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The city of Galle is a famous tourist destination on Sri Lanka's southern coastal belt. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it claims the title of housing one of the best European fortified cities in South and Southeast Asia. Located within the modern town of Galle is the famed Galle Fort, which converted a hastily constructed fort, built by the Portuguese into a fully-functioning walled city that catered to the needs of 500 families at the height of its history. The fort still bears the distinctive marks of a European heritage as evidenced by its charming cobblestone pathways and the unique Dutch street names such as Moderabaay Street, Zeeberg Street and Leyn Baan Street. In 1775, a beautiful protestant church employing the baroque style was erected to cater to the spiritual needs of the European colonists, and it remains the oldest church of its kind on the island. Graced with a quaint array of cafes, boutique hotels, guest houses and little shops, Galle Fort is a delight to explore. It is home to the famous Galle Literary Festival held annually, which features a range of famous international authors. Past visitors have been Richard Dawkins, Michael Ondaatje, Louis De Bernieres, Germaine Greer and Gore Vidal, to name a few. The fort has seen its constructions employ the ideal fusion of elements from classical European architecture and innovation South Asian traditions. The ramparts feature coral interspersed with granite for an expert blend of a hardy construction material. In addition, the measurements of the ground layout all conform to the metrology of the region. When walking around the fort's interior, you will notice the wide, grass-planted streets shaded by suriyas, and the houses that feature interior gardens as well as a veranda supported by open columns, which serve as further proof of the acculturation of local elements that retain a mere core of European influence. On February 23, 1796, the Galle Fort was handed over to the British, and as a protectorate of the British Empire, Galle remained the administrative centre of the southern belt. The British occupation saw a number of modifications to the original Dutch design, such as the addition of new blockhouses, a gate installed between the Sun and Moon Bastions and a tower erected to commemorate Queen Victoria's jubilee, among others. During World War 2, additional modifications were made to tighten the fort's defensive elements. Discover your own private retreat when you visit Sri Lanka as you will encounter an enchanting array of Sri Lanka hotels to host your stay on this delightful tropical locale. One excellent option is the fine resorts and hotels offered by the iconic John Keells Hotels Group. One of the oldest and most established hotel chains in the island, a stay at these exclusive properties should provide guests with an unforgettable host of vacation memories to last a lifetime. Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+
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