What to do in Galle

Along Sri Lanka's idyllic and sun-kissed coastline, Weligama is any beach-lover's dream. It's here that you'll embark on a boat trip into the bay for a morning of deep sea fishing. Accompanied by an experienced crew, cast you line into the denim-blue water in the hopes of snagging some big names like sailfish or the more rare marlin. You can even choose to enjoy the view while you soak up some sun on deck!

Enter Kanneliya Rainforest to hike through the lush greenery, keeping your eyes wide open for the wildly diverse flora and fauna. Listen out for the distinctive rush of its waterfall where you can take a dip in the natural pool (and a bottomless amount of photos). Walk beneath an endless canopy of tropical trees as you hike to the lake. There, you'll tuck into a traditional Sri Lankan lunch served next to the water.

Set out on a luxury catamaran with marine expert for an exclusive opportunity to get up, close and personal with the giants of the ocean. Sri Lanka is at the meeting point of multiple oceans, meaning its waters are filled with marine life including whale sharks, dugongs and rare species of sea turtle. On this trip, showstoppers include the likes of blue whales, sperm whales and Spinner's dolphins. You might even see an orca whale! And your host will share all the secrets of the deep with you.

The gentle coastal hills of southern Sri Lanka are especially suited to the growing of cinnamon, which is one of the island's main exports. Welcomed with a cinnamon-infused beverage, visit a working plantation to hear all about its history, see the cinnamon peeling in action as its well-known scent fills the air, and give it a try yourself - the kids love it! After a stroll through the fields, you have the option of finishing off your visit with a spot of tea overlooking the rolling plantations.

Take a trip to a low-grown plantation on the south coast of the island and enjoy a peek into one of Sri Lanka's main exports - tea! Try your hand at plucking a few tea leaves then visit the factory. You'll learn all about the farming process and the different types of tea grown in Sri Lanka, which happen to get stronger and darker the closer it is to the sea. Finish off your tour with a traditional tea tasting surrounded by fields of green and the occasional peacock.

Hosted by one of the town's most fun-loving guides, this immersive treasure hunt takes you on an excursion through the historic streets of Galle Fort. Surrounded by grassy ramparts that meet the Indian Ocean on one side and overlook Galle's famous cricket stadium on the other, the labyrinth of heritage buildings and boutique shops is worth a day of exploring. Look out for centuries-old landmarks on your map and enjoy meeting interesting locals along the way.

Welcomed with a cooling towel and drink, you'll be led to the lamp-lit Ambalama (mud hut) amidst verdant rice paddies. As the sun sets and the sound of chirping crickets fills the air, admire your hosts' collection of colourful ingredients as they begin to whip up a feast. You could even join in and learn a few tricks! Then, tuck into a dinner of homemade rotis and hoppers with fillings of prawn, pork and cuttlefish curries. This is a unique chance to enjoy traditional Sri Lankan street food in a scenic setting.

A fantastic activity for the whole family, delve into the history of ancient Galle Fort shown the way by your friendly host. A 3rd-generation resident, their ancestors first arrived in the mid-17th century during one of the earliest waves of spice traders and gem merchants. Walk the fort flat (there are 150 acres of it), beginning at the spot where the first Portuguese boats first landed and ending where the English departed. Your tour is interspersed with stories of legendary battles, the alliances that were forged and destroyed, and meeting the people who call it home. It's more than worth a wander across the ramparts of this UNESCO World Heritage site!