Fishermen dry fish on straw mats in Negombo. XU LIN/CHINA DAILY

During the 14th century, it was an important trading port, for the export of spices especially cinnamon from Sri Lanka.

In 1988, the old town of Galle and its fortifications were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Galle Fort is well-preserved and there are still canons mounted on the ramparts within the fort.

It is like time-travel when you stroll through the peaceful alleys.

The architecture of Galle is typically European as it was ruled successively by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British.

At the Groote Kerk or Dutch Reformed Church, which was built by the Dutch in 1755, I am surprised to see dozens of gravestones of Dutch settlers in the yard. Some of the stones are now used as floor tiles in the hall.

As for food, visitors can choose between Sri Lankan food and Western cuisine. Popular choices include fresh seafood such as lobsters, fish and crabs, cooked with a lot of spices.

Contact the writer at xulin@chinadaily.com.cn

If you go

Chinese citizens do not need visas for Seychelles. Sri Lankan Airlines recently launched four flights a week between Colombo and Seychelles, using A320s. It takes around four hours to get to Seychelles from Colombo. The Beijing-Colombo connection takes eight hours.