Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)
One of Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist temples, within Kandy's royal palace complex and associated with the sacred Tooth Relic.
At a glance
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Check the visit effort, entry guidance, and suitable visiting conditions before travelling.
Travel distance
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Entry fee
Overview
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, known locally as Sri Dalada Maligawa, is one of the most important cultural and religious sites in Sri Lanka, located within the royal palace complex of the ancient Kingdom of Kandy.
The temple houses the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha, which has historically symbolized political power - it was believed that whoever possessed the relic held the right to rule the country. For this reason, the relic was closely guarded by kings and enshrined near royal residences across different kingdoms.
Today, the temple remains an active place of worship. Its official visitor information lists daily service periods in the early morning, late morning and evening, with the weekly Nanumura Mangallaya on Wednesday morning. These are religious observances rather than guaranteed viewing sessions, and ordinary visitors should not expect to see the Tooth Relic itself.
The temple is also the focal point of the annual Kandy Esala Perahera, when a ceremonial relic casket is carried in procession through Kandy. Dates and visitor arrangements vary each year and should be checked through official sources.
Architecturally, the temple complex features Kandyan-era design elements, including a moat, decorative walls, stone carvings, and the iconic octagonal Paththirippuwa. The relic itself is kept in a heavily guarded inner chamber within a series of golden caskets.
The temple forms part of UNESCO's Sacred City of Kandy World Heritage property. The official site currently lists daily opening from 5:30 AM to 8:00 PM, but visitors should verify hours and ceremony arrangements before travel. Visitors who need mobility assistance can contact the temple administration about the available lift and other support before arriving.
Visitor planning
Entry and visitor planning
Check current entry arrangements, site-specific guidance, and the approach before travelling.
- Visiting times and conditions
- Year-round, Check current ceremony and Perahera dates
- Fees and entry
- Foreign visitor fees effective 1 July 2026 were LKR 2,500 for citizens of SAARC countries, Thailand and Myanmar, and LKR 3,000 for citizens of other countries. Use only the official ticket machines and verify current rates and eligibility on the temple's official website.
Location
Royal Palace Complex, Kandy, Central Province
Getting to the site
- From Colombo (~118 km • ~4 h)
Choose an approach
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Visitor guidance
Review these site-specific notes before visiting
- Follow temple rules and respect religious practices.
- Crowds can be heavy during festivals - keep belongings secure.
- Photography may be restricted inside certain shrine areas.
- Stay hydrated when visiting during hot days or festivals.
Travel Tips
- The official schedule listed service periods of 5:30-7:00 AM, 9:30-11:00 AM and 6:30-8:00 PM when checked; confirm the current schedule before visiting.
- Wear modest clothing - shoulders and knees must be covered.
- Remove shoes before entering temple premises.
- Contact the temple administration in advance if you need the visitor lift or other mobility assistance.
- Combine your visit with Kandy Lake and Royal Palace Museum.
- For the Esala Perahera, check the official dates and visitor arrangements for the relevant year before booking travel.
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These suggestions use reviewed itineraries, routes, and travel groupings. Map closeness alone does not prove direct road or trail access, especially across mountain terrain. Check each guide's Access section before combining stops.
