Would not rush back to Sri Lanka — road journeys take longer than maps suggest was a real issue

I wanted to love Sri Lanka more than I did. The positives exist: Temple of the Tooth Relic is genuinely impressive, Kandy has moments of real charm, and rice and curry is as good as people say.

But road journeys take longer than maps suggest was a persistent problem throughout the trip and dragged the experience down. I've heard others say it's improved, but during my 16-day visit it was a constant friction point. Maybe I'll give it another chance in a few years. For now I'm directing my travel budget elsewhere.