Sergeant House is less than 5 km from the 16th -17th century Oceanside, promontory, fort town known as Galle Fort (world heritage status). The Fort is defined by its massive, angular, black stone ramparts that have protected the harbour and its townspeople for several hundred years. Within the fort is a bustling community and many historic British and Dutch colonial buildings lining its narrow streets. The streets are filled with life and colour: bicycles, interesting shops and cafes, locals chatting, verandas, fruit carts, tuk tuks, bougainvillea, parents dropping off and collecting their children at the beginning and end of each school day.
During the day visitors can explore the fort, ducking into the small shops filled with silver and gold jewellery, gems, antiques, paintings, lace, house wares, books, clothes and beautiful local cotton sarongs and napery. Alternatively, take in the history of Galle which not only exemplifies Dutch and British colonial architecture but has earlier links to Indian, Arab, Chinese and Portuguese settlement and visitation. Break the day and relax with a leisurely lunch at one of the lovely cafes or restaurants within the fort or see Geoffrey Bawa’s hotel, The Lighthouse, located only a few minutes outside the fort. Have a traditional curry and rice meal or western meal on the balcony overhanging the sea with wonderful views of the beautiful coastline.
As the sun goes down join the local townspeople for an early evening stroll around the Fort, hear the call to prayer from the mosque, promenade along its ramparts or simply wander onto one of the shaded verandas offering cocktails or an exotic tropical juice creation before heading back to Sergeant House and an evening meal on Unawatuna Beach.