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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.

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.

Image via Wikimedia Commons

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.