Discover Sri Lankan culture in this thriving capital
Explore the beautiful capital city of the south
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and former colonial trading post, Galle is Sri Lanka’s fourth largest city and the thriving capital of the south. At the heart of the city lies the magnificent Fort, the largest in Asia and Sri Lanka’s best-preserved colonial town. The Fort was complete with huge bastions and towering granite walls, during Dutch colonial rule. More than 300 years later, those same walls saved the city from devastation during the 2004 tsunami. Today, the Fort is a historical gem and an absolute delight to explore, a true spectacle of Sri Lankan culture.
The picturesque streets of Galle are lined with Dutch colonial buildings, grand mansions, ancient mosques and churches, as well as touches of old Moorish architectural influences. You can spend hours roaming the quiet cobblestone lanes filled with antique boutiques, stylish cafes and heritage houses. Take a walk with a resident guide on a fabulous Sri Lanka tour package, listening to twisting tales of the fort’s rich history.
Beyond the Fort, you’ll find a town buzzing with local Sri Lankan culture. Experience the local side of Galle with a tour around a nearby village, starting with a serene boat journey down the Kapu Ela River. Take a ride through Sri Lanka’s picturesque paddy fields, before stopping at local markets to interact with villagers as they go about their day. A magical city steeped in history and culture, and unlike any other Sri Lanka vacation destination, Galle has become a fast favorite for anyone who decides to visit Sri Lanka.
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