Top Things To Do in Galle Fort, Sri Lanka

Years of Portuguese, Dutch and British rule and their intermingling with the local Sinhalese population, has today left a very interesting lineage of people. Add to this the influence of traders from Morocco, Arabia, Malaysia, China and Southern India who came to the Fort, and the result is a very unique culture that is best experienced in the Fort through interactions with the people who live there today.

Here is my pick of the top experiences to have in Galle Fort.

Exhibits at the Museum of Maritime Archaeology, Galle Fort

Be stunned by history – The reason we are talking about Galle Fort today is because of the significance that Galle held as an historic international trading port. The best place to understand how trade changed the history of Galle is the Museum of Maritime Archaeology. Housed in an ochre Dutch building that forms the boundary of the Fort along Queen’s Street, the museum has on offer interesting displays, model reconstructions and salvaged treasure from the many ship wreaks around Galle. 

One of the many overflowing cabinets at the Historical Mansion

Step back in time, literally – Overflowing dusty cabinets greet you in the Historic Dutch Mansion – one family’s dream of saving a bit of history to share with future generations. A gem merchant by profession Mr. Hussain began collecting antiques as a hobby, but his collections grew so large that they could rival that of any museum. In 1985, he bought a dilapidated house on Leyn Baan Street and restored it. Today the building houses his jewelry store, workshop and personal museum, apart from a well from the Dutch period that still functions to this date.

The grand Dutch Hospital building on Hospital Street

Watch the sunset from the stunning Dutch Hospital – The gorgeous white building is one of the prettiest to be found within the Fort. The site where the building stands today was where the Dutch had built their hospital in the 17th century. The present structure, an addition by the British was in complete shambles, till the Urban Development Authority and the Sri Lankan Army’s Engineering Regiment gave it a new lease of life. The ground floor of the 2 story structure houses high end jewelry stores, while the first floor has many interesting cafes, including one that has only hammocks for seats.

Listen to Juliet Coombe’s fascinating stories – A journalist and an award winning author, Juliet came to  Galle to cover the tsunami in 2004 and never left. Her love for the Fort and its people are infectious and if you get a chance doing a walking tour with her is highly recommended. Her stories will show you a whole new side to the Fort and its inhabitants, at times she may spook you, at times she may make you laugh, but she will eventually leave you with a soft spot for the place she calls home. Visit Juliet’s website here.

A local lad known as the flying men, jumps off the rampart at Flag Rock

Roam the ramparts like the locals do – Spending time on the ramparts is the best way to get a flavor of local life. Families, couples and young people flock to the ramparts particularly during sunset to unwind. Walk the length of the rampart from the Dutch Hospital all the way till the Triton Bastion, passing the lighthouse on the way, and then find a comfortable spot to sit and watch life go by. Women selling handmade lace – a legacy of the Dutch, and men selling treasure from the ocean will come by. If you are lucky you can young local lads jump off the Flag Rock freestyle into the treacherous waters below.

Send a postcard from Asia’s oldest post office – Located next to the Dutch Reformed Church, the post office dates back to 1872 and is operational even today. Take your postcards there and have them stamped by hand before they get sent off.

Have your fill of some delicious curry and rice – Spices were one of the biggest reasons why the Europeans and other traders were drawn to Sri Lanka. The Portuguese, Dutch, British and the many traders who came to the island left their influences on the food, and as a result the tiny island nation has a very interesting cuisine. Possibly the most popular dish is the Sri Lankan curry and rice, which by no means in a simple dish, but a rather complex one that comprises a variety of different vegetable and meat dishes served with rice. Using locals ingredients and spices, the food is wholesome and totally delicious. There are many places in the Fort where you can have your fill of curry and rice. Some of my favorites are Heritage Cafe, Mama’s Galle Fort Roof Cafe and the restaurant at the Galle Fort Hotel.

Read about my fabulous stay at the gorgeous Galle Fort hotel here .