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Galle Fort Walk: Discover the Old Fortifications with a Local Guide
4.6
5 Ratings
Galle
Embark on a captivating Galle Fort Walk with a local guide, exploring the old fortifications, museums, lighthouse, and charming cobblestoned streets. Immerse yourself in the rich history and enjoy the charm of one of Asia’s best-preserved colonial forts.
Embark on a captivating Galle Fort Walk with a local guide, exploring the old fortifications, museums, lighthouse, and charming cobblestoned streets. Immerse yourself in the rich history and enjoy the charm of one of Asia’s best-preserved colonial forts.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Galle - The natural harbor of Galle was renowned as early as 1400 BC. It was a major global port for cinnamon exportation. The Portuguese arrival marked a significant shift in the town’s history, as they established their headquarters there and demolished many significant monuments. The Portuguese initially built an earth and palisade fort, which…
- Galle - The natural harbor of Galle was renowned as early as 1400 BC. It was a major global port for cinnamon exportation. The Portuguese arrival marked a significant shift in the town’s history, as they established their headquarters there and demolished many significant monuments. The Portuguese initially built an earth and palisade fort, which the Dutch later expanded after seizing Portuguese assets in the 17th century. The Dutch Fort was highly advanced, featuring high stone ramparts and numerous bastions. They also constructed various administrative and residential buildings and improved the streets with innovations like stormwater drains. Today, much of the Dutch fort remains intact, defying the passage of time. The historic streets of Galle retain their vibrancy and authenticity. Visitors can climb the fort’s ramparts, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and stroll through the streets.
What's Included
- Local guide
- Local guide
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Expenses of personal nature
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Expenses of personal nature
Additional Information
Explore the historic fortifications of Galle and listen to tales of the past from a local guide whose family has lived there for generations. Discover museums filled with memorable treasures and visit the lighthouse, once a vital asset to the area. Stroll through the maze of cobblestoned streets, lined with picturesque houses bearing Dutch names. Unwind…
Explore the historic fortifications of Galle and listen to tales of the past from a local guide whose family has lived there for generations. Discover museums filled with memorable treasures and visit the lighthouse, once a vital asset to the area. Stroll through the maze of cobblestoned streets, lined with picturesque houses bearing Dutch names. Unwind with a cup of Ceylon Tea or a fresh King Coconut. This tour offers immense charm and showcases one of the best-preserved colonial forts in Asia.
- Comfortable walking shoes and hats recommended
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- A maximum of 12 people per booking
Location
National Tea Rooms
Lighthouse Street
National Tea Rooms in Galle is a charming spot that offers a delightful experience for tea enthusiasts. Nestled in the heart of this historic town, it serves a variety of exquisite Sri Lankan teas accompanied by delectable local snacks. The cozy ambiance and friendly service make it a must-visit.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.6
(5 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
Debbiek2243
Feb 6, 2024
Great guide - Really lovely guy, we had a very enjoyable afternoon touring Galle and hearing all the history. We also took his recommendations for places to eat and shop all good
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rebeccaen
Dec 28, 2021
Generosity and knowledge: wow! - We absolutely loved the tour!
Our guide was amazing! He is a local his family has been living here for decades and he is so knowledgeable. We started the tour in a tea room his grand father created for the locals to drink tea when they did not have many places to have a good time when the English were occupying the country. He has insiders stored like when he told us about the tsunami and the situation of his parents etc. He is also super generous, we took more time because we were asking lots of questions and he proposed to extend for free for 30 minutes or more. He really does not look at the time, is in the present moment and enjoys the tour with us! He is passionate.
We learned about the history of Sri Lanka, of Galle, about the religions, about the architecture, well so many things. He is really nice and sharp.
We highly recommend!
PS: we also asked if we could do the tour earlier because we had finished eating earlier and he accepted!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Olinadek
Nov 15, 2018
Very informative tour - We were just visiting Galle for a single day so wanted to take a tour where we could learn a lot about the fort and also the history of the area and the architecture, this tour did not disappoint!
Chirath, our guide, arrived on time with a colleague and they were both very knowledgeable and wanted to tell us as much as they could about the town. They always had answers to our questions and mixed up the explanations with some stories and myths that have been passed down through the years.
This was a great tour and we would highly recommend! Thanks!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fionahanna91
Dec 24, 2017
Excellent Tour for Historical Information - We were a group of 5 adults and we really enjoyed this tour. It is a medium walking tour so for those who suffer from severe leg problems or asthma - there are steps to climb etc. Further, it would be best to confirm with the contact given the day before to ensure the tour is taking place. We had no problems but decided to contact our guide and confirm the Bank of Ceylon on Lighthouse Street in Galle to meet with him. It is a good landmark for those who do not know the area well.
Our guide, Chirath was on time and was incredibly knowledgeable. Throughout the tour, we asked him many questions and he was more than happy to answer about Sri Lankan life, the history behind Sri Lanka, its religious background etc. which were all central to the story of the Fort. He did his best and was very helpful in explaining every single detail. The tour is of the whole fort and he covered every important structure and brought us into certain buildings such as a church to show us the Dutch influence etc.
As he spoke Sinhalese, he could converse with guards/custodians to confirm some questions we had. However, his English is excellent and should not be a worry for anyone because he is most definitely a native speaker if not an excellent learner!
We went 30 minutes over time and he was incredibly patient with us. He even took photos of our group and was a very nice person to be around and to show us. He is a local and as such, we are very impressed with Sri Lankans! We invited him to dinner however he respectfully declined and if this does not tell you how much we enjoyed the tour, we are unsure what will!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jumcq
Feb 18, 2022
Silent guide… - Really lovely guide. He didn’t speak though. He told me the fort was built in 1500s, but the signs said a different date.
He made up for it by taking me to a gem shop. Lovely lovely man, but I’m not sure he knew much about Galle Fort.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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