The first references of Galle port comes during
King Solomons times which is believed to be “Tarish” in the Bible, and
cinnamon has been the main export of Sri Lanka starting around 1400
years BC. Southern port of call for many ancient silk route bound ships,
the Galle harbour or then known as “Gimhathitha” but the ancient
mariner Ibn Battuta referes to it as “Qali” is located 119 kilometers
from Colombo. The town reached its peak during the Dutch colonial period
remnants’ of it lies today in the form of the UNESCO world heritage
site of Galle Fort, which is also acclaimed as the largest remaining
fortification in Asia, fortified by every European nation that set foot
on the Island such was the importance of this port to their spice trade.
Site and sounds of Galle includes, National Maritime museum, St.Mary’s
cathedral and the Dutch fort built in 1663.
Two kilometres away is the famous
beach resort town of Unawatuna, popular with foreign & local tourist
alike for its placid deep blue sea, a fine reef for snorkelling also
the only spot where one could spot whale shark the largest know fish in
the world and not a shark, and one should also know that sharks are
unheard of in Sri Lankan waters. The area is also frequented by turtles
to lay eggs.
