Tangalle

The southern stretch of coast between Matara and Hambantota as you head east from Galle towards Yala National Park and the East Coast is home to far fewer hotels than the southwest coast and thus feels fare more off the beaten track.

Tangalle itself is a fishing village and is a hive of activity for the locals but you won't find any infrastructure for foreign visitors here. Any hotels and villas are subtlely hidden away down narrow access tracks on the beach side or overlooking rice paddies in the countryside. This is laid-back living. It really is impossible not to relax here. There are a few activities on offer; explore on bicycles, go surfing, visit a temple (a blessing may be possible) or watch turtles laying eggs at night on the beach.

However, mostly you will find yourself enjoying the freshest, most delicious cuisine including plenty of fish and seafood if you should so desire and soaking up the sounds of the waves lapping the shore or the melodic birdsong from the trees.