TEMPLE OF THE TOOTH
Discover the most sacred Buddhist shrine in Sri Lanka.
Sri Dalada Maligawa: The golden-roofed home of the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha.
Entrance
LKR 1,000
Open
5:30 AM - 8 PM
Today
26°C / Warm
Vibe
Sacred & Historic
Visual Journey
A glimpse into what awaits you.
The majestic Sri Dalada Maligawa.
The famous Octagonal Pavilion, originally built for the king.
Beautiful traditional Kandyan woodwork and detail.
A deeply spiritual atmosphere filled with devotion.
The Ultimate Guide to Sri Dalada Maligawa
Your complete companion to experiencing this wonder.
Contents
Visiting the Sacred Temple
A visit to the Temple of the Tooth is a journey through centuries of history and profound spirituality. Located beside Kandy Lake, the complex requires respectful attire and a mindful approach.
The Journey Up
1. The Maha Wahalkada Entrance
Arrival
Cross the moat and enter through the grand entrance, leaving your shoes at the designated counters. Notice the moonstones and guardian carvings.
2. The Drumming Hall and Lower Floor
30 Mins
Walk through the ornate corridors to the active lower floor, where traditional Hewisi drumming echoes during daily Puja times.
3. The Upper Floor Shrine
45 Mins – 1 Hour
Ascend to the upper floor where the sacred relic chamber is located. While you cannot see the tooth itself, observing the elaborate golden caskets and the devotion of pilgrims is awe-inspiring.
4. Museums and Surroundings
1 Hour
Explore the Sri Dalada Museum, the former Royal Palace, and the Audience Hall (Magul Maduwa), notable for its exquisite wooden pillars.
Exploring the Royal Complex
Kandy Lake Walk
Take a peaceful stroll along the beautiful Kandy Lake immediately outside the temple complex.
National Museum of Kandy
Adjacent to the temple, discover artifacts from the Kandyan era and British colonial period.
Introduction to the Complex
A Royal and Religious Center
The Inner Sanctum
The Best Time to Visit
The Daily Puja Times
Avoiding the Crowds
The Esala Perahera
Dress Code & Etiquette (Very Strict)
What to Wear
Footwear
Photography Etiquette
Navigating the Complex
Entrance and Security
Flower Offerings
Hiring a Guide
What to Combine with Your Visit
Kandy Lake (Bogambara Lake)
Udawattakele Forest Reserve
Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya
The Story of the Relic
A symbol of sovereignty, the sacred Tooth Relic has shaped the destiny of Sri Lanka's kingdoms for over a millennium.
Arrival in Sri Lanka
Following the parinirvana (death) of the Buddha, his left canine tooth was preserved in Kalinga, India. In the 4th century CE, as conflicts threatened its safety, it was smuggled to Sri Lanka hidden in the hair of Princess Hemamali.
The Right to Rule
In Sri Lanka, the relic became intrinsically linked to the monarchy. It was believed that whoever held the sacred Tooth Relic held the divine right to rule the island nation.
As kingdoms rose and fell, the relic was moved from capital to capital—Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambadeniya, and Yapahuwa—before finally resting in the majestic hill capital of Kandy.
""More than a religious artifact—a testament to a nation's enduring faith through centuries of change."
Kandyan Architecture
The Sri Dalada Maligawa is the ultimate representation of traditional Kandyan architecture and artistry, seamlessly blending wood, stone, and gold.
Much of the current multi-story structure was constructed by the Kandyan Kings in the 17th and 18th centuries.
The Pattirippuwa (Octagonal Pavilion)
Added by the last king of Kandy, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, in the early 1800s. Originally used by the king to rest and address the public, it now famously houses an ancient library of palm-leaf manuscripts.
Intricate Woodcraft
The entire complex, especially the Magul Maduwa (Audience Hall), features deeply carved wooden pillars displaying classic Sri Lankan motifs, built without the use of a single iron nail.
Culture & Rituals
The Heartbeat of Kandy
Daily Pujas and the Grand Perahera
The temple is not frozen in time; it is a continuously active site of worship. The air is always thick with the scent of incense, lotus flowers, and coconut oil lamps.
Three times a day (dawn, noon, and evening), the 'Thevava' or traditional service is performed, accompanied by the dramatic, rhythmic beats of traditional Hewisi drummers.
The Esala Perahera
Every July or August, the city erupts in a ten-day festival of fire-dancers, whip-crackers, and dozens of elegantly adorned elephants parading a replica of the relic casket through the streets.
"One of the most spectacular Buddhist festivals in the world, a stunning display of devotion and vibrant culture."
Key Landmarks
Vadahitina Maligawa
1700s
Current Structure largely
500m
Kandy City
Temple of the Tooth
Insider TipBring socks! The stones outside the temple can get extremely hot in the sun when walking barefoot.
Essentials
Everything you need for the climb.
- •Modest Clothing (Cover shoulders/knees)
- •Socks (for walking barefoot outdoors)
- •Small denominations of cash
- •Camera
- •Shawl/Sarong
Secure counters outside to leave footwear.
Available near the main entrances.
Strict. Knees and shoulders must be covered. Wearing white is encouraged.
No food inside, but plenty of vendors immediately outside the complex.
Suitability Check
- Fit AdultsIdeal
- Kids (6+)Good
- SeniorsGood (Some stairs)
- WheelchairDifficult (steps/crowds)
Nearby Spots
Kandy Highlights
Temple of Tooth
Culture, Religion, History
Royal Botanical Gardens
Nature, Orchids, Peaceful Walk