Matara
From the maelstrom of Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo, catch a train south to enjoy a peaceful and safe holiday in Matara, the port city lying on the floodplain of the Nilwala River, once a busy Dutch colonial trading centre from whence spices and gemstones were shipped off to Holland. The dilapidated old city has amore charming air, surrounded by rice fields and tea plantations, flanked by some lovely beaches.