Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic Kandy: Complete Visitor Guide
Plan a respectful visit to Sri Dalada Maligawa with current opening hours, official foreign-visitor ticket fees, daily Thevava times, royal history, UNESCO context, dress guidance and the most important things to see.
Current official information: the temple lists opening hours of 5:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m. daily. Foreign visitor fees are LKR 2,500 for SAARC countries, Thailand and Myanmar, and LKR 3,000 for other countries. Current ritual times are 5:30–7:00 a.m., 9:30–11:00 a.m. and 6:30–8:00 p.m.
Official FAQ →Why visit the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy?
Sri Dalada Maligawa is the spiritual heart of Kandy and one of the most important living Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Sri Lanka.
The temple stands inside the historic royal precinct beside Kandy Lake. Its importance comes from the Sacred Tooth Relic venerated here, the close historical relationship between the relic and Sri Lankan kingship, the continuation of daily ritual worship and the temple’s place within the UNESCO-listed Sacred City of Kandy.
Do not visit it as only a sightseeing stop
The strongest experience comes from understanding that Sri Dalada Maligawa is simultaneously a sacred shrine, a royal-historical complex, an architectural landmark and an active place of daily worship.
The Sacred Tooth Relic
Sri Dalada Maligawa’s official account identifies the relic enshrined here as the left canine tooth of Gautama Buddha. In Buddhist tradition, the relic has been venerated in Sri Lanka for centuries and became closely associated with royal authority and the legitimacy of rulers.
UNESCO’s documentation also recognises the Temple of the Tooth Relic as a famous pilgrimage site within the Sacred City of Kandy and links the wider sacred city directly with the history and spread of Buddhism.
A religious tradition, not a museum object
PeraheraGo describes the relic according to the temple’s Buddhist devotional tradition. Visitors should approach the shrine area with the same respect they would give an active religious ceremony.
History of Sri Dalada Maligawa
Kandy’s Tooth Relic shrine developed through several royal phases. The temple’s official history distinguishes earlier structures from the two-storey shrine associated with the complex seen today.
Is the Temple of the Tooth a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
The most accurate wording is that the temple is a central component of the Sacred City of Kandy, which UNESCO inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1988 under criteria (iv) and (vi).
UNESCO describes Kandy as the last capital of the Sinhala kings and specifically identifies the Temple of the Tooth Relic as a famous Buddhist pilgrimage site.
Avoid writing as though the temple alone has a separate UNESCO listing. The World Heritage property is the Sacred City of Kandy, with the temple as one of its defining monuments.
What to see at Sri Dalada Maligawa
Main shrine complex
Kandyan architectural details, ceremonial doors, timber, decorative work and the sacred upper shrine areas.
Pattirippuwa
The Octagonal Pavilion is one of the most recognisable visual symbols of the temple and of Kandy itself.
Royal palace precinct
The temple stands beside surviving elements of the former Kandyan royal complex, helping explain the historic link between relic and monarchy.
Museum spaces
The wider visitor experience includes Dalada-related museum collections and the International Buddhist Museum.
Kandy Lake frontage
The lake-side approach gives some of the most recognisable exterior views of the temple walls and pavilion.
Living worship
Flowers, drumming, queues for worship and daily Thevava remind visitors that this is a functioning sacred place, not a preserved monument.
Pattirippuwa — the Octagonal Pavilion
The official temple history says Pattirippuwa was built during the reign of King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe. A separate official feature on the pavilion dates its construction to 1812 and credits the design to Devendra Moolachary.
The pavilion was associated with royal public appearances and viewing major events, including processions and traditional competitions. Today its white octagonal form remains one of the most photographed architectural elements in Kandy.
Daily Thevava times at the Temple of the Tooth
The daily ritual services for the Sacred Tooth Relic are known as Thevava. The official temple website currently publishes three main daily periods:
Morning Service
5:30 a.m.–7:00 a.m. The temple notes that ceremonial drumming begins shortly before the main service.
Midday Service
9:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m. This period includes the daily Buddha Puja and associated ritual offerings.
Evening Service
6:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m. The evening observance includes Gilanpasa offerings and ritual drumming.
Expect crowds during Thevava. These are meaningful ritual periods for devotees. If your priority is quiet architectural exploration, visit outside the busiest worship window; if your priority is living ritual, arrive early and wait respectfully.
Opening hours and foreign visitor ticket fees
Sri Dalada Maligawa’s official website currently lists the temple as open Monday to Sunday from 5:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
| Visitor category | Official fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SAARC countries | LKR 2,500 | Foreign visitor category listed by the official temple FAQ. |
| Thailand & Myanmar | LKR 2,500 | Separate category shown on the official temple FAQ. |
| Other foreign countries | LKR 3,000 | Official current foreign visitor fee. |
The official FAQ says tickets are automatically issued by machines installed at Sri Dalada Maligawa and warns that tickets or fees issued by other individuals or institutions are not valid.
The same official FAQ says the foreign visitor ticket includes Temple of the Tooth Relic, Dalada Museum, World Buddhist Museum, Tusker Museum and Royal Elephant Stable.
Access patterns, queues and movement inside the complex can change during Poya days, major ceremonies and the Esala Perahera season even when the general opening-hours page remains unchanged.
Museums and cultural spaces
The official temple website lists several museum experiences associated with the wider complex. Current official visitor information gives the following published hours:
| Place | Current official listing |
|---|---|
| Dalada Museum | 7:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. daily |
| World Buddhist Museum | 7:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m. daily |
| Athgala / Elephant Stable | 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. daily |
Museum collections include donated objects, manuscripts, royal-era material, ritual objects, Buddhist displays from multiple countries and material connected with the famous tusker Raja.
Sri Dalada Maligawa and the Kandy Esala Perahera
The Kandy Esala Perahera cannot be understood only as a street performance. Sri Dalada Maligawa sits at the centre of the ritual and historical world from which the annual festival develops.
During the Perahera season, central Kandy experiences major changes in crowd levels, road access, security, seating and traffic. The exact annual processional schedule and route information should always be treated as year-specific.
Visit Sri Dalada Maligawa before watching the Perahera if possible. Understanding the temple, relic tradition and daily ritual life makes the later procession much more meaningful.
Best time to visit the Temple of the Tooth
Early morning
Cooler conditions and an active devotional atmosphere around the morning service.
Between services
Often easier for visitors whose main interest is architecture, museums and a slower walk through the complex.
Evening
The evening Thevava creates a strong ceremonial atmosphere, but expect larger worshipping crowds.
There is no single “best” time for everyone. Decide whether you want quieter sightseeing or to witness one of the daily ceremonial periods.
Dress code and temple etiquette
Sri Dalada Maligawa’s official FAQ states that visitors should be respectfully attired. It specifically says visitors wearing shorts, sleeveless clothing or body-revealing attire are not permitted.
- Wear clothing that respectfully covers shoulders and legs.
- Hand over footwear where required and keep the issued token.
- Expect security screening before entering the temple premises.
- Avoid bringing unnecessary bulky luggage.
- Do not bring pets into the temple premises.
- Avoid polythene and plastic where prohibited by temple guidelines.
- Keep voices low around devotees and ceremonial spaces.
- Do not push into worship queues for photographs.
- Follow instructions from temple and security staff immediately.
Dress as a worshipper’s guest
A useful rule is to dress and behave as though you are entering someone else’s most important place of worship, because that is exactly what Sri Dalada Maligawa is.
Photography at Sri Dalada Maligawa
Exterior views from Kandy Lake, Pattirippuwa, white temple walls, tiled roofs and courtyard details provide excellent photography opportunities.
- Use Kandy Lake for wider exterior compositions.
- Photograph Pattirippuwa from angles that show its octagonal form.
- Early and late daylight usually produces softer exterior light.
- Observe all signs about photography and restricted sacred areas.
- Do not use worshippers as foreground subjects without respect or permission.
- Do not block queues, doorways or ceremonial movement.
- Never prioritise a photo over temple instructions.
How to get to Sri Dalada Maligawa
The temple is beside Kandy Lake in central Kandy, within the historic royal precinct. It is one of the easiest major attractions to reach on foot once you are already in the city centre.
Traffic and security arrangements may change during the Esala Perahera, Poya days and major events. On those days, walking from a suitable drop-off point can be easier than trying to reach the immediate temple entrance by vehicle.
Places to visit near the Temple of the Tooth
Kandy Lake
Walk the historic lake edge for classic views back toward the temple precinct.
Udawattakele Forest Reserve
A protected forest immediately above the historic city, ideal for a morning nature walk.
Kandy View Point
A panoramic city view showing the lake, urban basin and surrounding hills.
Historic Devales
Natha and Pattini Devale are part of the wider sacred landscape around the temple precinct.
Frequently asked questions about the Temple of the Tooth
What is the Temple of the Tooth famous for?
It is the Buddhist temple in Kandy where the Sacred Tooth Relic, revered by the temple tradition as the left canine tooth of Gautama Buddha, is enshrined.
What are the official opening hours?
The official Sri Dalada Maligawa website currently lists opening hours as 5:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m. daily, Monday to Sunday.
How much is the foreign visitor ticket?
As reviewed on 4 September 2026, the official FAQ lists LKR 2,500 for SAARC countries, Thailand and Myanmar, and LKR 3,000 for other foreign countries.
What are the daily Thevava times?
The official timetable lists Morning Service 5:30–7:00 a.m., Midday Service 9:30–11:00 a.m. and Evening Service 6:30–8:00 p.m.
Is the Temple of the Tooth a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
The temple is a defining monument within the Sacred City of Kandy, which UNESCO inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1988 under criteria (iv) and (vi).
What should I wear?
Dress respectfully with shoulders and legs covered. The official FAQ says shorts, sleeveless clothing and body-revealing attire are not permitted.
Can foreign tourists visit Sri Dalada Maligawa?
Yes. International visitors are welcome subject to current security, dress, ticketing and temple guidelines.
Can I see the Sacred Tooth Relic directly?
The relic is enshrined within the sacred shrine and is not treated as an ordinary museum exhibit. Visitor access follows temple ritual and ceremonial arrangements.
Is Sri Dalada Maligawa next to Kandy Lake?
Yes. The temple stands directly beside Kandy Lake in the historic centre of Kandy.
Give Sri Dalada Maligawa enough time to be more than a photo stop
Check the current official visitor information, dress respectfully, understand the daily Thevava schedule and allow time for the shrine, museums, Pattirippuwa, royal precinct and Kandy Lake surroundings.