Galle FortGalle fort was built by the Portuguese and modified by the Dutch during the 17th century. After 400 years of existence, the continuous rampart with 14 bastions remains to amaze its visitors. The best method of exploring the fort is by foot, it would be sensible to make this trip during dawn or dusk to protect one's self from the scorching sun. The Galle fort has been declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO because it is the best preserved colonial sea fortress in the whole of Asia. A walk inside the Galle fort would depict the low-rise streets that are lined with old churches & Dutch colonial villas with colonnaded verandas, giving glimpses through open doors of plant-filled courtyards. The lighthouse and flag rock situated within the fort are also of interest.
Visitors could enter the fort through the main gate and the old gate which was built by the British in 1873; it is separated into the sun, moon and star bastions. The old gate on Queen Street bears the famous arch inscribed with the coat of arms of VOC (Vereenigde Oost Indische Campagnie). Entrance to the Galle Fort is free.
Access: 30 minute drive from Coral Gardens.
Location: 15 km away from Coral Gardens.
