Galle, Sri Lanka

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It is situated on the south western tip of Sri Lanka 116 km from Colombo. Galle was known as Gimhathiththa long before the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th Century. Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century, before the arrival of the British. It is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in South and South-East Asia, showing the interaction between European architectural styles and South Asian traditions.
The Galle Fort, is a world heritage site and the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European invaders. Other prominent landmarks in Galle include the St. Aloysius Cathedral and College founded by jesuit priests.
Also worth mention is the 'Roomassala hill' (also known as buena vista). According to legends it's associated with some of the events of the Ramayana.
Galle is the main town in the most southerly part of the island and is connected by rail to Colombo and Matara.

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