I'm arriving to Sri Lanka this weekend and have nothing planned yet for the first 2 weeks. The second 2 weeks I will be with my family and that part is set. I want to at least book the first couple of nights hotel. I'm not sure if it is best to be in Colombo or somewhere closer to the airport. I plan to travel north by train to Puttalam (then kalpitiya). If I stay somewhere like Negombo do I need to backtrack to Colombo to take the train? I'd rather not stay in Colombo but probably would if I need to backtrack anyway. Or where would be a good place to go to from the airport for a night or two if going north by train after. Recommendations in the $20-30 US range?

You can stay in Negombo, don't bother with Colombo. check out hotels on a Web booking site, eg booking.com. You can then select a hotel that suits your price and style.
You can catch a train in Negombo going north in Negombo. They stop at Palaviya where you can get a bus to Kalpitiya.
Trains aren't very frequent, so bus may be better.

Thanks. I realize the train might not be the most efficient option, but I'm a huge train fan so it will probably be what I do.

I can't help you but have you check on seat61 ?
If Sri Lanka is covered, this website will be helpful.
Michel

I think he means the website maninseat61.
It does cover SL and has timetables, I'm not sure if these include the stop everywhere local trains. Nonetheless, worth a look for general train info in SL.

you find all details on
http://www.railway.gov.lk/web/ and
look for train schedule daily to find every railwaystation.
Jan
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