Unawatuna has a colonial history as well. The Dutch, having defeated the Portuguese at Negombo, sailed south and landed at Unawatuna in 1640 prior to advancing on Galle. The Portuguese met the Dutch at the adjacent village of Magalle, where there was a pitched battle in which many on both sides died. The surviving Portuguese took refuge in the fort of Galle, but surrendered after a four-day siege. Subsequently, the Dutch housed many of their officials in Unawatuna. Some of these mansions can still be seen, the most prominent being the Bathfield House, or Nooit Gedatch, the Dutch Commander’s lodge, now a hotel situated near the Unawatuna junction.

GALLE

Heading north from Unawatuna is the historic city of Galle, which is only 20 minutes away. You should swap your flip-flops for trainers and take an evening walk around the huge ramparts of the Fort, a UNESCO living heritage site that encloses around 200 houses. Originally built by the Portuguese at the end of the 15th century, it was strengthened by the Dutch when they took it over in 1640.

A walk down Church Street towards the Lighthouse will show you the main buildings in the Fort. You will pass the Galle Cultural Museum, the New Oriental Hotel, the Dutch Reform Church built in 1754, the Library, and the All Saints Church built in 1868 as a result of pressure by the English population. The area around the British-built lighthouse is the Arab Quarter where you can see a beautiful white mosque. The National Maritime Museum (The Old Dutch Gate; Tel: +94 (091) 224 2261; Open 9-5, Sunday to Thursday) is also worth a visit, just off Queen’s Street.

If there is an important cricket match being played, head to the Galle International Cricket Stadium to experience a big game and watch the singing, dancing and banging of drums of the Sri Lankan fans. You can go inside the stadium, but I recommend you sit on the Fort ramparts by the main gate near the Sun and Moon bastions to get the best vantage point of the game. Beer, soft drinks and snacks are sold up there too!

The colourful fruit, vegetable and fish markets in the new town and any of the shops along the main street past the equestrian statue are also worth a visit, as is Victoria Park.