About Galle, Sri Lanka

Its main attraction is the Fort that has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The Fort was built by the Portuguese in 1619 and subsequently expanded and developed by the Dutch and the British the one time colonial masters of the Island.
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.