Soak in the atmosphere of the 300-year-old heritage that is very much alive around Galle – set out on foot to explore this delightful old port, peppered with exotic historical buildings. The bay of Galle lies off the south-west coast of Sri Lanka, sheltered by a rocky peninsula. In its maze of by lanes you’ll find quaint cafes, stylish boutiques and beautifully preserved colonial structures. The Galle Fort is a world heritage site and the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers – its ramparts are wide enough for you to walk on and take in the beauty of the ocean waves. If you get hungry, tuck into some Kottu roti – a Sri Lankan favourite made with bits of roti (flatbread), vegetables, eggs, chicken and cheese. You can also enjoy a glass bottom boat ride to the coral reef or go surfing. If you are a fishing enthusiast, take a trip down the Madu River and try your luck – the estuary of the Madu Ganga River is a labyrinth of mangroves and islands. You can see hundreds of species of plants and animals – monkeys, water monitor lizards, crocodile’s egrets and kingfishers wait patiently on the banks, eyeing the water for prey.