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Galle serves as the capital of the southern province. The town is best known for its remarkable 90-acre Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best-preserved colonial sea fortress in Asia. This historic gem was originally constructed by the Portuguese in 1588 and later extensively fortified by the Dutch in the mid-1600s.
Recognized by UNESCO for its cultural heritage value, the Galle Fort was declared a World Heritage Site in 1988. It stands as a unique showcase of "an urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries." As you walk along its narrow streets today, you'll discover well-preserved evidence of Dutch influence, with some notable differences from four centuries ago.
Galle's history traces back to ancient times, with records of it being a bustling port on Ptolemy's world map dating from 125–150 AD. The town was a hub of trade, connecting Sri Lanka with distant lands, including Greece, Arab countries, China, and others. Its significance as a "port of call of the Levant" is noted in the cosmography of "Cosmas Indicopleustes."
Galle's historical narrative also intertwines with notable moments, including the arrival of the Portuguese in 1505, marking a significant change in the island's history. The Portuguese built the first fort here, along with a Franciscan chapel in 1541, although much of the chapel lies in ruins today. The fort later served as a prison camp for Sinhalese natives who opposed Portuguese rule.
In 1640, the Dutch entered the scene, allying with King Rajasinghe II to capture the Galle Fort from the Portuguese. The Dutch influence is vividly seen in the present-day Dutch architectural style of the fort.
The fortifications and structures continued to evolve over the centuries, with public administration buildings, warehouses, residential quarters, and even a Protestant church being added. The fort played a pivotal role in trade and defense, housing workshops for various crafts and an intricate sewer system that took sewage out to sea.
In 1796, the British took control of the fort, one week after capturing Colombo. Sri Lanka remained a British colony until it gained independence in 1948. In 1865, a part of the fort was transformed into the New Oriental Hotel, later becoming the Amangalla in 2005. As Colombo became the capital and primary port in the mid-19th century, the importance of Galle gradually diminished.
Today, Galle Fort stands as a testament to the island's intricate history, architectural marvels, and the interplay of cultures across the centuries. It's a living legacy that beckons travelers to explore its well-preserved streets and immerse themselves in its remarkable heritage
"2nd to 15th November 2016 Dear Cyril, Thank you for arranging our first visit to your beautiful country. We had a very enjoyable, comfortable, safe, interesting and memorable holiday. All the accommodations you provided were very clean and comfortable and we will always remember the welcome, we felt when the smiling staff cheerfully looked after us and our every need. The itinerary you arranged was just right for us and made even better with the care you took whilst driving your very c..." Satwant and Doug from Australia
"We had an excellent and memorable trip and all credits to Cyril. In-depth knowledge about the places, roads and history and culture. From the airport assistance - Food, accommodation provided and the vehicle was excellent. Very matured and patient, We being on safe hands. Thanks for making it a memorable experience for all of us. " Aubry De Souza and group from Dubai
"We would like to say thank you very much Mr. Cyril for the excellent 7 night tour of Sri Lanka you provided us. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Sri Lanka and the itinerary you arranged. The four hotels (Earls Regency, Amaya Lake, Heritance Kandalama and the Colombo Hilton) were excellent and thoroughly deserved their 5 stars. Your driving skills was excellent. Also very friendly, calm, helpful, and courteous and always prompts. Sri Lanka is a lovely country and the people were very friendly. ..." Suresh and Prashanth
"Thank you so much Cyril for guiding us around your beautiful country. We thoroughly enjoyed our time which was made particularly special by your professionalism, enthusiasm and friendliness. We wish you all the best in the future. Warm regards from, Aonghus O'Keefee and Sheela Hendricks- Ireland " Aonghus and Sheela Hendricks- Ireland
"We are an older couple celebrating a lot of years of marriage (and hiking) in Sri Lanka in February this year, for two weeks, and three days in the Maldives. Although we love to drive, we chose to go with a driver-guide, after planning the trip completely independently. (It turned out he might help us in the planning and selection of hotels, we own). The main advantage is reaching the sites, some of which are tired, refreshed after someone else used to bad roads, with bad signage - If you are i..." Sam
"Dear Cyril, Sincerest apologies for this delayed email --- reason being that I had been extremely busy with work & travel, since returning from Sri Lanka and just got a breather now, to download our photos and catch up with private matters. Hope this email finds you & family, in the best of health & spirits. Your granddaughter must be keeping you busy and giving you & Mrs. Baddegama immense joy. At this end, we are doing fine. Nikhita is back at school, now in Grade 7 and havi..." Pradeep Kumar Menon - Singapore
"Dear Cyril, We would like to thank youthat you have arrange ourholiday which we have enjoyed so much, that we can call them the best holiday we have ever had. You are avery helpful guide- because you know about your beautiful country very much. We also appriciate your advices that you gave us during our two weeks long journey and your perfect trip arrangement we have enjoyed every single day. All the best to you and your family. Hope to see you again. Martha & Jarda 08 No..." Martha & Jaroslav Jirout
"Thank you so much for your great service and making our honeymoon in Sri Lanka, so special and joyful. Best regards from Yuffa and Elad Abbo – Israel- 10 July 2008 " Yuffa and Elad Abbo - Israel
" Hi Cyril We have had a fabulous holiday driven and guided by Cyril from CYRIL TOURS. Hotel recommendations were perfect and knowledge supertb. We would happy to introduce CYRIL TOURS to our frieinds and relatives. Thank you for the photos you are taken and send to us, they are a great reminder of our amazing experience in Sri Lanka. We had a truly memorable time and we are grateful to you for all your knowledge and guidance throughout our trip, it would not have been..." Mr. Richard & Mrs. Bridget Simson and family from
"Thank you Cyril for caring us and giving a very enjoyable tour to all of our family while we are on holiday in Sri Lanka. Definitely we will recommend you to our friends and relatives. Hitendra Molleti and family" Hitendra Molleti
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