Galle

Galle Fort is a living walled town on a headland overlooking the Indian Ocean. First fortified by the Portuguese and greatly expanded by the Dutch in the seventeenth century, its ramparts now enclose a grid of quiet lanes lined with colonial villas, churches, mosques, galleries, cafés and boutique hotels. People still live, worship and work here, which gives the fort a warmth that few heritage towns keep.

The best way to know Galle is on foot. Early mornings are peaceful, with schoolchildren in white uniforms and the smell of fresh bread from the bakeries. Through the day you might browse jewellery and design studios, visit the Dutch Reformed Church and the old warehouses, take a cookery class or simply linger over lunch on a shady veranda. As the light softens, everyone drifts towards the walls for a sunset stroll from Flag Rock to the lighthouse.

Beyond the fort, the coastline is lovely. Unawatuna and Jungle Beach offer sheltered swimming in season, the stilt fishermen of Koggala are a short drive away, and the green hills inland hide cinnamon and tea estates. Many of Sri Lanka’s most elegant villas and boutique hotels are found along this stretch of coast.

Galle combines naturally with Mirissa, Hikkaduwa and Bentota. Some guests stay inside the fort for its atmosphere; others choose a beachfront villa nearby and visit for the evenings.