Between Galle's Dutch fort and the surf town of Weligama, Sri Lanka's south coast strings together palm-fringed bays, whale-watching out of Mirissa and rice-and-curry feasts for a couple of pounds. Trains along the coast cost pennies and provide the scenery for free. December to March is the dry season here; a first surf lesson in warm, forgiving Weligama water is practically a rite.
Featured in Ten affordable tropical escapes that won't empty your savings · Tropical