Galle- trapped in time

Galle, Sri Lanka’s ancient harbor town is a melting pot of cultures, religions, races and trade and as vibrant and international as any cosmopolitan in the world. 

Known as Gimhathiththa in the ancient times, Galle was already a vibrant port town and an international trade hub when the Portuguese arrived in the country in 16 th Century. It reached the peak of its fame and development in the 18 th century under the control of British. Yet it is the Galle Fort built by the Dutch, which still stands as a memory of the Colonial powers of yesteryears. 

Its exposure to various cultures from the days gone by had left Galle with a remarkable collection of landmarks including National Maritime Museum, St. Mary's Cathedral founded by Jesuit priests, one of the main Shiva temples on the island, and Amangalla the historic luxury hotel. The migrating path of Dolphins and whales too falls near Galle making it one of the whale watching hot spot in the country. 

Synonymous with name of Galle if the Galle literary Festival, which attracts nearly three thousand visitors and a large number of internationally acclaimed writers.