Sri Lanka Attractions

Galle

The port of Galle, thought by some to be the Biblical city of Tarshish, splendidly illustrates the solidity of the Dutch presence in Sri Lanka. The huge Dutch Fort, built in 1663, has withstood the ravages of time. Its massive ramparts shelter sturdy Dutch houses, museums and churches.

The New Oriental Hotel, built for Dutch governors in 1684, is a colonial gem with a wonderfully atmospheric bar. Nearby is a tiny sliver of a beach suitable for a dip, though most travellers prefer to head along the coast to the fine beaches at Unuwatuna, Weligama and Tangalla.

Yala West

Though it sustained some damage due to the 2004 tsunami, Yala West is one of the few Sri Lankan national parks still open to travellers. It has scrub, lagoons and rocky outcrops, and is in the country's southeast; it's a particularly good place to see elephants.

Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka's largest city, is noisy, frenetic - and just a little crazy. Thankfully, the breakdowns, snarled traffic and power cuts are received with a shrug and a smile. While the city holds less obvious interest than many other parts of the island, it's very colourful and worth a look.

North of the centre is the Fort district, the country's business centre. South is Galle Face Green, a seafront expanse of occasional green. East of the fort is the pungent Pettah bazaar district.

Culture buffs shouldn't miss the National Museum, the Art Gallery, and the city's mosques and temples.