Dutch Fortress, Galle

Dutch Fortress, Galle

Travel from Colombo 123 km along the coast to Galle the southern capital of Sri Lanka where you get the world heritage site, a Dutch Fort. It is one of the best preserved forts in South Asia which is built on an extent of 90 hectare. However the fortification was originally constructed by the Portuguese and then captured by the invaders from Holland.  Hence, semblance of the both countries are to be found within, the architecture and style of inscriptions which are definitely a tinge of the European. Even the road infrastructure, verandas of the houses and the sewage systems depict those styles.

Today, even the locals are proud of its heritage and one could see hundreds of tourists thronging to enjoy the panoramic view of the Indian Ocean from the inner fortress bunds availing the breeze as well as the sun, not to mention the lighthouse that is as old as the fort. Perhaps that was the most strategic reinforcement to protect the Southern Sri Lanka in times of wars and piracy.

In fact, the city Galle itself boasts about the inherited colonial lifestyles and culture. Clothes to Churches to houses and buildings speak of the historical values that are cherished. There is no event be it cultural, religious, sports and literature held without a stress on this exciting segment of the city called the Dutch Fort.

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