Travel with Ishanka: Galle Fort Sightseeing Tour Galle: Fort Sightseeing Tour with a Local Guide

Explore Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a guided tour. Learn about the fort's history and see the Dutch Governor's Residence, the Dutch Reformed Church, and the Pack House.
Explore Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Sri Lanka's southwestern coast, with a guided walking tour that showcases its colonial architecture and rich history.

Begin at the Dutch Governor's Residence, the former home of the Dutch Governor, known for its distinctive Dutch colonial architecture. Learn about the administrative and domestic life during the colonial era.

Next, visit the Dutch Reformed Church, one of Sri Lanka's oldest Protestant churches. Admire its high ceilings, arched windows, and serene interior, where the floor is paved with 17th and 18th-century gravestones, highlighting the fort's deep historical roots.

Proceed to the Pack House, which now serves as a museum and exhibition space. Originally used for storing spices and goods, it offers insights into Galle’s economic importance during colonial times.

See the Dutch Emblem, featured on several buildings within the fort. These emblems, often carved in stone or wood, display the initials “VOC” and other Dutch symbols, reflecting the fort’s colonial heritage.

Walk along the fort’s ramparts and visit the Star Bastion, Moon Bastion, and Sun Bastion. These defensive structures provide panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and the surrounding area.

Discover the Cannon Points, used for defense against attacks. Learn about the fort’s military strategies and defensive capabilities.

Explore the Black Fort at the northern end, which served as a guard post and additional defensive structure. Its rugged appearance offers a unique view of the fort’s defensive design.

Delve into the fort’s secret tunnels, built by the Dutch for secure movement and escape during sieges. These tunnels reveal the fort’s hidden history and the ingenuity of its builders.

Visit the Dynamite Store, which was used to safely store explosives. Understand the logistical challenges of handling volatile materials and the fort’s safety measures.

Admire the Dutch Hospital, one of the fort’s oldest buildings, now beautifully restored as a shopping and dining precinct. Enjoy its colonnaded verandas and spacious courtyards, blending historical charm with modern amenities.

See the Dungeon, used as a prison during the colonial period. Its dark, damp cells and heavy iron bars provide a stark look into the harsh conditions faced by prisoners.

View the Old Bread Fruit Tree, a significant natural landmark believed to be over 200 years old. This ancient tree symbolizes the fort’s enduring history.

Finally, visit the Galle Lighthouse at the fort’s southernmost point. Built in 1939, it offers stunning panoramic views of Galle Fort and the surrounding landscape from its summit.

This guided tour offers a comprehensive experience of Galle Fort’s historical and architectural significance, making it an enriching journey through Sri Lanka’s colonial past.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.