As the bustling and historic capital of the southern coastal belt, Galle is no ordinary beach holiday hotspot in Sri Lanka. Home to iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites and other cultural points of interest, this former colonial stronghold is also a recreational hub for the masses. From finding the perfect base location to signing up for exciting activities, here's how to plan an unforgettable getaway to Galle this holiday season.

While Galle is one of Sri Lanka's most popular beach hubs, tourists who are visiting the city for the first time may be surprised to find how little they know about the southern capital. Regardless of the duration and the core purpose of the holiday, every traveller should spend some time reading up on this historic coastal city and its rich cultural legacy. In addition to learning about the best things to see and do in the seaside hamlet, visitors can also find valuable information regarding the best time to visit and what to expect in terms of weather. As a rule of thumb, it is best to head Down South between December and March with February often considered the ideal month for a Galle beach trip. Avoid visiting the south coast between May and September as this is the official monsoon season in the area.

The next step in the planning process is finding a convenient base for the holiday. Although Galle is home to some of the best resorts and hotels in the country, it's important to keep in mind that not every property is strategically situated. Whether one selects KK Beach Galle or any other beach hotel in Sri Lanka, it's necessary to gauge the actual location of the hospitality hub and its proximity to key landmarks and attractions. It's equally crucial to understand that most beach hotels in Galle are not beachfront establishments, so those who wish to stay by the ocean will have to be diligent in their search.

Tourists may want to plan their sightseeing activities according to the number of days available. No trip to Galle or Sri Lanka's southern reaches, for that matter, would be complete without touring the Dutch Galle Fort. As one of the island's most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this edifice, which dates back to 1588, is a veritable city within a city. In addition to the art galleries and cafes located inside the fort, other points of interest worth exploring include the Dutch Reform Church and The National Maritime Museum. The All Saints Anglican Church and the Galle National Museum are highlights that may interest history buffs while The Galle Lighthouse should be on every itinerary simply due to the panoramic views it affords from its vaulted location.

As one of Sri Lanka's finest water sports hubs, Galle is the perfect place to try one's hand at the many water-bound activities available along the coastline. Those who head to Galle's Unawatuna Beach will find that the area is not only ideal for snorkelling and Jet skiing but also scuba diving and boogie boarding. Hikers, on the other hand, can head up Rumassala Hill while those with an interest in low-altitude tea cultivation can tour one of Galle's tea estates and factories. Sri Lanka's low-country tea factories are home to some of the country's top producers of white-tip tea. A visit to a tea factory provides an opportunity to purchase high-quality Ceylon Tea from a reliable source.

As the heartland of Sri Lanka's southern culinary school, Galle is a dream destination for foodies the world over. Wining and dining in Galle like a local should be a top priority for visitors who are interested in digging into authentic Sri Lankan southern dishes prepared the traditional way.