The Galle Fort, or Dutch Fort as it is also known, is a fortification first built by the Portugese on the Southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. The initial fortifications, which were built in the late 16th century, were quite basic. According to a statement by UNESCO the site was recognized as a World Heritage Site for its unique exposition of an urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries which is the criteterion number four for such recognition.

The iconic Galle Fort contains the lighthouse in Galle. It is constructed on the ramparts seven metres above the street. Although the first lighthouse was destroyed by fire in 1934, this light station is the oldest in Sri Lanka, having been established in 1848. The current height of 26 m was achieved by reconstruction. The light station located inside the walls of the historic Galle fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and popular tourist destination, making it the most frequented lighthouse in the nation.

Sri Lanka's Galle district is located in the country's southern coast area. If it weren't for the presence of a river, Balpitiya, a small town in the area, would be of little significance. The wildlife of the Madu River is exceptional. It opens up into the enormous Madu Lagoon as it travels through Sri Lanka's humid region toward the Indian Ocean.