The southern coast of Sri Lanka offers some of the island’s most evocative scenery and at its heart sits Galle Fort, one of the best-preserved colonial sea fortresses in Asia. Built by the Portuguese in 1588 and dramatically expanded by the Dutch in the 17th century, the Fort’s cobblestone streets, whitewashed Dutch Reformed Church, lighthouse, and rampart walls enclose a living community of boutique hotels, artisan galleries, and seafront cafes that make it unlike anywhere else in South Asia. Beyond the Fort, the southern coastline unfolds in a series of gorgeous bays, fishing villages, and golden beaches that define the classic Sri Lankan seaside experience.