Sri Dalada Maligawa: Sri Lanka's Most Sacred Shrine
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic — Sri Dalada Maligawa — is the holiest Buddhist site in Sri Lanka. It enshrines a tooth relic of the Buddha, an object so significant that, historically, whoever held it was considered to hold the right to rule the island. Set beside Kandy Lake against a backdrop of forested hills, the temple and the surrounding sacred city form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A visit here is the cultural and spiritual heart of any trip to Kandy.
1. The Puja Ceremonies
Best for: Experiencing living worship
Three times a day, drummers and pipers herald the puja (offering) ceremony, when the inner chamber housing the relic is opened to devotees. The air fills with the scent of lotus flowers and incense as worshippers file past. Time your visit to coincide with a puja for the most atmospheric experience.
2. The Relic Chamber & Shrine
Best for: All visitors
The golden-roofed inner shrine holds the relic within a series of nested caskets (the relic itself is rarely displayed). The ornately decorated halls, painted ceilings, ivory and woodwork reflect centuries of Kandyan craftsmanship and royal patronage.
3. The Temple Complex & Museums
Best for: History lovers
The wider complex includes audience halls, shrine rooms, and museums covering the relic's history and Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Allow time to wander the courtyards and the lakeside setting, which are beautiful in the late afternoon.
4. The Esala Perahera
Best for: Festival travellers
If you visit in July or August, the Kandy Esala Perahera is one of Asia's most spectacular religious processions — nights of fire dancers, drummers, whip-crackers and gloriously caparisoned elephants parading a replica of the relic casket through the streets. Book accommodation and grandstand seats far in advance.
Practical Tips
- Puja times: Roughly early morning, mid-morning and evening — confirm locally and aim to arrive 30 minutes before.
- Dress code: Strictly modest — cover shoulders and knees; shoes and hats are removed before entering.
- Tickets: Around LKR 2,000 for foreign visitors.
- Time needed: 1.5 to 2 hours; longer during a puja.
- Getting there: Kandy is about 3–3.5 hours from Colombo by car, or a scenic train ride. The temple is walkable from the city centre and lakeside.
Where to Stay in Kandy
Kandy offers everything from lakeside heritage hotels to budget guest houses on the surrounding hills with views over the city and temple. Browse verified Kandy accommodations on SLAccommodation to stay within easy reach of the evening puja.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Province (Kandy) |
| Famous for | Buddha's tooth relic, Sri Lanka's holiest shrine |
| Status | Part of Kandy UNESCO World Heritage Site |
| Don't miss | Daily puja ceremony; Esala Perahera (Jul–Aug) |
| Dress code | Shoulders and knees covered |
| Time needed | 1.5–2 hours |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the puja ceremony times at the Temple of the Tooth? There are three daily pujas — roughly early morning, mid-morning and evening. Times can vary, so confirm locally and arrive about 30 minutes early to find a good spot.
Is there a dress code at the Temple of the Tooth? Yes, a strict one. Shoulders and knees must be covered, and you'll remove shoes and hats before entering. Sarongs and shawls can be bought or hired nearby if needed.
Can you see the actual tooth relic? The relic is kept within nested golden caskets and is almost never displayed publicly. During the puja you can view the shrine chamber, but not the tooth itself.
When is the Kandy Esala Perahera? It usually falls in July or August, culminating around the Esala full-moon Poya. Book accommodation and viewing seats well in advance, as the city fills up.