Visit the famous Galle Fort Lighthouse

 

Framed by palm trees and postcard perfect; if you only do one thing in Galle, it has to be visiting the beautiful Galle Lighthouse and admiring the most instantly recognizable feature of the Fort. 

This beautiful white lighthouse dates back to 1848, (although the current structure was rebuilt in 1939), and stands on the walls of the ancient Galle Fort, guiding the safe passage of ships into Galle Harbour. 

The lighthouse is still very much in use, although it now has another, secondary role, as a prop to those wanting the perfect Sri Lankan photo. 

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Wander through the Galle Fort interior

 

Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Galle Fort is to get wonderfully lost amongst the time-worn laneways and breezy Dutch colonial-style buildings of the historic center.

Thankfully, due to the high ramparts of the Fort wall, much of this area survived the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, which means that there are plenty of beautiful remnants still on display from ancient, Portuguese, and Dutch colonial times.

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Watch the sunset from Galle Fort Wall

Each afternoon at around 5:30 pm, locals and tourists alike gather along the fort walls to watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean. It’s a festive and happy affair; cricket games are played on the grass below, whole families gather to see off the last of the day, and travelers mingle and chat while Mother Nature streaks the sky all kinds of shades of blue, orange, pink and purple.

 

 

Don’t forget to keep a lookout for the cliff jumpers at Flag Rock too; each evening a group of locals defy danger by leaping backward off the ramparts to the ocean below.

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Shop till you drop on Pedlar St, Galle Fort

There are hundreds of boutiques, art galleries, spice and gem stores, and handicrafts dotted throughout Galle Fort, with Pedlar St being the epicenter of the action. We definitely think the best shopping in Sri Lanka is within the walls of Galle Fort, so if you’re looking for a bargain, this is your place.

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Places to Eat in Galle

You must indulge in Sri Lankan food here: seafood is abundant and the choice of prawn, lobster, and fish are phenomenal and fresh in Galle city.

It is a fusion of Sri Lankan and other cuisines that makes it so delectable. At the Dutch Hospital is this trendy restaurant called ‘A Minute by Tuk Tuk’. Seated on the second floor with the sea surrounding the place, try the Sri Lankan prawn curry with roast ‘paan’ (a local bread that is so crunchy on the outside with a thin soft centre) accompanied by freshly squeezed papaya and lime juice.

 

 

The portions are more than enough and the food is flavorsome. The ‘Rampart Hotel’ on Rampart Street, serves a decent Sri Lankan cuisine seafood lunch, and comes at a more reasonable price with a nice view of the sea. It isn’t a hip place but may go easier on your pocket. And there are various chic coffee shops and restaurants worth checking out too.

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Nic Nacs & Souvenirs

There are many little boutiques that sell Sri Lankan gems, trinkets, batiks, and vibrant handicrafts. Try to visit the curio shops that have quaint and beautiful bits of silver jewelry.

There’s something so attractive about these charming shops in Galle Fort because you are bound to find a ring or a souvenir that you won’t find in the more commercialized stores, plus it is nice to have a souvenir from Galle Fort. Always walk around and check a few shops before you settle for something as prices can vary.

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Chat with the Galle Fort locals

Given Galle Fort has such a varied history, there are fascinating stories everywhere; you’ve just got to speak to the locals to hear them. 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLa0kWMpEHg

credit goes to :

www.thecommonwanderer.com

www.srilankadaytours.com