Kandy is the natural hub for the central hill country and north-central cultural triangle. The Elephant Orphanage at Pinnawela is 40 km northwest and easy by tuk-tuk or organised taxi. The cave temples at Dambulla — five rock-cut shrine rooms containing 153 Buddha statues — are about 75 km north and a long but manageable day trip. Sigiriya's dramatic rock fortress is 97 km north, best combined with Dambulla.
The scenic train journey east toward Ella, through tea plantations and nine-arch bridges, is worth doing as an overnight rather than a day trip — get off at Ella or Haputale and return the next day.
