Galle () is a major city in Sri Lanka, situated on the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka, 119 km from Colombo. Galle is the administrative capital of Southern Province, Sri Lanka and is the district capital of Galle District. Galle is the fourth largest city in Sri Lanka after the capital Colombo, Kandyand Jaffna.
Galle was the main port on the island when the Portuguese arrived in the 16th century. Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century, during the Dutch colonial period. Galle is the best example of a fortified city built by the Portuguese in South and Southeast Asia, showing the interaction between Portuguese architectural styles and native traditions. The city was extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards. The Galle fort is a world heritage site and is the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers.
The Clock Tower
The Gun Ports.
Ships had to navigate the many rocks that also guarded the harbor.
The old lighthouse helped ships avoid the rocks.
Galle was easy to walk around with a limited number of tourists and many family and friends out for the day.
Kids seem to have the most fun.
Friends along the shore.
Muslims comprise about fifteen percent of the population. Here they are enjoying the sea.
Of course, tourists were well taken care of and there were many Western style restaurants and cafes.
These tourists were in search of a restaurant.
Here we catch a tourist mailing picture post cards home.
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