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As the southern capital of Sri Lanka, Galle is no ordinary beach hub on the paradise isle. Home to one of the country's most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Galle is a beach holiday destination with a cultural heritage that's equal to its stunning coastal areas. Whether you are stopping by the former colonial stronghold for a short getaway or spending several days in the city, here's how to uncover the best of Galle like only a resident could.

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As the main attraction in southern Sri Lanka, the Dutch Fort in Galle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that all visitors must experience during a tour of the city. While most tourists may get caught up shopping for souvenirs and luxuriating in hotels and spas inside the fortress, locals associate this ancient edifice with sunset views and long walks around the ramparts. In fact, enjoying a quiet stroll on the Galle Fort's towering ramparts is one of the best ways to catch the sunrise and the sunset during a holiday in Galle. In addition to spectacular ocean vistas, a walk around the periphery of the fort will also allow tourists to encounter other colonial structures, the Dutch Reform Church and the iconic lighthouse from a unique vantage point.

Whether you are based at KK Beach Galle or any similar boutique hotel in Galle, enjoying a scrumptious meal at a restaurant inside the fortress is a rite of passage for all. Located in the nooks and crannies of the fort's laneways and narrow alleys, these charming little eateries are famed for serving up local delicacies as well as continental fare. Pedlar's Inn Cafe and the Isle of Gelato ice cream parlour are two not-to-miss hotspots in this regard while other dining venues with a local following include Sugar Bistro and The Heritage Cafe & Bistro.

Although most travellers become familiar with the tourist landmarks and city life in Galle, few venture beyond the main highway into the paddy field strewn villages that also belong to the city. Biking around these pastoral villages where farmers and other communities engaged in agricultural pursuits live will be an educational experience for most visitors. While there are curated tours of Galle's village life that include lunch at a local household and other intimate encounters, those on a budget can simply rent a bicycle and paddle their way around the countryside of Galle and interact with local communities.

There are a great many shopping complexes and fashion boutiques in Galle but those who are interested in experiencing a slice of life in the city must head down to the Galle Vegetable and Fish Market. Buzzing with activity all day long, this is where locals come to find the best fresh produce, seafood and daily household needs they require. Seafood lovers will find that the catch of the day is also on sale at the venue while the Vegetable Market is perhaps Galle's finest pit stop for buying herbs and spices.

Another lesser-known aspect of Galle is that is it a tea cultivation epicentre on the southern coast. While the tea estates in Galle look different to those found in upcountry tea estates in Nuwara Eliya and Kandy, the low-country tea varieties grown here are equally sought after. Touring a tea factory based in Galle is, therefore, a great way to understand the island's tea heritage while also stocking up on tea related gifts for loved ones back home. Those with a passion for tea can also sign up for a Tea Tour in Galle which includes pit stops at some of the top tea estates and factories in the region.