The port of Galle dates back to the time when Arab traders sailed to China in search of eastern riches. Galle was their last haven before crossing the Bay of Bengal. Perhaps one of the earliest recorded references to Galle comes from the great Arab traveler Iban Battuta, who visited the port, which he calls Qali, in the mid 14th century. Galle was central to the spice trade route”.
The Galle lighthouse is situated inside the landmark Galle Fort. It is built seven metres above the road on the ramparts.

Galle Lighthouse is an offshore Lighthouse and is operated and maintained by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. This is Sri Lanka’s oldest light station dating back to 1848, but the original lighthouse was destroyed by fire in 1934. The light station is within the walls of the ancientGalle fort, a UNESCO world heritage site and well known tourist attraction, making this the country’s most often visited lighthouse.