Temples near Kandy

Kandy's own entry is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic beside the lake, where daily ceremonies draw the faithful and the Esala Perahera fills the streets in July or August. Dambulla's cave temples are about two hours north, and Gal Vihara at Polonnaruwa takes a long day by car, usually as part of the Cultural Triangle. The hill-country train runs south through Nuwara Eliya to Ella, a slow and famous ride. Cover shoulders and knees at the Temple of the Tooth and leave shoes at the counter.