Galle Fort Walk with Glamorous Stories
Active
1h - 2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Join me, for a 120-minute immersive tour of Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Starting at the Old Harbour—where Chinese, Arab, and European traders anchored—we’ll trace colonial history from Portuguese clay forts to Dutch stone walls. Explore bastions like Moon and Star, and landmarks such as the Dutch Reformed Church (1755), built as a vow for a child’s birth.
Discover how the fort’s walls withstood the 2004 tsunami, sparing it while devastating Galle City. Walk through the Dutch Hospital, now a vibrant cuisine hub. Learn about VOC trade, hidden tunnels, and coral cooling walls. Hear tales of Portuguese sieges where soldiers survived on cats and dogs.
See ballast bricks from Dutch ships and how foreign investments reshape this living heritage. From Flag Rock’s lighthouse ruins to tsunami survival stories, I’ll blend history with local lore. With 20 years’ expertise, this journey through resilience, architecture, and cultural fusion promises unforgettable insights.
Available options
Galle Fort Walk with Glamorous Stories
What's included
In-person Guide: English
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
Galle Fort Walking Tour with Inspiring Stories! Join me to experience 400 years of history in this UNESCO World Heritage Site!
LISTEN TO THE STORIES OF: the origin of the local name Galla; how the fort’s walls withstood the 2004 tsunami waves; how the Chinese-dominated ancient cinnamon trade was overtaken by the Portuguese; how the Colombo Fort was built by cheating the local king with a piece of leather; how their soldiers suffered 3 months by eating cats and dogs; how the Dutch replaced them and cheated the local king with two copies of treaties ... and many more
HIGHLIGHTS:
Clock Tower; Front Wall with 3-Bastions; Ammunition Store with tunnel; Streets; Flag-Rock Bastion; Lighthouse; Dutch Hospital; Old Entrance; Old Post Office; Dutch Church; Amangalla Hotel.
Why Choose My Tour?
- Licensed guide with 20 years of experience.
- Strong background in environmental science, history, and conflict studies – Listen to Inspiring Stories!
What's not included
Private transportation
Use of bicycle
Bottled water
Umbrellas on rainy days.
Hats on sunny days
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
4.8
12 reviews
5★
10
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2
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0
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1★
0
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
If many tourists are booked the same time block, then not a private tour
Meeting point
In the morning time, the walk will start from the Clock Tower.
In the afternoons, it will start in front of Amangalla hotel, located in Galle fort.
About Galle
Galle is a historic coastal city known for its well-preserved Dutch colonial architecture and UNESCO-listed Galle Fort. With its charming streets, vibrant culture, and stunning beaches, it offers a unique blend of history, nature, and relaxation. The city's rich heritage and tropical charm make it a must-visit destination in Sri Lanka.
Top Attractions
Galle Fort
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Galle Fort is a historic fortified city built by the Dutch in the 17th century. It's known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, ramparts, and charming streets.
Historical
Half day to full day
Free to enter the fort, some attractions may have entry fees
Unawatuna Beach
A popular beach known for its golden sand, clear waters, and vibrant atmosphere. It's a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Beach
Half day to full day
Free
Jungle Beach
A secluded and peaceful beach surrounded by lush greenery. It's perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a more serene beach experience.
Beach
Half day to full day
Free
Meeru Gallery
A renowned art gallery showcasing a wide range of contemporary Sri Lankan art. It's a great place to appreciate local talent and perhaps purchase a unique piece of art.
Art
1-2 hours
Free to enter, artwork for sale
Galle International Cricket Stadium
A famous cricket stadium that hosts international and domestic matches. It's a great place to catch a game and experience the excitement of Sri Lankan cricket.
Sports
Half day to full day
Ticket prices vary depending on the match
Must-Try Local Dishes
Rice and Curry
A staple Sri Lankan dish consisting of rice served with a variety of curries, including vegetables, meat, or seafood.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available
Hoppers (Appa)
Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with an egg in the center.
Breakfast
Vegetarian (can be made vegan)
Kottu Roti
A popular street food made from chopped roti, vegetables, and meat, stir-fried on a hot plate.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available
Ambul Thiyal (Sour Fish Curry)
A sour fish curry made with goraka (a sour fruit), spices, and fish, typically served with rice.
Lunch/Dinner
Non-vegetarian
Popular Activities
Surfing
Snorkeling
Scuba diving
Beach lounging
Spa treatments
Yoga
Exploring Galle Fort
Visiting temples and churches
Best Time to Visit
December to April
This is the best time to visit Galle as the weather is dry and sunny, perfect for exploring the historic sites and enjoying the beaches. It's also the peak tourist season, so expect more visitors and higher prices.
25-30°C
77-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Sinhala, Tamil
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, moderately spoken elsewhere
Currency
Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Time Zone
GMT+5:30
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Galle is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to stay vigilant and take common-sense precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Use reputable taxi services or apps like PickMe
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
Getting there
By air
- Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport • 110 km from Galle
- Bandaranayake International Airport • 120 km from Galle
By train
Galle Railway Station
By bus
Galle Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around Galle. They are frequent and cover most parts of the city and nearby areas.
Taxis
Available • Apps: PickMe, Uber
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Fort Area
Unawatuna
Hikkaduwa
Ahungalla
Day trips
Hikkaduwa
20 km from Galle • Half day to full day
Hikkaduwa is a popular beach destination known for its surfing spots, coral reefs, and vibrant atmosphere. It's a great place to relax, enjoy water sports, and explore the local culture.
Koggala Lake
25 km from Galle • Half day to full day
Koggala Lake is a scenic freshwater lake known for its beautiful surroundings and various water activities. It's a great place to relax, enjoy nature, and take a boat tour.
Turtle Hatchery (Habaraduwa)
10 km from Galle • Half day
A turtle hatchery dedicated to the conservation and protection of sea turtles. It's a great place to learn about these fascinating creatures and support their conservation efforts.
Festivals
Galle Literary Festival • January (dates vary)
Esala Perahera • July or August (dates vary based on the lunar calendar)
Sinhala and Tamil New Year • April (dates vary based on the lunar calendar)
Pro tips
- Explore the Fort Area on foot to discover hidden gems and charming streets.
- Visit the Galle Fort at sunrise or sunset for a more peaceful and scenic experience.
- Try local street food, such as kottu roti and isles, for an authentic culinary experience.
- Use apps like PickMe for reliable and affordable taxi services.
- Learn a few basic phrases in Sinhala or Tamil to enhance your interactions with locals.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
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