Colombo to Dutch coastal sites: Private day trip

Galle's fortified walls tell the story of its former rule by Portugese, Dutch, and English forces. The Dutch influence is perhaps the most noticeable today in sites such as the 18th-century Dutch Reformed Church, or the Galle Dutch Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Visitors can tour these key locations to learn more about the impacts of Dutch rule and better understand how it shaped Sri Lanka as a whole, and its coastal cities in particular. As Galle is the largest city of Southern Province, there is a lot to see here, especially in the walled old city, which is car-free and perfect for exploration on foot.

Negombo is sometimes called "Little Rome" for its many churches, which dot the skyline of this fishing town. Enjoy peaceful coastal views as you explore the Dutch canals, the remnants of the Dutch fort, and the lagoon. Be sure to sample some of the local seafood and visit the bustling fish market, the second-largest in the whole country. If fish is not to your taste, give the unique Dutch Burgher cuisine a try with dishes like lamprais (a "packet" of meat served in a banana leaf).