Me and my boyfriend are off to Sri Lanka in September.
I found nice beaches just south of Colombo. However, they lacked any party vibe and had no real pristine beaches. But still nice for a couple of days. When you land, you don't need to stay in Colombo. You can just take bus, train, or taxi. Beaches will start at the southern edge of the town. Colombo is interesting, but no need to sleep there as it is so easy and near to get into town.
Train ride down south to Galle was very pleasant. Galle is a very nice colonial town on the south-west corner. Nearby (towards east), there is said to be the biggest party beach, but I didn't go there.
I went to Tangalla instead, but it was very quite and waves and rip-tides were just way to big and dangerous to swim.
Elly was very nice in the mountains. Recommend taking a self-guided trek up to the peak that is recommended by locals. You can pick up a free copy of the map from your guest house. Some "guides" may approach you on the way, just get rid of them, as you won't really need them.
The train ride from Elly to Kandy is very beautiful. Don't buy the first class ticket sold for tourists. Totally useless, and you will be steaming and glazing through a window, instead of enjoying the breeze and fresh air on the second class.
Kandy is not a big deal. I think it is rather ugly. So, don't count more than a night there.
Real off-beaten track? Well anything north of Kandy-Colombo line and the east coast. I didn't make it there, but i was told by locals the most beautiful beaches are on the east cost, somewhere halfway of the island. It is a bit difficult to get there though.
I didn't do any elephant trekking, monastery visit or national park - coz' I had seen similar places elsewhere. They say they are nice though.
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