Sri Lanka's Colonial History: Forts & Cities

The tear-shaped island nation in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is a destination that is rich in history, fascinating culture, and natural beauty and is a place to remember. Sri Lanka has numerous attractions and the colonial history of this country is one of them, especially seen through the ancient ruins of the forts and cities that were strategic posts of the European powers. Whether it is the Portuguese, the Dutch or the British, all colonizers left structures, architectural marvels and urban planning that we see in Sri Lanka today.

To the history and culture loving traveler, the visit to these forts and cities of the colonial era is a complete experience. It does not matter whether you intend to visit the cobblestone streets of Galle Fort or the charming structures of the Colombo Fort, you will have to make sure you have your travel documents in order. When you are a citizen of Oman and you are planning to visit Sri Lanka, then the first step to this memorable trip is to obtain your Sri Lanka Visa to Oman citizens. Some of the Sri Lanka Tour Packages have guided tours to these historic sites and you get to explore the colonial history of Sri Lanka to the fullest.

An Introduction to Colonial History of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka was a prosperous kingdom, boasting of rich cultural traditions before the arrival of the colonial powers. But as it lay in the maritime trade route it was a target of European colonization:

Portuguese Era (15051658): They were the initial Europeans to colonize some portions of Sri Lanka, and constructed churches and forts.
Dutch Era (16581796): Replaced the Portuguese, and enhanced and widened fortification, and brought in systematic rule.
British Era (17961948): Introduced modern infrastructure and education and made Colombo the administrative capital.

Colonial Forts and Cities to Discover

1. Galle FortA Dutch Masterpiece

Galle Fort is likely the most famous colonial building in Sri Lanka and is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This coastal city was first constructed by the Portuguese and then strengthened by the Dutch in the 17th century and is an ideal combination of European architecture and South Asian traditions.
Stroll along beautiful streets, with Dutch style buildings.
See the old Dutch Reformed, clock tower and the lighthouse.
Sample the fusion of culture in the form of boutique stores, museums and cafes inside the fort.
Several Sri Lanka Holiday Packages include guided walking tours of the Galle Fort which makes it easier to understand the historical importance of this fortress.

2. The British Legacy Colombo Fort

Colombo Fort, which is the current business center of Sri Lanka, used to be the seat of colonial government. Despite the current skyscrapers that take over most parts of the city, there are still traces of the British era buildings such as the Old Parliament and the colonial era hotels that still tower high.
Visit the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct which is one of the oldest buildings in Colombo transformed into a lifestyle center.
Go to Colombo Lighthouse and other colonial buildings reminiscent of the past.
Take walking tours combining history with the city life.
Colombo is usually the point of entry and a good city to start the historical tour by those who are seeking Srilanka travel visa.

3. Trincomalee Fort- Fort Fredrick

The Fort Fredrick in Trincomalee was originally constructed by Portuguese and later taken over and altered by the Dutch and British to have panoramic views of the harbor and an understanding of naval defense mechanisms.
Walk the walls of the fortress that withstood the test of the time.
Find out ancient temples and colonial churches inside the territory of the fort.
Find out how the natural harbor of Trincomalee gave it a strategic naval location.
Trincomalee forms a component of a number of Sri Lanka Tour Packages which concentrate on the East Coast, particularly in the off-season on the west of the island.

4. Jaffna Fort- a witness of Dutch and Portuguese Warfare

Jaffna Fort built by the Portuguese and taken over by the Dutch in 1658 has been the hub of colonial military action. Although it was destroyed during the civil war, some sections of this fort have been restored resulting in the reopening of this site as a major historical site.
Look at the famous gateway which has the emblem of the Dutch East India Company.
See the colonial barracks, prison and ramparts.
Enjoy the tactical plan and military design.
Jaffna is a less crowded and more authentic experience to people who are interested in history, particularly in the form of tailor-made Sri Lanka Tour Packages.

Colonial Cities Cultural Experiences

The colonial towns of Sri Lanka are not mere forts, but, living museums. These cities are a blend of cultures, languages, foods and festivals. Visitors have an opportunity to visit:

Mansions of the Dutch era turned into boutique hotels.
Museums of colonial times that exhibit the artifacts of every period.
Colonial-inspired local markets and food trails with Sri Lankan flavors.
The visits to these sites give a viewer an idea on how the colonial rule has affected the local art, architecture and everyday life even decades after the independence.

History Buffs Travel Planning Tips

In case you decide to visit these historical places, the following are the travel tips:

Obtain a Sri Lanka Visa in advance, particularly, when you are an Oman citizen. The Sri Lanka Visa is offered to the Oman citizens in an online form (e-visa) and can be typically processed within several working days.
Select comprehensive Sri Lanka Tour Packages which cover several cities which have historical values.
Being budget aware, compare Sri Lanka Tour Package Cost within the travel agencies prior to booking.
Use local guides in key historical places–there are usually interesting stories that they can tell you that are not in the guidebooks.
Bring comfortable shoes–you will be walking in the uneven cobblestone path and in the ancient steps of many of the forts.

Conclusion

Knowing the history of Sri Lanka through its cities and forts is not only a trip into the past, it is a glimpse into the heart of a nation that has weathered adversity, made adjustments, and incorporated other cultures into its way of life. Be it the narrow streets of the Colombo Fort or the beautiful view of the ramparts of Galle Fort, there is something new to be found in every location.

Planning a historical exploration has never been easier as there are now seamless Srilanka travel visa procedures and customized Sri Lanka Holiday Packages. When you come to Oman, getting a Sri Lanka Visa for Oman Citizens is an easy procedure to go through, and the reward is the opportunity to visit a land of eternal beauty. When making plans to travel to Sri Lanka, make the right investment by considering Sri Lanka Tour Package Cost to get an opportunity that fits your budget and still gives you a fulfilling experience.

Understanding Sri Lanka’s Colonial History Through Its Forts and Cities