The Dutch used the rooster as a symbol of Galle, though probably the word comes from the Portuguese galo (rooster).ДЄncient Greek and Roman geographers may have known about Galle, which they might have called the Cape of Birds. Another theory is that the word Galle is derived from the Latin word gallus, which means ' rooster'. Gaala in Sinhala means the place where cattle are herded together hence the Sinhalese name for Galle, а¶ња·Џа¶Ѕа·Ља¶Ѕ, is a development from Gaala. It is believed that the town got its name as Gaalla in the native tongue as a result of the large number of bullock carts that took shelter in the area, following the long slow journeys from remote areas of the island. The term is believed to be derived from the classical Sinhalese term meaning 'port near the River Gin'. Galle was known as Gimhathitha in ancient times. The river is bridged at Wakwella by the Wakwella Bridge. The major river in the area is the Gin River (Gin Ganga), which begins from Gongala Kanda, passes villages such as Neluwa, Nagoda, Baddegama, Thelikada and Wakwella, and reaches the sea at Ginthota. Local tradition associates this hill with some events of Ramayana, one of the great Hindu epics. Important natural geographical features in Galle include Rumassala in Unawatuna, a large mound-like hill that forms the eastern protective barrier to Galle Harbour. The ground, which was severely damaged by the tsunami, was rebuilt and test matches resumed there on 18 December 2007. Galle is home to the Galle International Stadium, which is considered to be one of the most picturesque cricket grounds in the world.

On 26 December 2004, the city was devastated by the massive tsunami caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, which occurred off the coast of Indonesia a thousand miles away. Mary's Cathedral founded by Jesuit priests, one of the main Shiva temples on the island, and Amangalla, the historic luxury hotel. Other prominent landmarks in Galle include the city's natural harbour, the National Maritime Museum, St. The Galle fort is a world heritage site and is the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers. The city was extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards. 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.

Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century, during the Dutch colonial period. Ibn Batuta, a Moroccan Berber Muslim traveller in the 14th century, referred to it as Qali. Galle was known as Gimhathiththa before the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century, when it was the main port on the island. Galle is the provincial capital and largest city of Southern Province, Sri Lanka and is the capital of Galle District. Galle ( Sinhala: а¶ња·Џа¶Ѕа·Ља¶Ѕ, romanized: GДЃlla Tamil: а®•а®ѕа®Іа®ї, romanized: KДЃli) (formerly Point de Galle) is a major city in Sri Lanka, situated on the southwestern tip, 119 kilometres (74В mi) from Colombo. Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications UNESCO World Heritage Site

Galle sri lanka map