Galle Fort, in the Bay of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards. It is a historical, archaeological and architectural heritage monument, which even after more than 432 years maintains a polished appearance, due to extensive reconstruction work done by Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka.

Flag Rock, at the southernmost end of the Fort, was once a Portuguese bastion. Today it is easily the most popular place to catch a sunset. During daylight hours you may see daredevil locals leaping into the water from the rocks. Numerous vendors sell good street food

Originally built in 1640, the present building dates from 1752. Its floor is paved with gravestones from Dutch cemeteries, while other impressive features include the organ and an imposing pulpit made from calamander wood and topped by a grand hexagonal canopy. You may encounter the friendly caretaker who will likely point out the (slightly bizarre) carved wooden memorial dedicated to a former Commander of Galle, Abraham Samlant – the tiny cotton shirt is said to be the one he was baptised in.

This spacious maritime museum occupies a colossal old spice warehouse built by the Dutch and dating back to the late 17th century. The structure was originally part of the main gateway to the Fort and it still forms part of its ramparts. An introductory video presentation sets the scene and there are interactive displays that illuminate the city’s maritime past, including the many shipwrecks in Galle’s surrounding waters. It covers two levels that snake through the city walls.

At a distance of 6 km from Galle Railway, Unawatuna Beach among the must include places in a trip to Sri Lanka. It is a lovely banana-shaped beach of golden sand and turquoise waters, surrounded by tall palm trees. The beach brings the local culture to life and is a great place to take a dip into the ocean to relax after a hot summer day. There are also sunbeds laid out on the beach for visitors to rent out and just enjoy the day basking in the sun with scenic ocean views. Unawatuna also has pretty good waves for surfing. They aren’t particularly big, but they are perfect for some fun in the ocean. They are also great for new surfers, especially the beginners. Travellers can also go scuba diving to see coral reefs or ship wrecks.

Enjoy a swim at Jungle Beach, a secluded stretch of sand with gentle, calm waters. To access the beach, you need to drive or hike up to the Peace Pagoda, then climb down the steps through the jungle vegetation, meaning the beach remains less crowded than its nearby counterparts. Pick a sunbed near the beach bar, sunbathe, and have a refreshing drink, or drift further away to a quieter, more deserted part of the beach for some rest and relaxation.