Galle was known as Gimhathiththa before the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century. This port town is around 100 km away from Colombo and is one of the best examples of a fortified city built by Europeans in south and Southeast Asia. Synonymous with the magnificent Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Galle still has the air of a Dutch town. In fact, all the old Dutch buildings and structures in this historic city always invoke their past and in the process gifts the city a certain old worldly charm which is very pleasing to the eyes and senses.
Speaking of attractions, the most important attraction is the 300-year-old Dutch Fort built by the Portuguese to defend themselves to withstand attacks by the Sri Lankan kingdoms. Besides, there is the Dutch Reformed Church, St Mary's Cathedral, the museum of folk art and Culture, Ahangama (popular surfing location) and the Koggala Lake. Besides, there are a number of beaches in and around Galle that abound in great beauty.
Since Galle is situated near some of the other important towns of Sri Lanka, it is very easy to visit the city for a day and drive back. But it is advisable that you spend at least a day in this wonderful city that would surely make you fall in love with it. Besides, the simplicity of the people who call Galle their home is quite heart warming.
The Galle International cricket stadium is another attraction in Galle. However, the stadium and a huge part of Galle were destroyed by the Dec 24, 2004 tsunami that also claimed many lives. It was in fact the biggest disaster Galle faced in its entire history. But the people of this town are a courageous lot. In spite of the misfortunes encountered by them, they have decided to move on with life. The rebuilding of Galle has been going on ever since. But it has not closed its doors for visitors.
|
