Sri Lanka v England 2011

Galle epitomises much of what watching England play overseas is all about. Arguably the most scenic ground in the world, a pleasant climate and gorgeous beaches a short rickshaw journey away. The most striking landmark in the town is the 200-year-old UNESCO protected Dutch Fort which provides a dramatic, historic and picturesque backdrop to the cricket.

After or even during play, take a stroll around the historic ramparts and enjoy the superb views of the ground itself and the gorgeous beach next to the ground. At sunset wander among the locals and discuss the day's action or just wander around the ramparts. The Fort itself houses many of the city's museums and colonial buildings and are well worth a look if time permits.

Whilst , Galle itself is perfectly fine to stay in during the Test, the allure of those Sri Lankan beaches both to the further south and west may be difficult to resist.

The beaches just outside town at Unawatuna (6.5km away towards south) and Hikkaduwa (17km away towards west) are top-drawer and the range of budget accommodation and plentiful bars and restaurants make it difficult to beat.

Unfortunately, Galle itself has had a poor press for potential rip-offs and con artists. As well as the usual tall stories aimed to part you from your rupees, the local gem shops will attempt to sell you stones at highly inflated prices. The advice is quite simple: do not get involved.

The commercial capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo is the only gateway to the resplendent tropical island. Colombo, a fascinating city, a blend of East & West as well as a cosy mixture of past & present, is dotted with numerous interesting and important tourist attractions including colonial era buildings.

The Galle Face Green is the city's most elegant promenade. Lined with palm trees & next to the coast, much like a tropical version of Hollywood Boulevard, this mile long stretch in the heart of the city is a beehive of seekers of leisure. Numerous small food stalls providing refreshments, the green brightens up in the evenings, hosting families & children playing sports & flying kites. Cannons used during Colonial war times still decorates the Greens. The famous colonial styled Galle Face hotel, known as Asia's Emerald on the Green since 1864, is next to the Greens and the surrounding area has several other high class 5* hotels such as Cinnamon Grand, Hilton Hotel, Taj Samudra, Hotel Ramada and Hotel Galadari all of which have various bars and restaurants with high quality food and beverages with world class chefs.

Maitland place in Cinnamon Gardens leads to the Sinhalese Sports Club which is the venue for the second test of this series.

The engagingly old-fashioned stadium serves as Colombo's main venue for test cricket matches and doubles as the HQ for Sri Lanka Cricket.

During or after the cricket you can always nip in to the now World Famous ODEL which is the Sri Lanka's own leading lifestyle brand, with its flagship store situated in Colombo, and where you can do all your shopping as well as have a relaxing meal ranging from a sandwich to sushi.