Published in: Asia

10 Interesting Facts About Galle

Author Isolated Traveller

Published on: 10/02/2021

Facts About Galle

1. Galle, formerly Point de Galle, is a major city in Sri Lanka.

2. Galle was known as Gimhathiththa before the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century when it was the main port on the island.

3. On 26 December 2004, the city was devastated by the massive tsunami caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake.

4. The historic section of the city, containing a fort and other colonial-era buildings, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988.

5. Galle is twinned with Velsen, Netherlands since 1988.

6. Galle is served by Sri Lanka Railways’ Coastal Line and is connected by rail to Colombo and Matara.

7. The Galle Municipal Council governs the City of Galle, established under the Municipalities Ordinance of 1865. It was at the time, only the third municipal council in the country.

8. Galle features a tropical rainforest climate, with average temperatures hovering at around 26 degrees Celsius throughout.

9. The estimated population of Galle is 93,118, as of 2020.

10. Moroccan traveller Ibn Battuta visited Galle in 134.