Galle

Galle is a living colonial masterpiece where Dutch cobblestone streets wind between whitewashed walls, boutique hotels, and colourful cafés. The Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Portuguese and later fortified by the Dutch in the 17th century, contains the finest example of a fortified city built by Europeans in South and Southeast Asia. Walk the ramparts at sunset as the Indian Ocean crashes below, visit the old lighthouse, browse independent galleries, and enjoy some of the finest dining in Sri Lanka. Just beyond the fort, palm-lined beaches and surf breaks await.