Temple of the Tooth, Kandy
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) · Kandy, Sri Lanka
The sacred home of the tooth relic that guards the nation, the holiest temple of Theravada Buddhism.
Know before you go
- Visitors in revealing clothes will be asked to rent a sarong
- don't touch monks (especially female visitors)
- crowds are huge during the Perahera, so watch your belongings.
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
The Temple of the Tooth holds a tooth relic of the Buddha and is the holiest site of Sri Lanka's Theravada Buddhism — historically 'whoever holds the tooth holds the country', and the relic was a symbol of royal legitimacy. The temple stands beside Kandy Lake, its white walls and golden roof solemn above the water. Every July–August the Esala Perahera brings a procession of richly decorated elephants, Sri Lanka's greatest religious festival. The Sacred City of Kandy became a World Heritage Site in 1988.
Local customs
- There are three rituals a day, and the evening one, with drums and music, is the most stirring
- visitors can go in to watch. You queue to view the inner shrine where the tooth is kept (the relic itself is not displayed).
Religion & beliefs
- A Theravada Buddhist holy site: cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes to enter
- keep silent in the halls, and don't pose with your back to Buddha images.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
Sri Lanka: don't pose with your back to a Buddha statue
- Respect Buddha statues and religious objects
- Standing with your back to a Buddha statue for a photo
- Making offensive remarks about religion
Disrespecting Buddha images is a serious offence and can lead to arrest; people with visible Buddha tattoos may be refused entry or deported.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Sri Lanka travel advice
Sri Lanka: cover legs and shoulders and remove shoes and hats at Buddhist temples
- Cover your legs and shoulders, and take off your shoes and hat before entering a shrine
- Nude or topless sunbathing
At Buddhist temples you must cover your legs and shoulders and remove shoes and hats, or you will offend worshippers; nude or topless sunbathing is not allowed.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Sri Lanka travel advice
Don’t DON'T
- Visitors in revealing clothes will be asked to rent a sarong
- don't touch monks (especially female visitors)
- crowds are huge during the Perahera, so watch your belongings.
Locals appreciate DO
The people of Kandy are proud of the Perahera, and the whole city starts preparing floats and dancers weeks in advance.
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- The evening ritual starts at about 6:30 p.m. (check the official website), so arrive early for a good spot
- book accommodation months ahead for the Perahera
- a walk around Kandy Lake is a wonderful free experience.
Eat nearby
What to eat nearby
Must-try
- Rice & Curry
- Kottu Roti
- Hoppers
Rice and curry, kottu roti (chopped flatbread stir-fried on a griddle — follow the clatter to find a stall), hoppers, watalappan (coconut-milk jaggery pudding), Ceylon black tea
| Where to eat | Restaurants around Kandy Lake and in the centre, snacks at the central market, simple meals on the shopping street outside the Temple of the Tooth |
|---|---|
| Dining etiquette | The Temple of the Tooth has a strict dress code (shoulders covered, below the knee, preferably clean white), shoes off and security checks; don't eat or drink inside |
| Typical price per person | LKR 2,500–4,500 ≈ CNY 60–108 |
| Tips | Restaurants are busiest before and after the evening puja, so eat early; kottu is tastiest at night stalls. |
Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.
Lankan Foodie · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photos
Photos
Rashod Korala · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sachin Kaveesha Fernando · CC BY-SA 4.0
Hayas ahamed · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sources & verification notes
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