Galle or Gālla formerly Point de Galle is a major city in SriLanka, situated on the southwestern tip, 119 kilometers from Colombo, the capital. Galle is the provincial capital and largest city of Southern Province, Sri Lanka and is the capital of Galle District. Galle was known as Gimhathiththa before the arrival of Portuguese in the 16th century when it was the main port on the island. Ibn Batuta, a Moroccan Berber Muslim traveler in the 14th century, referred it as Qali. Galle reached ITS zenith in the 18th century, during the Dutch colonial period.
Galle is the best example of a fortified city built by the Portuguese in South and Southeast Asia, showing the interaction between Portuguese architectural styles and native traditions. In 1640, the Portuguese surrendered Galle to the Dutch East India Company, which built the present fort in 1663. The city was extensively fortified by Dutch from 1649 onwards. They built a fortified solid granite wall and three bastions, known as “Sun”, “Moon” and “Star”.The #British who took over from the Dutch in 1796, used the fort as the administrative center of the district.
The Galle fort is a UNESCO worldheritage site since 1988 and is the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers. The city is surrounded by dense forest full of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, bears, buffalo, peafowls, and tree species such as ebony, mahogany, satinwood, and teak. Galle iis known for its landmarks including the city’s natural harbor, National Maritime Museum, St. Mary’s Cathedral founded by Jesuits, Shiva temple, and Amangalla, the historic luxury hotel. On 26 December 2004, the city was devastated by the massive tsunami in IndianOcean.
Galle is home to the Galle International Stadium, one of the most picturesque cricket grounds in the world. Important natural geographical features in Galle include Rumassala in Unawatuna, a large mound-like hill. Local tradition associates this hill with Ramayana. The major river in the area is Gin Ganga, over which the Wakwella bridge is built. Cinnamon was exported from Sri Lanka as early as 1400 BC, and Galle may have been a main entrepôt for the spice.
Galle had been a prominent seaport like Colombo long before western rule in the country. Well connected by road, rail, sea, and air with major cities of the country it is a major education hub with numerous schools and colleges. Open to visitors throughout the year, the city is known for its stunning beaches, quirky shops, whitewashed mansions, and heritage museums. The historic city is a delight to explore on foot, full of imposing Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient mosques and churches, grand mansions, and museums. Its rambling lanes are full of stylish cafes, quirky boutiques, and impeccably restored hotels owned by local and foreign artists, writers, photographers, and designers.
A tourist delight Galle is undoubtedly southern Sri Lanka’s one unmissable sight. Full of historic sites tourism in Galle is centered around numerous locations such as Flag Rock, Dutch Reformed Church, Old Gate, Marine Archeological Museum, Meeran Mosque, lighthouse, Sudharmalaya Temple, Dutch Hospital, Fort townhouse, main gate, Sun Bastion, National Maritime Museum, National Museum, Point Utrecht Bastion, Zwart Bastion, All Saints Anglican Church, Dutch Market, Star Bastion and others.
The city has numerous hotels, rersorts, and lodges that provide luxurious, mid-range, and budget accommodation. The city is a shopper paradise with numerous shoppingmall. The restaurants serve a variety of delicious cuisine at a reasonable price. Known for its stunning snrise and sunset seen from the beaches, Gale is the main hub of watersports in the region including scubadiving, snorkeling, jetsky ride, boat ride, kayaking parasailing, and even white waterrafting. Besides tourism, fishing, agriculture and plantations are the main economic activity in the city.
