Dutch Fort and City by Bicycle from Galle

Galle is the administrative capital of Southern Province and the fourth largest city in Sri Lanka. Before the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century, Galle was the main port on the island and has reached the height of its development in the 18th century during the Dutch colonial period. Galle is the best example of a fortified city built by the Portuguese in South and Southeast Asia that shows the interaction between Portuguese architectural styles and native traditions. The Galle fort is a world heritage site and is the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers.

Highlights:

• Cycle the city streets to absorb the local atmosphere.
• Step back in time on a history tour.
• Informative, friendly, and professional guide.
• Excellent value for money.
• Water and refreshments.
• All necessary equipment included.
• All government taxes and service charges included.

During this tour, you will visit the following points of interest in the specified order.

1. Galle
2. Galle Fort Entrance
3. Galle Maritime Museum
4. Dutch Reformed Church
5. The Old Dutch Government House
6. Old Dutch Hospital
7. Meera Mosque
8. Sri Sudharmalaya Buddhist Temple
9. St Joseph's Chapel
10. All Saints' Church
11. Galle Fort Clock Tower
12. Sun Bastion
13. Moon Bastions
14. Galle Fruit Market
15. Galle Lighthouse
16. Galle

Experience:

At our operator house at 2:30, you will be provided with welcome and tour information, bottled water, helmets, and city bike or mountain bike for your size. After a short briefing, you start the tour with our experienced English-speaking local guide. We ride our office to Galle city (approx. 5km on Galle Matara main road on the south coast). Along the route, we can see many activities of the local people and fishermen working and much more.

After reaching Galle city, a visit to Galle Fort can be conveniently started at the old entrance after cycling along the seaside towards the old warehouse. Galle Fort covers an area of 52 hectares (130 acres) and the important heritage monuments in the fort includes the Dutch Reformed Church with its historic belfry dated 1707 and cast in 1709 that rings every hour, the old Dutch government house, the residence of the Commander, Great Warehouse near the Old Gate built around 1669 to store spices and ship equipment that is now National Maritime Museum, the Old Dutch Hospital, the Meera Mosque built-in 1904, the Buddhist temple built at the site of Portuguese Roman Catholic church, the All Saints Anglican Church built in 1871, the 1882 Clock Tower and the 1939 Galle Lighthouse and many more to see.

It usually takes a full day to explore Galle Fort properly, but by cycling, we should be able to carry out in a leisurely and relaxing manner. After cycling inside the Galle Fort, we come out from the New Entrance that was constructed in 1873 piercing rampart between Son and Moon Bastions which is being used even today. We will also visit the Murugan Hindu Temple that was established in the 1790 and the fruit market and vegetable market established in 1880. Upon reaching the end of tour, you will be dropped off back at our office at approximately 17:30 . This ride will start and finish at our office.

Notes:

• Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.
• Half price for children under the age of 12.
• The recommended minimum age is 10 years.
• Please advise any specific dietary requirements at the time of booking.
• Try to come 15 minutes before the time of start.
• A small amount of walking is involved.
• Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions.

Includes:

• Bike for your size.
• Helmets.
• Local guide.
• Water and refreshments.
• All government taxes and service charges included.

Excludes:

• Meals.
• Gratuities (Optional).
• Expenses of Personal Nature.
• Tip of Guide.