This famous seaport was~used by the colonial powers who controlled the maritimeregions of Sri Lanka until the year 1875, when Colombo, with its re-constructed break-water and enlarged harbor became the country’s major port. Situated 116 km. from Colom-bo, Galle can be reached byroad or rail down the south-west coast.
Taken from the Sinhala Kingsin 1587 by the Portuguese who erected the first fortifications, Galle was laid siege to by the Dutch in 1640. The Dutch fort faces the sea on three sides and its ramparts, over a mile long, are today a favorite promenade for Galle’s citizens. Before leaving you must purchase some of the famous Galle lace as a souvenir of this ancient seaport.
