Sri Dalada Maligawa

Kandy

Sri Dalada Maligawa

Kandy

Kandy4.9✦ Curator's Pick

🏛️ Cultural Heritage🗿 Historical Landmark🌍 UNESCO World Heritage SiteBuddhist Temple

Recognized as the spiritual heart of Sri Lanka, this majestic UNESCO World Heritage site enshrines the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha within a timeless masterpiece of Kandyan royal architecture.

Why visit Sri Dalada Maligawa

Houses the Buddha’s Sacred Tooth Relic: The temple enshrines the left canine tooth of Gautama Buddha, making it one of the most sacred sites in the Buddhist world.
Symbol of Political Power: Historically, possession of the tooth relic signified the right to rule Sri Lanka, deeply intertwining religion with monarchy and governance.
Unique Kandyan Architecture: The temple features traditional Kandyan architectural elements including intricate wood, ivory, and stone carvings, and the iconic golden canopy.
Cultural Processions and Rituals: It hosts the grand annual Kandy Esala Perahera, a vibrant procession of drummers, dancers, and decorated elephants, paying homage to the relic.
Located Amidst Historic and Natural Landmarks: Situated beside the Royal Palace, Kandy Lake, and the Udawattakele Forest Reserve, the temple is at the heart of cultural and ecological richness.

Entity

Government

Entrance

Free

Wheelchair Access

Yes

Water

Available

Restaurants

Available

Toilets

Available

District: Kandy

Reach

Any vehicle

Road Quality

Good

Public Transport

Available

Visitor Guidelines

Strict White/Modest Dress Code: You must cover your shoulders and knees. While any modest clothing is okay, wearing white is highly recommended as it is the traditional color of purity for pilgrims.
Remove Shoes and Hats: You must leave your footwear at the designated "Shoe Counter" before entering the main grounds. Wearing socks is a smart idea, as the stone floors can get very hot in the sun or cold in the rain.
Silence During Puja: Time your visit for the Puja (prayer) ceremonies (typically 5:30 AM, 9:30 AM, and 6:30 PM). During this time, keep your voice low and do not turn your back to the inner shrine when taking photos, as it is considered disrespectful.
Entry Fees for International Visitors: Please note that foreign visitors are sometimes required to pay an entrance fee, so it is a smart idea to carry some local currency with you.

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Why visit Sri Dalada Maligawa

Houses the Buddha’s Sacred Tooth Relic: The temple enshrines the left canine tooth of Gautama Buddha, making it one of the most sacred sites in the Buddhist world.

Symbol of Political Power: Historically, possession of the tooth relic signified the right to rule Sri Lanka, deeply intertwining religion with monarchy and governance.

Unique Kandyan Architecture: The temple features traditional Kandyan architectural elements including intricate wood, ivory, and stone carvings, and the iconic golden canopy.

Cultural Processions and Rituals: It hosts the grand annual Kandy Esala Perahera, a vibrant procession of drummers, dancers, and decorated elephants, paying homage to the relic.

Located Amidst Historic and Natural Landmarks: Situated beside the Royal Palace, Kandy Lake, and the Udawattakele Forest Reserve, the temple is at the heart of cultural and ecological richness.

Visitor Guidelines

Strict White/Modest Dress Code: You must cover your shoulders and knees. While any modest clothing is okay, wearing white is highly recommended as it is the traditional color of purity for pilgrims.

Remove Shoes and Hats: You must leave your footwear at the designated "Shoe Counter" before entering the main grounds. Wearing socks is a smart idea, as the stone floors can get very hot in the sun or cold in the rain.

Silence During Puja: Time your visit for the Puja (prayer) ceremonies (typically 5:30 AM, 9:30 AM, and 6:30 PM). During this time, keep your voice low and do not turn your back to the inner shrine when taking photos, as it is considered disrespectful.

Entry Fees for International Visitors: Please note that foreign visitors are sometimes required to pay an entrance fee, so it is a smart idea to carry some local currency with you.