Beruwala, Sri Lanka

With a population of 164,969, Beruwala is no quaint seaside town. The bureaucracy here is a persistent headache, and the tropical climate can be a drain. However, the town's history as a center of Unani medicine and its diverse ethnic mix - predominantly Sri Lankan Moors with sizable Sinhalese and Tamil minorities - offer a unique cultural experience.

Those seeking an off-the-beaten-path Sri Lankan destination may find Beruwala intriguing, but the bureaucratic hassles and subtropical heat are realities that must be weighed carefully.