Nirbanasurf and yoga retreat is a mere 30 minutes by tuktuk to Galle Fort and it’s a popular day trip for our retreat guests. A jewel amongst a coastline littered with beauty, its unique enchantment makes it a seriously interesting place to visit. Close to Weligama, Midigama, Ahangama and Kabalana, those staying at surf and yoga retreats will often take day trips to soak in the grandeur of cultural heritage and enjoy a meal at some of the finest restaurants on the island. Indeed, Galle Fort’s sterling international reputation has meant it is preserved and protected as a UNCESCO World Heritage Site!
Sri Lanka Surf & Yoga Retreat Holiday Guide: Galle Fort Day Trip
All Roads Lead to Galle
Galle protrudes from a mighty headland along a golden stretch of tourist hotspots on Sri Lanka’s south coast. The 72 miles from the commercial capital of Colombo is connected almost entirely by the newly built highway. Its vintage port is also home to a navy stronghold as well as one of the busiest trading routes in the Indian Ocean. No matter where your surf and yoga retreat in Sri Lanka might be located, Galle is one of the easiest cities to get to and well worth the journey.
Galle Fort – Mighty in Stature, Chilled in Ambience
Galle port has been a hub of trade for many centuries and the local fishermen adopt a relaxed and sleepy approach to life probably owing to the simplicity of maritime existence. Within the fort, one can find some of the most luxurious boutique hotels on the island making it a great place to explore the rugged coast. Whether you’re a solo traveller or part of a group, Galle Fort will capture your imagination and lull you into a world of dreamy content.
Perched on a peninsula jutting out to the Galle harbour, the fort was initially constructed by the Portuguese who arrived on the island in the 1500’s. The Dutch, who took reign of the fort in 1640, went on to fortify and remodel the complex with traditional Dutch architectural styles. These structures have largely survived for over 300 years making the heritage site one of Sri Lanka’s most treasured relics.
Wall to Wall Sight Seeing in Galle Fort
As you wander along the cobblestone streets of the fort, enjoy the ‘back-in-time’ ambience. Do check out vintage church on Church Street, Maritime Museum housed inside an old-Dutch warehouse, the antique lighthouse looking across the sea and admire the beautifully preserved Dutch villas, serving as homes to both locals and expats. wikipedia.org/Galle_Fort
Shopping too is pretty cool within the fort, do check out the collection.
