The iconic city of Galle is a key traveler destination in Sri Lanka serving as the administrative capital of the southern province. This port city was first the interest of Portuguese in the 15th century. However it was the Dutch who managed to leave a lasting impression in the 17th century on a land extent of a half a kilometer. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, the Old Town of Galle and its fortifications is a Dutch architectural landmark. Among the cricket community, Galle International Stadium outside the fort is regarded as one of the most scenic venues in the world. Walking through the gates from the modern day bazaar in to the fortress gives the visitors an illusion of time travelling. The cobblestone streets are filled with exotic boutiques, shops, cafes and hotels owned by local and foreign artists, writers, photographers, designers and poets in its classic Dutch architecture is picture perfect. The delicate art of Beeralu or Dutch lace making adds color to this living heritage. A significant part of the Galle forts allure, however, is that it isn’t just an attraction. Rather, it remnants a functioning community with administrative offices, courts, companies, lots of regular folks occupying the streets with a definite buzz of energy in the air.
