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.