116 Kilometres south of Colombo, this is south Sri Lanka's most important town. In 1587, the Portugues annexed Galle from it's Singhala kings and built it's first fortress naming it "Santacrusz". It's old world charm appeals as a tourist destination. To this, it looks back to 500 years of nurture under Singhala, Portuguese, Dutch and British stewardship. The town is the first international commerce and trade centre of the island.