Rumasalla Mountain

In the past, Rumassala was known as Buono Vista, a name that dates back to the colonial period, and most likely a corruption of ‘Buena Vista', or Spanish for ‘pleasant view'. Regardless of origin it is indeed an accurate description of the place they chose to name, for the top of Rumassala hill offers what are arguably the best coastal views along the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The calm waters of Galle bay provided safe anchorage for numerous ships that plied the Indian Ocean maritime routes, transporting vast quantities of spices, minerals and precious stones. During this period, ships used the southern end of Rumassala known as Watering Point to take in fresh water before setting off on long voyages.