Centuries ago when Lanka was ruled by the Sinhalese Kings, 'Gaalla' or Galle was the old world's romantic city which owed its glory to its natural harbour. This picturesque seaside resort was the centre of trade in olden days, because of its strategic position, where sailing vessels laden with merch    Read more...

...Collapse

andize from the Western countries of Egypt, Persia, Arabia and the Eastern China, Malaysia and Singapore converged.

A `World Heritage City’, 115km from Colombo on the south coast, 10 miles from Hikkaduwa. A fortified sea-port city of the Dutch, who ruled maritime Sri Lanka from mid 17th century to the close of the 18th, still preserves an air of old Holland. Old Dutch church and monuments with armorial bearings and old church registers dates back to British Restoration period. Well preserved fort and ramparts. Imposing gateways, with crest and monograms dating back to 1889. Old Dutch Canal spanned by the pretty Butterfly Bridge.

The Dutch Museum, Groote Kerk (Great Church) and the National Maritime Museum are two famous tourist attractions in Galle. The city is known for its delicate handmade lace and ebony carvings. The Galle International Cricket Stadium has also contributed to enhance the image of the city as a sports destination. Good swimming and fine beaches especially Magalle, Unawatune, 2 miles away and Koggala (2nd World War R.A.F. Base) 8 miles away.

...Collapse