Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic Visitor Guide
Sri Lanka Tourist Attractions
The Sacred Tooth Relic temple in Kandy is unlike any other stop in Sri Lanka. Here's what to expect, when to go, and how to get the most from your visit.
Here are a few things to do in and around the temple:
Don’t Rush to the Main Building
Many visitors miss the beauty of walking to the temple. The pathway leading from the entrance to the temple complex is lined with beautiful trees, statues of Sri Lanka national heroes as well as inscriptions with their stories. The views of the temple will leave most people breathless. Before beginning your tour of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, take your time to walk through all the sights in this area and stop along the way to look at everything. Once you have finished your walk along the path to the temple, you will understand what we mean by the temple’s beauty.
After visiting the main temple building, it is recommended that you explore and visit all of the Devalas (Shrines) that are devoted to the various gods of Sri Lanka. Many visitors do not know that they exist at all.
The Sacred Tooth Relic: What You Won’t See
One of the things that surprises everyone about the Sacred Tooth Relic is that you will not see it directly! The tooth is encased in several gold caskets nested one inside the other; the innermost casket is safeguarded in an inner shrine on the second level. The only part of the actual relic on display is the outermost gold casket. The actual Tooth Relic has only been displayed to the public a total of less than 4 times, on special occasions that have occurred approximately every 10-15 years. Even the majority of Sri Lankans have never seen the actual Tooth Relic.
Before entering, each group of visitors receives this information; this doesn’t lower your expectations, it changes your expectations. When you realize that you are about to stand face-to-face with something that’s been kept sealed because of its Holy significance; you will see the masses in front of you, not just out of sheer curiosity, but out of their respect for something that has been a major influence in shaping Sri Lanka’s Heritage and Identity for over 1000 years and counting.
The Sacred Tooth Relic is intentionally “hidden” from view; this is not a letdown; it is the very essence of being sacred!
Time your visit around the puja ceremony
Three times a day, the temple holds its daily puja — a ritual ceremony with drumming, offerings, and chanting. If you can choose when to visit, choose around one of these.
- Morning puja: 5.30 AM – 7.00 AM
- Midday puja: 9.30 AM – 11.00 AM
- Evening puja: 6.30 PM – 8.00 PM
Attending the evening puja is an experience that you want to plan special for. The experience will be completely different from when you attended the day time puja — the change in atmosphere, candles and lights, as well as a group of devotees, along with the added background noise of drums being played through the temple are all part of the appeal of the evening time puja. This is the most complete variation of what this temple has to offer.
For those planning to attend the puja be sure to arrive 30 to 40 minutes prior as there will be no shortage of people in attendance; however, if you are looking for a quieter time to attend, weekday mornings between pujas are by far much less crowded.
The Nanumura Mangallaya (the sacred bathing of the relic) occurs on Wednesday of every week at 9:30 am with herbs being used in the preparation. So, if you are planning your day around Nanumura Mangallaya be sure to include your additional time to arrive.
Tickets, dress code, and what to expect at the entrance
Tickets are issued by automated machines at the entrance. Current fees for foreign visitors:
- Most countries: LKR 2,000 (Approximately USD6.40, INR600)
- SAARC countries, Thailand, and Myanmar: LKR 1,500 (Approximately USD4.80, INR450)
It would be beneficial if you bring Sri Lankan Rupees, as exchanging inside might be hectic. Buy your ticket from the machines instead of someone who offers to help you buy your ticket outside. This is mentioned clearly at the entrance – Tickets are automatically issued by the machines installed in Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic). Tickets or fees issued by other individuals or institutions are not valid.
You have to cover your shoulders and knees (no exceptions). If you arrive in shorts or a sleeveless top, the security will stop you. Sarongs are available for rent at the entrance, but it may take extra time and will be awkward. You can wear light cotton clothes that cover you properly. Please take off your shoes before going in — socks are acceptable if you are feeling weird walking barefoot. You must give the attendant all types of footwear and bulky items when you check in – they will issue a footwear token. Do not lose your token, it will be very hectic to find your shoes without the token, and there are fines for loosing the token.
Everyone entering through the entrance goes through a security check.
Seniors and accessibility — the honest version
The main shrine room is located on the 2nd floor, which is up approximately 25 – 35 stairs. This will generally be easy for most people who come to visit this site. The steps are properly constructed and it’s easy to climb using the hand rail if needed. Its just like you are climbing upstairs in your home. But you may want to help your elderly or disabled travelling companions (if they have climbing difficulties)
Although there is an elevator that is available to take disabled visitors to the 2nd floor, arrangements must be made with the administration office (+94 812234226) before your visit. Do not just show up and expect to use these elevators as they are not available for walk-in service. If you are travelling with elderly guests and there is an issue regarding the mobility of your elderly guest, then you should reach out ahead of your arrival and confirm the arrangements to use the elevator is in place. But practically speaking it’s hard to get a booking.
The temple officials will assist if they can and help to the extent possible; however, puja times are busy with large numbers of people, which makes it difficult for the elderly and disabled to get around due to large numbers of people; therefore it is advised to come at off-peak times whenever you have elderly or disabled guests in your party.
Photography inside the temple
You are able to take pictures through most of the complex. When you are in the shrine room, please make sure that you have your flash turned off, that you are out of the way of those who are worshipping and that you do not take selfies while turning back from sacred items, especially in the direction of the tooth relic.
When you are watching a puja, your phone should be put away. The music, offerings, and crowd will give you a memory much better than a picture taken from the back of the room.
The people approaching you outside the gate
At the entrance to the temple, visitors can be approached by unofficial guides or by individuals collecting donations for temple causes, or vendors trying to sell flowers and sarongs, etc. Some of these requests can be very persistent.
A simple no will suffice. Do not argue or carry on a conversation further than that. Licensed temple guides can be found at the counter located just inside the entrance to the temple. If you want to purchase flowers for offerings, you can do so inside the temple compound or if you want to get flowers outside, always pay attention to fair prices.
What to actually pay attention to inside
This is a living place of worship, not just a heritage site with religious décor. On any given day, the people in the queue alongside you have come from across Sri Lanka — some from hundreds of kilometres — specifically to be here.
Watch the devotees. Watch how they move, how they offer flowers, how they stand at the casket. That is what makes a visit to this temple stay with you long after you’ve left Kandy.
Combining with other Kandy attractions
In addition to the temple, there are other places to visit in Kandy as well.
The temple is located right next to Kandy Lake, which makes it a great place for a scenic stroll before or after visiting the temple. The Botanical Gardens (Royal Botanical Garden, Peradeniya) is located about 20 minutes outside of Kandy and is an excellent complement to a full day at the temple. Refer our Kandy Attractions Page for more areas to visit in Kandy.
If you are considering a trip to Kandy or want to create a Kandy-style itinerary, Connect with Ceylo Travels and we will take care of the time and make sure you are arriving at the temple just after puja instead of passing through.
