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Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka, is a mosaic of history, charm, and breathtaking coastal views, making it an idyllic setting for a romantic date. Even if you’re not planning to stay in Galle for a few days, you can head down here for a day trip and enjoy the relaxing vibes with your loved one.

Image via Anantara Kalutara Resort

A Stroll Through Timeless Streets

Begin your date, and your Galle city tour, with a leisurely walk along the fort’s quaint streets. Hand in hand, explore the charming boutiques, art galleries, and colonial-era buildings that line the pathways. The fascinating blend of Dutch, Portuguese, and British influences in the architecture adds a nostalgic touch to your romantic journey.

Sunset at the Ramparts

The fort’s ramparts provide one of the most romantic spots in Galle. Arrive in time for sunset, where the fiery hues of the sky reflect on the Indian Ocean. Sit together on the ancient walls, listen to the waves crashing below, and bask in the tranquillity of this soothing moment.

Dinner at a Seaside Restaurant

End your evening with a candlelit dinner at one of Galle Fort’s fine dining establishments before heading back to your hotel out of Galle, like Anantara Kalutara Resort. Many restaurants offer al fresco seating with ocean views, serving fresh seafood and local delicacies. The intimate ambience, paired with delicious cuisine, creates the perfect setting for a memorable meal.

Exploring the Lighthouse

For a unique experience, visit the iconic Galle Lighthouse. Its surrounding area offers spectacular views and an ideal photo opportunity. Couples can enjoy a quiet moment near this historic landmark, appreciating the blend of romance and history it represents.

Nightcap at a Rooftop Bar

Wrap up your date and complete your tour with a drink at a rooftop bar. Overlooking the fort’s illuminated streets and the ocean beyond, you can toast to a wonderful evening under the stars.

Walking into the city, you can still see the colonial remains there. Galle is a city that was occupied first by the Dutch, then the Portuguese and finally by the British. The 36-hectare Fort is the best example of Dutch influence as far back as 1663. Starting from Fort, you can walk among other old walls and streets. All these colonial remains have earned Galle the prestigious status of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you are looking for tropical white sand beaches fused with fine art and streets marked with colonial history, you do not have to go anywhere else. It fulfils almost everything you will look for in a romantic destination. If you are looking for an ideal hotel, Galle has plenty of them which maintain good standards. A majority of the colonial buildings has now been converted into swanky restaurants and hotels. Closenberg Hotel is one such hotel among several others.

Galle is undoubtedly an essential place to visit when you are in the southern hemisphere of Sri Lanka. As for tourist attractions, the area is teeming with whatever you name from architecture down to nature. As you walk in the city, you will see how it stands a cut above the rest. That is much owing to the heavy colonial occupation. Thanks to that colonial inspiration, the city has a classic outlook. And the best thing about this area is that you can reach here within a few hours. If you are in Colombo, get to the expressway that leads to Matara. From Colombo, the Galle-bound expressway journey takes only an hour. This expressway journey is possible even if you use public transport.

To this day, you can see a large number of foreigners – outnumbering the locals at times, probably. For most foreigners, Galle has become their home. In fact, one-third of the houses is said to be occupied by foreigners. Today, you will see art flourishing in the city with the participation of both foreigners and locals alike. Whether it is creative writing, photography or designing, you can see kind of a revival here. The renowned Galle Literary Festival had been held here for a number of years.

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world.

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