Portuguese colony is Sri Lanka. This fort also has saved so many lives, protecting the civilian during tsunami hit in 2004. This church is beautiful, stand by the corner of one of the mysterious and calm street in Galle.
This clock tower is imposing and remains as a typical Victorian era relic built by the British. Situated on one of the ramparts of the fort, this clock tower has stood the test of time and also tells the time.
This temple was allegedly built by King Walagamba. The main building is built with the aid of a rock cave and there are ancient paintings and a beautiful Buddha statue to see.