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alle Light house (also known as Pointe de Galle
Light) located at the Galle fort is an onshore Lighthouse in Galle and one of
the 14 remaining light houses of Sri Lanka operated and maintained by the Sri
Lanka Ports Authority. In fact the Galle fort is a UNESCO world heritage site.
The glorious Galle fort was firstly built by
Portuguese in 1588. Remarkably it had been marked in the Ptolamy’s world map
designed around 125-150 A.D. At that time this fort placed in Galle bay, was a
quite busy port. The fort was fortified by Dutch in 17th century. Usually it
was visited by Chinese, Greeks, Arabs and Indians for business and commercial
trading purposes. The light house is erected 7 m above from the road.
The light station is within the walls of the
ancient Galle Fort, a UNESCO world heritage site and well known tourist
attraction. The lighthouse is strategically located at the southern end of the
promontory, built approximately 6 metres (20 ft) above the road level on
the ramparts, at what is known as the Point Utrecht Bastion, giving it full
view of any ships entering Galle Harbour.
This is Sri Lanka's oldest light station dating
back to 1848, but the original 24.5 meters (80 ft) high lighthouse built
by the British was located about 100 metres (330 ft) from the current
site, however it was destroyed by fire in 1934. The existing 26.5 metres
(87 ft) high light house was erected here in 1939. The original light was
furnished with a glass prism lens floating in a bath of mercury (to reduce
friction) and was powered by a weight driven machine.
Presently it is maintained by Mr. Sarathchandra.
It is known as the oldest light house in Sri Lanka. The light house was firstly
built in 1848, but it was burnt in 1936. The appearing tower was built in
1940.This landmark is almost crowded with local and foreign travelers. The
lights are operated through a computerized system. The foremost light at the
top of the light house switches off in every morning and switches on at night.
As indicated above this round shaped construction
was built in 1939 and completed in 1940. It is 26.5 m in height and 47 m in
range. This offshore at Galle fort is operated by Sri Lanka Ports Authority.
Fantastic view of the Indian Ocean is appeared besides with the light house.
Due to Sea breeze and sea waves, your cumbersome will be vanished. Subsequently
it can be known as a relaxing spot.
Local kids who are engaged with flying kites and
playing cricket is a frequent view here. Locals prefer to have sea baths while
playing an enjoying their weekend holidays. While walking on ancient erected
ramparts you can enjoy the sunset at evenings. Remember that the Light house is
not allowed to be climbed. So have fun at outside views.
