Why go?

As if bountiful beaches, sunshine and alluring bohemian charm weren’t enough, this city in southern Sri Lanka has Unesco- listed treasures in its old town, whose cobbled streets and colonial architecture remain largely unchanged from when it began life as a Dutch garrison in 1663. The island has a complex weather system with two monsoons affecting different areas at different times, but in spring the south-western monsoon has passed and you’re likely to get balmy temperatures and low rainfall.

What to do

February and March is prime whale-spotting season – in these months there’s a 95 per cent chance of spotting sperm whales just an hour offshore. Book a half-day trip from Galle harbour with Sri Lanka Navy whalewatching.navy.lk for a memorable experience. The beaches surrounding Galle are among the best on the island and are known for surfing; expect turquoise water, white sand and unapologetically perfect palm trees. Jungle Beach is right in front of the fort, but thick foliage makes it a long walk – luckily, friendly fishermen are always eager to assist with their boats for a small fee. Lady Sea Baths is the local’s choice; sip a gooseberry-like nelli juice at any of the thatched shacks between swims. First built by Portuguese settlers in 1588, Galle Fort gallefortguide.com is a romantic maze of crumbling ochre buildings, colonial architecture (Pedlar and Parawa Streets in particular) and winding pedestrian streets. However, this ramshackle facade hides galleries, markets and a host of stylish boutiques selling Sri Lanka’s famous sapphires, moonstones, silks and spices. A few historic sights not to miss are the Dutch Church, the main gate, lighthouse and Galle International Cricket Stadium.

Where to stay

Luxury hotels in Galle are like members of an unusually attractive family. While they each have a distinct personality, there are certain appealing features they all have in common: tiled floors, local contemporary art, 19th-century furniture and teak four-posters hung with cool muslin curtains. Amangalla 00 94 91 223 33 88, aman.com is the first of the exclusive Aman Resorts group to be located in the town itself. It is housed in the Fort and is full of character, with romantic views over the inner harbour and large tropical gardens. Kahanda Kanda 00 94 91 494 37 00, kahandakanda.com is the last word in eco-chic; its nine suites (most in standalone buildings) use only solar power and are on the edge of a palm-fringed tea estate on the outskirts of town. Galle’s newest boutique address is The Fort Bazaar 00 94 77 363 83 81, srilankacollection.com which opened in January. Located within the walls of the fort, it has 18 suites with views over the town’s red-tiled rooftops and onto the Indian Ocean, as well as a restaurant headed by Australian chef Neal Giles.

Where to eat and drink

Peppercorn berries, nutmeg, turmeric, vanilla orchids, cardamoms and cloves all grow wild on the Spice Island and their perfume permeates everything from cups of tea to curries. The Galle Fort Hotel’s restaurant 00 94 91 223 2870, galleforthotel.com serves delicate fusion dishes inspired by the Spice Route; look out for sweet mango salad with nutty blue swimmer crabmeat. The fort is honeycombed with cafés serving spiced chai tea with lemongrass. Poonie’s Kitchen on Pedlar Street is a local secret that’s ideal for lunch; enjoy organic salads accompanied by fresh coconut water under the araliya trees in the courtyard. The Cinammon Room jetwinghotels.com offers excellent fish in a fine dining atmosphere. The signature dish is the grilled seafood platter; expect large prawns, butterfish and snapper. A wander in the 300-year-old Dutch Market reveals a host of colourful street food including rolls of cinnamon bark as thick as cigars, hand-squeezed papaya juice and ‘hoppers’, crispy coconut pancakes topped with fried eggs and fiery chutneys.

Time running out?

Koggala Lake is a 30-minute drive away and has a scattering of islands accessed by rowing boat. Discover Buddhist hermits, a cinnamon plantation and lush jungle.

Travel Information

Travel Information

Currency is the Sri Lankan rupee. Time is 5. 5 hours ahead of the UK. Flight time is 10.5 hours from London. The cost to carbon- offset is £18. 82, visit climatecare.org

Getting There

Sri Lankan Airlines operates daily direct flights from Heathrow to Colombo, which is a 2-hour drive from Galle. srilankan.com

Jet Airways flies to Colombo via Mumbai. jetairways.com

Resources

Sri Lanka Tourism has well-organised itineraries and ideas, as well as comprehensive advice on essentials. srilanka.travel