What will I find in Sri Lanka? (country, places, people)

[jtur88]

I'll be in Sri Lanka for ten days in February. What should I expect it to be like? Not interested in touristic attractions, so don't bother to describe or recommend them. I just want to wander around a bit and observe something of the country and the culture. and eat street market food. Preferably in places that are not overly crowded.

[anavar]

Hot and very humid is the weather in Sri Lanka. Colombo is crowded and traffic is horrible. Kandy and Nuwara Eliya are cooler and has a lot of landscape. South has nice beaches and they are touristy. Since tourism is one of the main source of income it will be tough not to be treated as a tourist. People are friendly and smiling.
Public transportation is generally crowded and would not be a pleasant experience.
Food is very spicy unless you like spicy food.