Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth)
About This Place
Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth)
One of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy houses the left canine tooth of Gautama Buddha. Housed in a gold casket, the relic is deeply revered and safeguarded in a majestic temple complex, which is part of the royal palace grounds. The temple features traditional Kandyan architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can witness daily poojas (ceremonial offerings) accompanied by traditional drumming. While the actual relic is not displayed, the gold casket is visible during these rituals.
Difficulty
🧭 easy
Best Time
📅 January–April (dry season); during Kandy Esala Perahera festival (July/August) for cultural experience
Safety Rating
Accessibility & Visitor Info
Located in central Kandy; accessible via train and bus from Colombo and other major cities. Entry fee for foreigners: LKR 1,000. Modest dress code required. Shoe drop facilities available. Best viewed during daily Pooja times (6:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 6:30 PM). High foot traffic during ceremonies.
📖 Legends & Stories
According to legend, the tooth relic was smuggled to Sri Lanka in the hair of Princess Hemamali and brought by sea from the Kingdom of Kalinga (India) during King Kithsiri Meghavanna’s reign (4th century CE).
Location
📍 Find It Here
7.293600, 80.641500
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