Dalada Maligawa - The Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic

Discover Sri Lanka’s most revered Buddhist temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Temple of the Tooth Kandy Temple Inside Dalada Maligawa at Night Dalada Maligawa at Night

Important Notice

Visitors are required to dress modestly and remove shoes before entering. The best time to visit is during the morning or evening puja ceremonies.

Foods

Enjoy traditional Sri Lankan dishes such as milk rice (kiribath), string hoppers, and Kandy’s famous sweets like "Aluwa" and "Dodol."

Climate

Kandy has a mild tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. The best time to visit is from December to April.

Transport

Kandy can be reached by train, bus, or private vehicle from Colombo. Tuk-tuks and taxis are available for local transport.

Spiritual Significance

Dalada Maligawa houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha, making it one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world.

History â–¼

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, or Dalada Maligawa, was built in the 16th century during the Kandyan Kingdom.

The sacred tooth relic was brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century AD from India and has been venerated ever since.

The temple played a significant role in Sri Lanka’s monarchy, as it was believed that whoever possessed the relic had the right to rule the country.

Throughout history, Dalada Maligawa has been attacked and rebuilt multiple times, but it remains a symbol of Sri Lanka’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

The temple complex includes beautifully crafted shrines, a museum, and the Audience Hall, where royal events once took place.

Today, the temple is the focal point of the famous Esala Perahera, a grand annual festival featuring traditional dancers, drummers, and decorated elephants.

Tourism Places â–¼
  • Kandy Lake

    • A peaceful artificial lake built by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, perfect for a scenic walk or boat ride.

  • Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue

    • This giant Buddha statue on a hilltop offers panoramic views of Kandy and its surroundings.

  • Udawattakele Forest Reserve

    • A lush forest near Dalada Maligawa, home to diverse wildlife and ancient meditation caves.

  • Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

    • Located just outside Kandy, this 147-acre garden features over 4,000 plant species, including rare orchids.

  • Esala Perahera Festival

    • A must-see event in Kandy, featuring traditional drumming, fire dances, and a grand elephant procession honoring the Sacred Tooth Relic.

Best Hotels â–¼

  • Earls Regency

    A luxury hotel offering stunning views of the Mahaweli River, world-class dining, and excellent service.

    Earls Regency Theva Residency Amaya Hills

  • Theva Residency

    A boutique hotel with a serene hilltop setting, offering panoramic views of Kandy’s lush landscapes.

    Theva Residency

  • Amaya Hills

    A luxury retreat blending Kandyan heritage with modern comforts, known for its scenic location and cultural ambiance.

    Amaya Hills