Good question — the best “first stop” in Sri Lanka depends on how you arrive, how tired you are, and what you want to do first. Below I’ve listed the most common and useful first-stop options with when they make sense, pros/cons, travel times from Bandaranaike International Airport (near Colombo), and quick hotel-type suggestions.

1. Negombo — best if you arrive late or want a short first transfer

• Why: It’s the closest town to the airport (10–20 minutes), with beaches, seafood, and plenty of guesthouses and hotels. Easy for a low‑stress first night after a long flight.
• Good for: Resting after arrival, short stays, quick beach walk, early morning flight connections.
• Travel time from airport: ~10–20 minutes by car.
• Suggested stay length: 1 night (or 2 if you want to start slow).

2. Colombo (Fort, Kollupitiya/Galle Face) — best if you want city life, restaurants, and services

• Why: The commercial capital with modern hotels, restaurants, shopping, and the easiest entry point for onward travel. Good if you want to handle money, SIM cards, or explore museums and night life first.
• Good for: Urban comforts, business travelers, one- or two-night stop before heading inland or south.
• Travel time from airport: ~30–60 minutes by car (traffic dependent).
• Suggested stay length: 1–2 nights.

3. Kandy — best if you want culture and cooler hill-climate first

• Why: Heart of the Cultural Triangle, home to the Temple of the Tooth, and cooler temperatures in the hills. If your trip focus is culture/history, starting here or heading here right away makes sense.
• Good for: Temples, cultural shows, hill scenery.
• Travel time from airport: ~3–4 hours by car/bus (longer by train via Colombo).
• Suggested stay length: 1–2 nights.

4. Sigiriya / Dambulla (Cultural Triangle) — best if you want ancient sites right away

• Why: Close to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla cave temples. Start here if you prioritized UNESCO/archaeology.
• Good for: Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, wildlife safaris in Minneriya.
• Travel time from airport: ~3–4 hours by car.
• Suggested stay length: 2 nights.

5. Galle/Fort & South Coast (Unawatuna, Hikkaduwa) — best if you want beaches and charming colonial towns

• Why: Galle Fort is picturesque and a UNESCO site; south coast beaches and surf spots are nearby. If your priority is beach + heritage, this is a strong first stop (but note longer transfer).
• Good for: Beaches, surf, food, history.
• Travel time from airport: ~2.5–4 hours by car (depends on route and traffic).
• Suggested stay length: 2–4 nights.

6. Ella / Hill Country — best if you want scenic trains and tea country

• Why: Gorgeous train rides, tea estates, hiking and cooler air. Not the quickest first stop from the airport but great if you want nature and slow travel immediately.
• Good for: Scenery, hiking, train journeys.
• Travel time from airport: ~6+ hours by car (commonly reached via Colombo/Kandy + scenic train).
• Suggested stay length: 2–3 nights.

How to choose (quick guide)

• Very tired / late arrival: Stay in Negombo for one night.
• Want comforts, services, and easy onward travel: Stay in Colombo.
• Want culture and temples first: Head to Kandy or the Sigiriya/Dambulla area.
• Want beaches and a relaxed vibe: Go to Galle/Unawatuna/Mirissa.
• Want scenic hill country and trains: Start toward Ella (expect a long transfer).

Practical tips

• Transfers: Pre-book a private airport transfer for ease, or use a hotel pick-up. Trains are scenic but slower and can be crowded; reserve or travel 2nd class with a seat reservation where possible.
• Currency & SIM: Colombo and Negombo have easy options to get cash and local SIMs on arrival.
• Safety: Sri Lanka is generally tourist-friendly; take typical travel precautions and keep an eye on belongings in crowded places.
• Time planning: Distances look short on a map but roads can be slow — plan for travel time and occasional traffic.

If you tell me your arrival city/time, travel style (beach, culture, hiking), and how long you’ll stay in Sri Lanka, I can give a one-shot recommended first-stop and a sample 3–7 day routing with specific hotel suggestions.