Today, Galle is the bustling provincial capital and administrative centre of the south. Galle was an ancient port (said to be the legendary Tarshish of the Bible), and our first international commerce and trade centre. The National Museum of Galle occupies the oldest extent building built by the Dutch in the 17th century.

The Fort is the heart of Galle's history. The old Dutch 'Star' fort covering 36 hectaers, the well-preserved Groote Kerk (Dutch Church), Dutch Government House, the New Oriental Hotel (built in 1684) old bell tower and a tide-based Sewage-System, also introduced by the Dutch. In Gale they still make the Dutch 'pillo-lace' and do fine ebony-carving and gem-polishing.

Galle is the excellent sea bathing spot. It is famous for its lovely Unawatuna Bay, where the sea is reef protected and therefore safe for swimming and snorkeling.

(information courtesy: Sri Lanka Ministry of Tourism)