Sri Dalada Maligawa Kandy
Sri Dalada Maligawa Kandy, also known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, is the sacred heart of Sri Lanka’s historic hill capital. Use this visitor guide to explore its history, daily Thewawa rituals, ticket information, dress code and practical tips for a respectful visit.
Official published opening hours.
Historic royal palace area beside Kandy Lake.
Daily ritual periods reveal living temple traditions.
Shoulders and knees should be covered.
Sri Dalada Maligawa Kandy: history and significance
Sri Dalada Maligawa Kandy, commonly known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, is one of Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites. The temple enshrines the Sacred Tooth Relic of Gautama Buddha and remains central to religious, cultural and ceremonial life in Kandy.
The temple is part of the Sacred City of Kandy UNESCO World Heritage property, inscribed in 1988. Kandy was the last capital of the Sinhala kings before British occupation in 1815.
The sacred story of Sri Dalada Maligawa Kandy
The Sacred Tooth Relic became closely connected with kingship and political authority in Sri Lanka. Through successive kingdoms, the relic moved with the royal court before becoming enshrined in Kandy.
Today, Sri Dalada Maligawa Kandy preserves a living Buddhist tradition together with distinctive Kandyan architecture, royal heritage and ritual practice.
Daily ritual service times
When visiting Sri Dalada Maligawa Kandy, the daily Thewawa service periods are among the most meaningful times to experience the temple’s living ritual tradition. The official temple visitor information lists three principal daily service periods.
5:30 AM – 7:00 AM
The first daily service period.
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Includes the morning Buddha Pooja period.
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
The evening service period before daily closing.
Sri Dalada Maligawa Kandy visitor guide
Sri Dalada Maligawa is an active place of worship. Visit respectfully and follow official temple guidelines. You can also continue with our Kandy Esala Perahera guide to understand the temple’s connection with Kandy’s great annual procession.
Dress respectfully
Shorts, sleeveless clothing and body-revealing attire are not permitted. Cover shoulders and knees.
Footwear & belongings
Footwear, bulky luggage and non-essential items should be handed over at reception booths before entering.
Security screening
Visitors and belongings are screened at the entrance.
Accessibility assistance
The temple states that special assistance and lift access can be arranged for visitors with special needs.
Published foreign visitor ticket fees
These Sri Dalada Maligawa Kandy ticket fees are based on current prices published by the official temple website. Recheck before travelling because prices and entry policies can change.
Official foreign visitor category.
Official foreign visitor category.
Official foreign visitor category.
Official FAQ says foreign visitor tickets are issued through machines at Sri Dalada Maligawa and include the Dalada Museum, World Buddhist Museum, Tusker Museum and Royal Elephant Stable.
Sri Dalada Maligawa & the Kandy Esala Perahera
The temple is inseparable from the story of the Kandy Esala Perahera. Continue to PeraheraGo’s dedicated procession guide.
Sri Dalada Maligawa Kandy FAQ
What time does Sri Dalada Maligawa open?
Daily from 5:30 AM to 8:00 PM according to the official temple website.
What are the main Thewawa times?
5:30–7:00 AM, 9:30–11:00 AM and 6:30–8:00 PM.
What should I wear?
Wear respectful clothing covering shoulders and knees. Shorts, sleeveless clothing and body-revealing attire are not permitted.
How much is the foreign visitor ticket?
LKR 2,500 for SAARC countries, Thailand and Myanmar; LKR 3,000 for other countries, based on the current official FAQ.
Is it a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Sri Dalada Maligawa forms part of the Sacred City of Kandy, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988.