Sri Dalada Maligawa, the lakeside shrine of the Buddha's tooth relic in the last royal capital
Kandy sits in a bowl of green hills around a tranquil lake, and at its heart stands the Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Its white walls, moat and octagonal pavilion make it one of the most recognisable buildings in Sri Lanka, and inside, drumming, incense and flower offerings mark the daily rituals honouring the relic.
Visiting during one of the puja services is a powerful experience, as devotees queue to glimpse the golden casket while drummers play. Beyond the temple, Kandy's lakeside walks, markets and historic buildings make it a rewarding base for exploring the hill country.
The relic is believed to be the Buddha's tooth. According to tradition, Princess Hemamali and Prince Dantha brought it from Kalinga in India in the 4th century CE, with the princess hiding it in her hair. Possession of the relic became a symbol of the right to rule, and it moved with successive capitals before arriving in Kandy.
UNESCO describes Kandy, also known as Senkadagalapura, as the last capital of the Sinhala kings, who ruled until the British took control in 1815. The temple was built and expanded by Kandyan kings; the octagonal Paththirippuwa and the moat were added under Sri Vikrama Rajasinha. The temple was damaged in a 1998 bomb attack and later restored. The Sacred City of Kandy was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1988.
The Temple of the Tooth is the spiritual centre of Sri Lankan Buddhism, and devotees bring jasmine and lotus flowers from the stalls outside. Kandy is also a diverse city with Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities; Sri Lankan Moors make up a notable part of the population, and Kandyan dance and drumming traditions remain strong.
Time your visit for a puja service, when drummers perform and the doors to the relic chamber open for worshippers. Allow time for the temple's museums, then walk around Kandy Lake for views back towards the temple. On Wednesdays the ritual bathing of the relic, Nanumura Mangallaya, takes place in the morning.
In July or August, the Esala Perahera fills the streets with nights of processions featuring dancers, drummers and decorated elephants, led by the tusker carrying a replica of the relic casket. Accommodation books up well in advance at this time.
At around 500 m, Kandy is cooler than the coast and the plains. The early months of the year are often the most pleasant, while the monsoons can bring heavy showers at other times. The Esala Perahera in July or August is the city's most spectacular event, but it is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.
Checked against the sources on 27 October 2026. Opening times and fees can change — confirm before you go.
General guidance from our specialists, not official information.
The temple sits on the northern shore of Kandy Lake, a short walk from the town centre's markets, cafes and restaurants. Kandy railway station is on the main line from Colombo, and the Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya are about 5 km west of the city. Kandy has a sizeable Muslim community, so halal restaurants can be found in the town; ask locally for current options.
Sri Lanka · 3 nights3★ HotelSri Lanka · 3 nights4★ HotelSri Lanka · 3 nights5★ HotelThis guide was researched from the sources below and reviewed by our team on 27 October 2026. Facts under “Verified information” link to the page they were checked on; travel tips are general guidance. Photos are credited on each image. The ambient recording’s author and licence are shown in the sound player.
