Mainly built by the Dutch in the1600s, Galle Fort in Sri Lanka is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an easy going and historic atmosphere. Stroll around the outskirts of the fort and explore the quaint boutiques, cafes, art shops and museums inside the walls. An afternoon tea on the veranda at Amangalla is a must.

Visit Koggala Lake which is alive with birdlife and dotted with islands; one features a Buddhist temple, another a cinnamon plantation and herb-garden. Lightfoot Travel recommend a 90-minute boat tour in the late afternoon when the lake is teeming with birdlife; it’s also the best time for spotting a crocodile.

Venture into Sri Lanka’s tea country with a private guide and encounter cinnamon peelers at a local tea estate. Watch as they work, hear about the healing properties of cinnamon and try peeling cinnamon yourself. The Handunugoda Estate provides a fascinating tour around its plantation, as well as a demonstration of the harvesting of their speciality Virgin White Tea - the only tea untouched by hand and considered to be the purest tea in the world.

Head on a bike ride escorted by knowledgeable and passionate guides across Sri Lanka’s verdant rice paddies, tea plantations and secret tracks. A couple of rest stops will be planned en route where you’ll have the chance for refreshments and time to meet the locals. Plan a mountain biking tour around Wijaya Beach at the end of the day so you can combine it with a drink at sunset.

Take a trip to the fascinating Hummanaya Blowhole in Dikwella, a natural wonder that sprays a jet of sea water into the air between two giant rocks, sometimes reaching heights of over 80 -100 feet. Known to be the second largest blowhole in the world, it can be accessed by a ten-minute walk through a small village dotted with local vendors to a backdrop of the beautiful blue coast. Go at high-tide for ultimate impact!

Explore Kanneliya Rainforest Reserve’s hills, valleys, flat landscapes and dense forest canopies accompanied by a wildlife tracker. The reserve is home to endemic birds, butterflies, dragonflies and reptiles. The Wildlife Conservation Society of Galle runs an Animal Rescue Programme and a Biodiversity Breeding Centre here to improve the populations of endemic freshwater fish and amphibians.

People from around the world flock to Weligama on Sri Lanka’s south coast to experience the thrill of watching Blue Whales, as well as the opportunity to see orcas, dolphins and sea turtles in their natural habitat. The best time to go is from October - April.

Temples are dotted throughout Sri Lanka, with some of the best on the southern coastline. Visit Wewurukannala Viharaya Temple where the 50m high seated Buddha figure here is the largest in the country. For an off-the-beaten-track experience, explore the seven cave temples of Mulkiligara and its spectacular hilltop viewpoint. Remember to cover your legs and shoulders, and to remove your shoes before entering all temples.

Combine your holiday on Sri Lanka’s south coast with a trip to Yala National Park where you’ll find the highest concentration of leopards worldwide. Embark on a wildlife safari while also looking for elephants and crocodiles, and stay in luxurious accommodation such as Wild Coast Tented Lodge. Alternatively, Udawalawe, approximately three hours from Galle, is home to elephants, deer, great birdlife and awesome scenery.

Sri Lankan food comes with influences from Arabia, Malaysia, Portugal, the Netherlands and the UK, so it’s a captivating cuisine to master. Lightfoot Travel can arrange trips to local markets and organic vegetable gardens to source ingredients, as well as cookery classes with local families or executive chefs so you can learn how to recreate dishes from your holiday once you return home.

Sri Lanka has plenty of great scuba diving and snorkelling spots with PADI diving schools dotting the southern beaches. Lightfoot Travel can arrange a diving and snorkelling activity for you with expert guides so you know you’re in safe hands. Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna and Mirissa are popular locations where the coral reef dive spots provide depths for all levels. For more established divers there are also shipwrecks to explore.

Sri Lanka’s surf season runs from December to March. Lightfoot Travel recommend heading for Weligama if you’re new to surfing as its wide bay and waves provide a perfect platform for beginners. Hikkaduwa and Midigama are ideal for intermediate-level surfers. Kabalana Point (or The Rock) is the go-to for professional surfers due to its powerful break.

The Sea Turtle hatchery in Habaraduwa on Sri Lanka’s south coast is where injured turtles from the local and neighbouring areas go to for recovery. Here they heal their wounds before being released back into their natural habitat. A lovely place to spend a few hours, children especially love handling the mini turtles and sending them off into the sea when they’re fully recovered.

Sri Lanka’s stunning south coast offers endless honey sands and tranquil crescent bays. Unawatuna, around 6.5km from Galle is home to many beach bars and fun restaurants. The Kingfisher Restaurant is highly recommended for lunch at the far end of the beach.

Twenty minutes from Galle heading towards Colombo, Hikkaduwa is the main surfing beach on the south west coast of Sri Lanka. The area has been popular since the 1970s which makes it well established with lots of beach bars and restaurants. The beach is perfect for kite boarding, swimming and snorkelling, and it’s a fun spot for shopping and nightlife.