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The Temple of the Tooth Relic

At the very heart of the city of Kandy lies the Royal Palace complex where the last king of Sri Lanka resided. Constructed in the 16th century AD and located adjacent to the Royal Palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, the Sri Dalada Maligawa also known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic overlooks the scenic Kandy Lake. The shrine which is said to contain a tooth relic of the Buddha is venerated by Buddhists around the world. While the tooth stays hidden within a gold casket shaped like a dagoba (stupa), visitors and devotees visit the temple during puja (offerings or prayers) just to have a look at the well protected inner shrine where it is kept. Possession of this sacred relic has played a pivotal role in Kandy being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Enter the Temple of the Tooth from the intricate main steps and wander around the aromatic incense scented spaces while your guide explains the significance of each nook and cranny. Every day thousands of white-clad pilgrims make their way to this hallowed space, bearing lotus blossoms and frangipani for their offerings and prayers, known as pujas. You can purchase the flowers from the vendors outside the temple before entering, and stroll through the ornate walkways deeper into the heart of the temple to enter the main shrine where you will be guided on how to make your offering. After that, explore the rest of the palace at leisure with your guide. As well as the revered main temple, the complex includes a series of smaller temples, shrines and museums.

Highlights

  • Learn about the significance of the Temple of the Tooth Relic in the lives and history of the Kandyan Kingdom.
  • Explore the Temple and the Palace complex with your guide.
  • Listen to your guides insightful tales of folklore and history

Includes

  • This is a guided experience. Entrance fees, and water will be provided

Kid-Friendly

  • More Suitable for children aged 6 and above

Difficulty & Accessibility

  • Easy.
  • An elevator facilitates access for travellers with disabilities or ailments.

Timings

  • Duration approximately 1 Hour + time taken to drive there and back.
  • Times to visit – Between 5.30 am & 8.00 pm to be discussed with your guide.

Things to Keep in Mind

  • Wear comfortable cool clothing. As with all religious sites in Sri Lanka everyone is expected to dress respectfully in modest light coloured clothing to cover up. For both women and men this means no bare shoulders and being covered to below the knees. No hats or footwear are allowed inside temples, so flip flops (which you would have to leave at the entrance), and a pair of white socks would come in handy, so you do not have to walk barefoot on the hot ground.
  • Try to witness the Poojas held daily at 5.30am, 9.30 am and 6.30 pm.
Any of our experiences can be included in your travel itinerary when planning your trip with our travel specialists as we help you plan the best way to include Sri Lankas destinations and experiences into your trip.
To add this or any other experience to your itinerary please get in touch with our travel specialists.