Great — here’s a compact guide to where to stay in Sri Lanka, organized by region, trip type, budget, timing, transport tips and a sample 10‑day plan with suggested towns to base yourself in.

Quick overview — the main regions and why to stay there

• Colombo — international gateway, shopping, nightlife, easy first/last night. Good for city hotels and short stopovers.
• Cultural Triangle (Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa) — best base for ancient sites and rock forts (Sigiriya). Stay in Sigiriya or nearby Habarana. (world-tourism.org)
• Kandy & Hill Country (Nuwara Eliya, Ella) — hill station tea country, cooler climate, waterfalls, scenic train rides (Kandy→Ella). Kandy for culture and temples; Nuwara Eliya for colonial charm; Ella for hikes and relaxed cafés. (Wallpaper.com)
• South & Southwest coast (Galle, Unawatuna, Mirissa, Hikkaduwa, Tangalle) — beaches, surfing, whale watching (seasonal), Galle Fort’s colonial streets and boutique hotels. Mirissa is popular for whale-watching trips; Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa good for snorkeling and reefs. (thetimes.co.uk)
• East coast (Trincomalee, Arugam Bay, Nilaveli, Pasikudah) — best May–October (opposite monsoon to south). Arugam Bay for surfing; Trincomalee and Nilaveli for snorkeling and calmer beaches in that season. (thetimes.co.uk)
• Wildlife & safaris (Yala, Udawalawe, Wilpattu) — stay in towns/villages near park gates or in safari lodges/camps for early-morning drives. Udawalawe is good for elephant spotting; Yala is famous for leopards. (world-tourism.org)

Where to stay by travel style and budget

• Budget/backpackers: guesthouses, hostels and beach dorms — South coast towns (Hikkaduwa, Weligama) and Ella have many cheap guesthouses and surf hostels. (en.Wikipedia.org)
• Mid-range: boutique guesthouses, small hotels and villas — Galle Fort, Mirissa, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya offer many well-run mid-range options with character. (cntraveler.com)
• Luxury/wellness: resorts and private villas — look near Mirissa/Tangalle for high-end beaches, Santani and other hill retreats near Kandy for wellness/Ayurveda. Santani is a noted wellness property in Kandy’s hills. (Wallpaper.com)
• Safari lodges: luxury tented camps near Yala and Udawalawe offer guided drives and wildlife-focused stays. (world-tourism.org)

Timing & monsoon basics (important for choosing coast)

• South & west coast (Galle, Mirissa, Unawatuna, Hikkaduwa): best November–April.
• East coast (Arugam Bay, Trincomalee, Nilaveli): best May–October. Plan coast choices around these windows for pleasant swimming and whale/surf seasons. (thetimes.co.uk)

Sample 10‑day itinerary with where to sleep (comfortable pace)

• Night 1 — Colombo (arrive, rest in a central hotel near the Fort or Galle Face).
• Nights 2–3 — Sigiriya/Habarana (stay in a small resort or eco-lodge; visit Sigiriya Rock, Minneriya/Kaudulla elephant gathering). (world-tourism.org)
• Nights 4–5 — Kandy (stay near the temple lake; catch a cultural show, visit the Temple of the Tooth). (Wallpaper.com)
• Night 6 — Nuwara Eliya or a tea‑estate bungalow (cool, colonial atmosphere). (Wallpaper.com)
• Night 7 — Ella (guesthouse with mountain views; Little Adam’s Peak, Nine Arches Bridge).
• Nights 8–10 — South coast beach base (Galle Fort + 1–2 nights Mirissa or Tangalle for beaches/whale watching and relaxation), then return to Colombo for departure. (thetimes.co.uk)

Practical tips

• Trains: Scenic but can be slow and sell out (Kandy→Ella is famous). Book long-distance sleepers or reserved seats in advance when possible. (Wallpaper.com)
• Internal travel: hire a driver for flexibility (common and affordable), or use trains and intercity buses for budget travel.
• Book safaris and whale-watching in advance (seasonal popular tours). (thetimes.co.uk)
• Health & safety: bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a light rain jacket (weather can vary by region/altitude). Check current vaccination/advisory guidance before travel.
• Cultural respect: cover shoulders/legs when visiting temples; remove shoes when required.

If you tell me:

• how many days you have,
• what month you’ll travel,
• your budget and travel style (backpack, mid-range, luxury), I can make a tailored 7–14 day itinerary with specific towns, recommended neighborhoods to stay in, and example hotels/guesthouses (I can look up current availability and prices if you want me to).