Galle

Galle (formerly known as “Gaul”; Sinhalese pronunciation [ɡaːlːə]) is a historic coastal city located on the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka, approximately 119 kilometres from Colombo. Before the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century, Galle was known as Gimhathiththa and served as the island’s principal port. The city reached the peak of its development during the 18th century under Dutch colonial rule, a legacy most famously reflected in the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This period shaped Galle into a major center of maritime trade, administration, and architecture. The region is nourished by the Gin River (Gin Ganga), which originates from Gongala Kanda and flows through towns and villages such as Neluwa, Nagoda, Baddegama, Thelikada, and Wakwella, before meeting the Indian Ocean at Ginthota. At Wakwella, the river is spanned by the Wakwella Bridge, recognized as the longest bridge in Sri Lanka. Today, Galle blends rich colonial heritage with coastal beauty, making it one of Sri Lanka’s most captivating cultural and tourist destinations.