I'm planning my next international vacation and have been looking at several Sri Lanka tour packages. From what I've researched, Sri Lanka seems to offer a great mix of beaches, wildlife, cultural heritage, scenic train journeys, and beautiful landscapes.

For a first-time visit, I'm considering destinations such as:

Colombo
Kandy
Nuwara Eliya
Ella
Bentota
Galle
Yala National Park

I'm thinking about spending around 7–10 days in Sri Lanka and would love to hear from travelers who have visited recently.

A few questions:

Is Sri Lanka a good destination for a first-time international traveler?
Which places are absolutely worth visiting?
Is the famous Kandy to Ella train journey worth the hype?
How many days would you recommend for a Sri Lanka itinerary?
What is the best time of year to visit Sri Lanka?
Are guided Sri Lanka tour packages better than traveling independently?
Any hidden gems or off-the-beaten-path destinations that most tourists miss?

I'm particularly interested in nature, local culture, beaches, wildlife, and photography, so I'd appreciate any recommendations, travel tips, or itinerary suggestions.

Looking forward to hearing about your experiences and advice.

Thanks in advance!