The beautiful historic seaside city of Galle is one of the best examples of a fortified city built by the Portuguese. Even today, the city is still rampant with Portuguese architectural styles as well as native traditions and is a very popular site amongst tourists. The road or rail route from Colombo to Galle is full of picturesque views, mostly lying along Sri Lanka’s coast. At the heart of Galle’s history lies the famous Galle Fort and the old town of Galle, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers.

If you are interested in a beach holiday in Sri Lanka, Hikkaduwa beach is the best place to visit. Hikkaduwa beach was the first beach to be discovered by tourists, back in the 1960s. The beach is known for crystal clear blue water with a beautiful and impressive coral reef that is home to many different species of fish as well as sea turtles. Some of the sports that can be enjoyed in the area include surfing, diving as well as snorkeling. The best time to visit Hikkaduwa is during November and April when the sea is at its calmest and you will have ample opportunity to do some underwater photography.

Colombo has a long, rich history where the Portuguese, Dutch and British have all left their marks. This rich heritage is reflected in the diversity of the city’s architecture that ranges from colonial buildings to modern high rises and shopping malls.