Originally Posted by christep
The best way to get to Kandy (or the surrounding area), IMO, has got to be the train. I always find that a great way to get a feel for a country, and far more comfortable (albeit a little slower) than than the drive. We enjoyed Sri Lanka very much a couple of years ago, and I'm hoping to be back there in the not too distant future. But I agree that it isn't the place for "big sight, quick fix" tourism if that's what you are looking for).
I wish I could say "been there, done that, didn't bother with the tee shirt" but my disappointment with Sri Lanka is based on almost total ignorance - fairly detailed review of two or three guidebooks and various internet resources, knowing we had an opportunity to explore, and three days in the Colombo region.
Nothing I read seemed compelling. The things I'm aware of - relaxing in the Kandi area, looking at elephants in one or more parks quite far from CMB, perhaps some beach activities and other things I missed - are each bettered elsewhere. I don't know if it's meaningful that there's comparatively little tourist infrastructure in the country, Perhaps the boom is yet to come, perhaps there really is no compelling reason to fly there from London or Frankfurt to holiday.