Central
Kandy
Cultural capital around the lake — Temple of the Tooth and the gateway to tea country.
## Why go Kandy anchors most Cultural Triangle loops: lakeside evenings, the Temple of the Tooth, and the start of the climb toward Ella.
## How many nights **1–2 nights**. One is enough if you arrive mid-afternoon; two if you want Peradeniya gardens or a quieter temple morning.
## When to go Works most of the year. Combine with Sigiriya in Dec–Apr or Jul–Sep inland windows.
## What to skip Avoid stacking five temple tickets into one humid afternoon — pick Tooth Relic + one viewpoint, then rest.
## From Colombo Airport CMB → Kandy is about 3–3.5 hours. [Airport transfer details](/airport-transfers/colombo-airport-to-kandy).
## Pair with Sigiriya beforehand, Ella train or road afterward, south coast later in a week-long package.