Galle Fort, in the Bay of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards. It is a historical, archaeological and architectural heritage monument, which even after more than 423 years maintains a polished appearance, due to extensive reconstruction work done by Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka.

The fort has a colourful history, and today has a multi-ethnic and multi-religious population. The Sri Lankan government and many Dutch people who still own some of the properties inside the fort are looking at making this one of the modern wonders of the world. The heritage value of the fort has been recognized by the UNESCO and the site has been inscribed as a cultural heritage UNESCO World Heritage Site under criteria iv, for its unique exposition of "an urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries."

The Galle Fort, also known as the Dutch Fort or the "Ramparts of Galle", withstood the Boxing Day tsunami which damaged part of coastal area Galle town. It has been since restored.

West of Galle before you hit the bustle and high jink of Hikkaduwa, are perfect, clean, un-peopled beaches between Narigama and Dodanduwa. Right in front of the Fort is Sea Bath. Jungle Beach, the most ruggedly natural, magical place, cannot be easily approached from land due to thick – you guessed it- jungle! But any friendly fisherman will deliver you there for a Robinson Crusoe experience. Unawatuna, the first bay after passing town is still one of the prettiest and great for diving, snorkelling, wave surfing, deep-sea fishing with a Goa-esque flavour; beach cafes and a disco along the strip with a Hindu kovil perching right on the point. Surf-friendly tuk-tuk drivers are invariably surf-bums who can take you with long-boards to surf-idyllic spots such as Midigama and offer valuable coaching to boot. Very useful in Sri Lanka where Life Guards don’t exist and big waves do.

Wijaya beach, 10 kms from Galle with a restaurant tumbling onto the sand is like going down to the pub on a Sunday because all the Brits gather here. A natural lagoon forms a safe paddling pool close to the sun-dozing Mums and there’s a natural Jacuzzi’s amongst the rocks; no locals, so relaxed atmosphere for shy single girls. Talpe is a whole kilometre of wide, undisturbed white sand with a reef, so parts are safe for swimming and others suitable for surf (in season) You can walk till the end of the rainbow and footprints on the sand are quite likely your own.

GALLE FORT

Galle Fort or the Dutch Fort is a Portuguese fortress which was built in 1588 at the bay of Galle on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. This fortress is completed with 14 bastions which is still the best-preserved and best example for the fortified city in Asia built by Europeans by showing the mix of European architectural styles and South Asian traditions. UNESCO declared Galle Dutch Fort as a World Heritage in 1988 under the name of Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications. It covers an area of 52 hectares inside the walls. A lighthouse installed on the Utrecht bastion, and a tower erected for the jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1883. A Protestant church also built in Baroque Style in 1775. The most prominent buildings in the fort complex were the Commandant's residence, the arsenal and the gun house.

If you have even the faintest hope of seeing large mammals on your safari in Sri Lanka you will be most pleasantly surprised. Sri Lanka is truly a bird's paradise. Our island is dotted with hundreds of lakes and other places of refuge for the birds Sri Lanka is a mega-hotspot of reptile fauna, home to many reptiles and amphibians such as snakes, lizards, crocodiles, turtles and frogs, Tigers, black bears and many more animals .