Galle Fort
Galle Fort
Galle Fort, located a short 1.5-hour drive from the capital Colombo, is a favourite of ours for its colourful history, beautiful jewelery shops, and gorgeous sunsets over the Fort walls.
Located in the Bay of Galle on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, Galle Fort was first built in 1588 by the Portuguese, then fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century. It’s now UNESCO Protected, and one of the country’s most well-loved sites.
One of the best things to do at the fort is to perch atop the walls with hundreds of other people and watch the beautiful sunsets. The for is also home to a number of beautiful luxury hotels and villas including the charming Amangalla and the Galle Fort Hotel. Dining options abound in the fort, as does jewellery, homeware, and clothes shopping. Stock up on Sri Lankan art and books at any of the little galleries that are scattered throughout the fort.
Our favourite itineraries in Galle Fort
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From $7,240 pp
Classic Sri Lanka
Colombo Hill Country Cultural Triangle Sri Lankan Safaris Galle Fort
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See the ancient city of Anuradhapura and the Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the Cultural Triangle
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Head on a safari searching for elephants, black bears, monkeys, and the elusive Sri Lankan leopard
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Visit a working tea plantation in the heart of the Hill Country
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Unwind on the beaches of the south-coast
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Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Galle Fort
When to go:
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From $7,560 pp
From Cultural Sri Lanka to Paradise in the Maldives
Hill Country Galle Fort Southern Beaches Maldives
- Enjoy a scenic train ride between Colombo and the Central Highlands
- Learn the age-old tea-making process and at Tea Trails plantation
- Go whale and dolphin watching from Mirissa in southern Sri Lanka
- Explore the underwater world of the Maldives
- Relax on the pristine beaches of the Maldives
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From $3,670 pp
Sri Lanka with Kids
Colombo Galle Fort Sri Lankan Safaris Cultural Triangle
- Explore the city of Anuradhapura, one of the most important sites in medieval Asia
- Visit the rock fortress of Sigiriya and the Dambulla Cave Temple
- Wind through the Central Highlands by rail and visit a tea plantation
- See Sri Lanka’s wildlife on game drives in the Yala National Park
- Relax on pristine beaches, and enjoy watersports and whale watching
When to go:
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From $6,000 pp
A Sri Lankan Honeymoon
Colombo Cultural Triangle Galle Fort Sri Lankan Safaris
- Visit a local tea estate and learn about the tea making process in the Hill Country
- Indulge in massages and long swims at your boutique property in Kandy
- Head on sunset game drives at Yala National Park
- Enjoy candlelit dinners under starry skies and by dramatic seas
- Wander the streets of Galle Fort, visiting the shops, bars, cafes and restaurants
When to go:
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Our favourite hotels
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Ambassador's House
Situated within the walls of Galle’s historic 17th century fort in Sri Lanka, Ambassador’s House is a magnificently proportioned five-bedroom property ideal for families and groups of friends. What was once the home of the Bangladeshi Ambassador is today a majestic tropical villa boasting an abundance of living space, including a roof terrace and huge sitting room. The three en...
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Tri Lanka
Set in lush vegetation on a hillside on the shores of Koggala Lake in Sri Lanka, close to sandy beaches and not far from historic Galle Fort, Tri Lanka is built from recycled wood and local materials. Cutting edge design includes living walls, green roofs, and a water tower with 360-degree views at its centre. Offering a combination of impeccable service; top-notch cuisine; superb...
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Amangalla
Nestled within the ramparts of the 17th-century Galle Fort, Amangalla is a sanctuary from which to explore the culture and history of this intriguing Sri Lanka UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 21 bedrooms, chambers and suites are decorated in tasteful colonial style with four-poster beds, polished Burmese teak floorboards and bathtubs. Rooms offer views from Galle Fort to the immaculate...
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The Fort Bazaar
The Fort Bazaar is a fresh and contemporary 18-room hotel located in the heart of Galle Fort. The boutique accommodation emerged after a nine-year renovation of a historic town house hotel once occupied by spice, tea, and gem traders, centuries ago. Fifteen stylish rooms open onto a central courtyard, and three spacious upper suites boast balconies with views over the fort’s red-tiled...
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41 Lighthouse Street
41 Lighthouse Street is a beautifully renovated 300-year-old Dutch house centrally located to explore Galle Fort, the surrounding beaches, and the rich southern heritage. The house has three suites; two upstairs and one downstairs. The master bedroom contains a four-poster bed as well as a living area with teak parquet flooring and a cosy sofa corner. The other two bedrooms do not...
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Galle Fort Hotel
One of the finest boutique hotels in Sri Lanka, with superb Asian-fusion cuisine and service, this is the perfect base for discovering Sri Lanka's beaches, temples, tea plantations and turtles. Guests have a choice of 11 large rooms and suites, including a blue-and-white suite decorated with Chinese porcelain, another with traditional Peranakan decor, and split-level loft suites with...
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