Galle Lighthouse

Galle Lighthouse

Galle Lighthouse is Sri Lanka’s oldest light station. It was established in 1848 as the first onshore Lighthouse in Galle, Sri Lanka. There was an original 80 feet structure that was destroyed by a fire, as a result, the existing second structure was built in 1939, just 100 meters away from where its previous structure stood.

About the location

Standing at 26.5 meters tall the first lighthouse light was furnished with a glass prism lens which was supported on a friction-reducing Mercury bath. The bath of mercury had two purposes; one was to keep the lamp at a perfect level and the other was to make the rotation of the lamp smooth and friction-less.

Like many lighthouse keepers of the old days, around the world, the lighthouse keepers at the Galle Fort lighthouse must also have been exposed to high levels of highly toxic mercury daily. Especially when they had to remove impurities from the top of the bath and periodically cleaning the liquid metal by passing it through chamois leather.

Current state

Fortunately, the lighthouse light at Galle Fort has long been automated, and the keeper only makes the 87 feet climb for maintenance and to keep an eye on the ships entering the Galle Harbour from its high point in Point Utrecht Bastion.

Things to do around the destination

Many people from around the world visit here to witness the classic beauty of the lighthouse and laze around the nearby coast. Also, visitors love to engage in various water sports like swimming, scuba diving, surfing, and many more offered at the nearby coast. You must try the authentic Sri Lankan cuisines which are being sold by the local restaurants and food corners which could be paired with a refreshing king coconut drink.

You can also enjoy the Galle Fort, Dutch Reformed Church, Galle Dutch Fort and Galle Fort Clock Tower in the same premises itself. All these factors make this place a not-to-miss while visiting the Sri Lankan city of Galle.

How to reach the location

From Colombo

You should go on Katunayake-Colombo Expressway and join the Southern Expressway and exit from the Pinnaduwa Exit. Then take the Southern Expressway Access Road and Colombo – Galle – Hambantota – Wellawaya Road to Church Street in Galle to reach your destination.

From Galle

You have to take Samagiwattha Gama Road to Dangedara Road. Turn left onto Dangedara Road and turn right onto Colombo – Galle – Hambantota – Wellawaya Road. Turn right onto Queens Street and turn left onto Church Street to reach your destination.