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Although most tourists visit the beach hotspot that is Galle to enjoy water sports activities and tour the area's iconic landmark, the Dutch Fort, the southern city is also a shopper's dream come true. Whether one is hunting for souvenirs and tasteful keepsakes of one's time in Sri Lanka or Galle or simply looking for everyday curios, Galle's vast and diverse retail outlets will not disappoint. Here are some of the key shops and boutiques that every visitor should explore during a trip to the city.

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Considered one of the best souvenir stores in the country, Barefoot's Galle boutique is just as well-stocked and colourful as the one in the capital. Housed in a former residence, this flagship store specialises in all things handmade and hand-dyed. Apart from its colourful clothing line inspired by the design aesthetic of its founder Barbara Sansoni, visitors can pick up everything from scented candles and homeware to eco-friendly stationary made from biodegradable materials at the venue. Don't forget to drop by the book section as some of the most celebrated works in Sri Lankan literature are for sale at Barefoot, which also retails fantastically local postcards and prints.

Those in search of eclectic handicrafts, locally sewn clothes, accessories and home decor items should also stop by Galle's Havelock Road. Old Railway is not only the perfect place to shop for a summer holiday in the beach hub but also a great place to grab a bite. The charming little cafe above the main store serves up a wide variety of local treats for hungry shoppers. Old Railway specialises in Sri Lankan-made fabrics and dresses while sarongs and kaftans featuring Sri Lankan motifs are also part of the store's product range.

Couples based at Kahanda Kanda or any similar boutique hotels in Galle must stop by this Galle Fort shop that specialises in men's and women's clothing, decorative works, paintings and other knick-knacks. As one of the largest boutiques occupying space inside the UNESCO World Heritage Site, this massive retail space on Pedlar Street is tailor-made for those who don't mind spending hours shopping at a single outlet.

As its name suggests, Exotic Roots is a popular stopover for all things local and tropical. As one of the city's oldest boutiques, the store was founded by a single mother with two children who, in the beginning, sold paintings and other artworks they themselves created. Located down Lighthouse Street, this quirky art hub remains a retail institution in Galle for those with discerning tastes.

For those looking for the best designer furniture outlet in Galle, Raux Brothers' creations stand out for their exceptional quality. The brand, which is highly reputed in Sri Lanka, has its own café and offers a stunning collection of wooden and wicker furniture, making it an ideal destination for those seeking unique home décor items. While there are multiple Raux Brothers stores throughout the island, the Galle showroom is the most visually appealing of them all.

While the wares for sale at Three by TPV may not be within everyone's budget, a stopover at this luxurious shopping hub is a must for all tourists with a passion for jewellery and accessories. Situated on Layn Baan Street inside the Galle Fort, the elaborate pieces and the attention to detail of the designer jewellery on display are likely to delight travellers with an eye for unusual accessories.

As one of the island's leading skincare brands, a visit to the Galle spa and showroom of Spa Ceylon is a must for those on the lookout for herbal beauty products. In addition to enjoying a relaxing foot or head massage, tourists can stock up on fragrances, makeup, massage oils and Ayurvedic treatments for everything from headaches to insomnia.

Ranked among South Asia's top beach holiday destinations and water sports hubs, Sri Lanka is the perfect location for water-based adventures. Wave riding is a pastime that tourists have been indulging in for decades at seaside hamlets such as Arugam Bay and Hikkaduwa. Here's how to learn how to surf during an unforgettable vacation in some of Sri Lanka's stunning beach hotspots.

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Those who intend to learn the basics of wave riding during a holiday in the tropics must first find boutique hotels in Sri Lanka close to the island's best surf spots. Whether one chooses a property belonging to KK Collection or any other hotel chain, it should ideally be within walking distance of a beginner-friendly surf spot. Surfing is a sport that requires hours of practice. Unlike snorkelling and scuba diving, having easy access to a surfing beach allows beginners more opportunities to improve their skills. In contrast, surfers who must travel to distant surf spots spend less time practising and more time commuting. So, having a surfing beach near your accommodation provider is a great advantage for newbies who want to get better at surfing.

Contrary to popular belief, it is not possible to learn how to surf on one's own or simply by observing others engaging in water sports. Luckily, most beach towns and resort hubs in Sri Lanka are home to surfing instructors or water sports centres that offer surfing lessons for holidaymakers. Signing up for lessons with an instructor not only guarantees that one understands the fundamentals of riding waves but also means access to surfboards, straps and gear that suits one's age, height and weight. This is due to the fact that most water sports packages on the island include rented gear.

As in any recreational activity, there are unwritten rules that all surfers must follow in order to enjoy drama-free and risk-free surfing sessions without disturbing the pros out on the water. Keep in mind that the surfer positioned closest to the wave must be allowed to ride it as there's nothing more disrespectful than hijacking someone else's wave. It's important to be mindful when paddling out into the ocean as the chances of colliding with other surfers is quite high. So move slowly and pay attention.

The first step in surfing that beginners need to perfect is the efficiency with which one must pop up on the surfboard by propelling oneself with both hands. Ideally one should be on one's feet in a matter of seconds and in one swift movement. Though easier said than done, it's crucial to practice standing up while on dry land. The next step in surfing is paddling up to the lineup and watching how other surfers are picking waves and paddling towards them.

Once a wave has been selected, it's then time to turn around and face the board's nose towards the beach and lay down. Paddle out towards the wave in question and ensure that the board's nose is not submerged. The nose of the board also should not be pointing towards the sky but just about grazing the water. Once some momentum has been gathered, it's then time to move fast so that the wave is behind the surfer. Then one must focus a burst of energy into standing up and riding the swell all the way to the shore.

It's important to commit fully to riding the swell out for as long as possible. Keeping one's eyes forward instead of gazing at one's feet is crucial as looking at the nose of the board or the feet might let imbalance set in.