The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is known as the most sacred Buddhist temple in the whole world

It is a place of worship established in the 16th century AD also locally known as the Sri DaladaMaligawa. Preserving the Relic of Buddha in this haven of refuge, it was declared that whoever houses and protects it is automatically given the power to rule the country.

The Temple of the Tooth is an art and history lover’s paradise.Classical Kandyan architecture was used in building the whole temple complex. The interior of the shrine is adorned with exquisite and stunning paintings and the corridors have low arched ceilings and polished concrete floors.

The temple is constructed in close proximity to the ancient royal palace which is located to the North of the temple and the forest reserve known as UdawattaKelaya to the East. To the south of the building there is the Kiri Muhuda; the famous Kandy Lake and on the West, there is the Natha and PaththiniDevalaya.

As well as the revered main temple, the complex includes a series of smaller temples, shrines and museums.

The entrance to the Tooth Relic Temple is through a stone slab bridge known as the Great Gate or the MahaVahalkada is built on the bridge. A Moonstone or a "SandakadaPahana" of Kandyan design was placed at the entrance to the Bridge way by the road which leads to a five step stairway to the stone bridge.

The insides of the shrine are covered in beautifully detailed and elaborate paintings. With low curved ceilings of corridors and paved floors with their stones polished by a million feet, the shrine transports its visitors to a different age when kings walked the soil of Sri Lanka

The Sri Dalada Museum, in the premises of the temple showcases the travails of the holy tooth relic and houses many paintings that show the artistic styles of the Kandyan era. The Elephant Rajah’s museum depicts the life of the beloved elephant Rajah who is said to be elephant that served as the bearer of the casket for the longest time.

The Esala Perahera is one of the oldest and most extraordinary festivals in the world and it takes place every year in July/August in the old royal capital of Kandy. Snaking their way around Kandy Lake and the Temple of the Tooth.

The festival parade has many customs and rituals and culminating in the procession of the tooth relic through the streets. The EsalaPerahera involves dancers, drummers, whip crackers, sword carriers, fire dancers, musicians and tuskers. It takes months of planning and significant coordination, but is indeed a wonderful spectacle to behold.

In the year 1988, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic was named as a world heritage by UNESCO.

The visit of the temple typically lasts 2 hours. The guides will offer their services around the entire temple, and there are audio guides available at the ticketing office.

The Temple is best visited in the morning or the evening when the ceremonial offerings and prayers are given.