We reckon between Sangakkara and Mahela, Lankans manage to advertise and sell most of their produce and products from tyre to tea. If you look beyond the hoardings of these celebrated cricketing gentlemen, the drive plunging south from Colombo to Galle and beyond is quite a visual treat. The road hugs the ocean and between resorts and restaurants that dot the coastline one can see the sea green with white waves crashing towards the shores so close that one can walk to it.

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When one wanders the Fort Area that spans from the lighthouse to the clock tower, one finds Galle itself in a time warp. It's a nifty place to amble away with several buildings that are three odd centuries old, constructed by the Portuguese, Dutch and the English, in that order. The Resident's House, a stately grande dame, has now got a face lift and been studded with fine luxury trappings and specialised service and is better known as the Amangalla Hotel & Resort. The ramparts of the fort open up to verdant carpets of greens and blue seas beyond for long as your vision stretches.

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The belt from Galle to Tangalle (southern most tip of Sri Lanka beyond which lies 7,000 kms of sea and then Antarctica) attracts quite a mix of tourists from all over the world but surprisingly not enough from India, which is a short flight away. This part of Sri Lanka would make an enjoyable weekend (or longer) away. Hotels and resorts of all types offer unbeatable ocean view settings and pleasing service (Lankans understand and value tourism and generally are nice people). From boutique hotels such as Cape Weligama to more expansive Anantara and from Marriotts of the world to iconic Amans, there is a range to please and fit the bill for all. The food comes fresh from the ocean and there is always delicious water from golden coconuts to keep you cool. This place just makes to feel better ... until you are good.