Temple of the Tooth
ශ්රී දළදා මාළිගාව
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy, Sri Lanka, is one of the most revered Buddhist shrines in the world. It houses what is believed to be the left upper canine tooth of the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, and has been the most sacred Buddhist relic in Sri Lanka for over 1,600 years. According to historical accounts, the tooth was smuggled out of India in the hair of a princess during the 4th century CE and brought to Sri Lanka. Over the centuries, successive Sri Lankan monarchs enshrined the relic in purpose-built temples, with the current complex in Kandy developing primarily from the 16th century onward. The temple is a part of the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy and was constructed and expanded over several centuries. The innermost relic chamber (Maligawa) is housed within a two-storey golden structure; the relic itself is sealed within seven concentric caskets of decreasing size, each made from precious materials including gold, silver, and gems. Daily puja (worship) ceremonies are held three times a day: at dawn (Thevava), midday (Nanumura Mangallaya), and dusk (Thevava), when the outer caskets are opened to allow devotees to venerate the shrine. The annual Esala Perahera festival — held in July/August over ten nights — is one of the most spectacular Buddhist festivals on earth, involving over 100 costumed elephants, thousands of dancers, fire breathers, and whip-crackers parading through Kandy's streets. The temple is located beside the Kandy Lake within the UNESCO-inscribed Sacred City of Kandy.
✨ Historical Significance
Why Temple of the Tooth Matters
Ranked #17 among the world's top 100
UNESCO World Heritage Site (Sacred City of Kandy, ID 450, inscribed 1988). Houses the Tooth Relic of the Buddha (Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist relic), revered for over 1,600 years. Whoever holds the relic is traditionally believed to hold sovereignty over Sri Lanka — it has influenced Sri Lankan political history for centuries. Hosts the Esala Perahera, one of Asia's grandest Buddhist festivals. Receives approximately 2 million visitors per year.
Built
16th century
Location
Sri Lanka
Annual Visitors
2 million
UNESCO
✓ ID: 450
Coordinates
7.2936°, 80.6413°
📅 Plan Your Visit to Temple of the Tooth
Best Season
Dry Season (Dec–Mar)
Recommended months: December to March (West/South)
Temperature
Average: 27–30°C (80–86°F)
Visit Duration
Recommended: 1–3 hours
Entry Fee
$5–$15 USD (international visitors may pay more)
Dress Code
Remove shoes before entering. Cover shoulders and knees. Avoid sleeveless tops and shorts. Some temples require long pants/skirts.
Getting There
Located in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Reach Kandy by domestic flights, trains, or buses from major cities. Local transport (taxi, tuk-tuk, or ride-sharing) available from Kandy center to the site. Check local transport options for the most convenient route.
📍 Location of Temple of the Tooth
Kandy, Sri Lanka · 7.2936°N, 80.6413°E
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
💡 Travel Tips for Visiting Temple of the Tooth
Remove your shoes before entering any temple or pagoda building. Carry a bag for your shoes.
Visit early morning (6–8 AM) to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures and golden light for photography.
Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Carry small bills for entrance fees and donations.
Language: Sinhala, Tamil. Learn basic greetings in the local language — locals appreciate the effort.
This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — follow all preservation rules and stay on designated paths.
Best time to visit: December to March (West/South). E-visa (ETA) required.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Temple of the Tooth
Everything you need to know before visiting Temple of the Tooth.
1Where is Temple of the Tooth located?
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Temple of the Tooth is located in Kandy, Sri Lanka. GPS coordinates: 7.2936°N, 80.6413°E. It is ranked #17 in our Top 100 World Pagodas list.
2When was Temple of the Tooth built?
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Temple of the Tooth was built in 16th century. UNESCO World Heritage Site (Sacred City of Kandy, ID 450, inscribed 1988). Houses the Tooth Relic of the Buddha (Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist relic), revered for over 1,600 years. Whoever holds the relic is traditionally believed to hold sovereignty over Sri Lanka — it has influenced Sri Lankan political history for centuries. Hosts the Esala Perahera, one of Asia's grandest Buddhist festivals. Receives approximately 2 million visitors per year.
3What is the best time to visit Temple of the Tooth?
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The best time to visit Temple of the Tooth in Sri Lanka is during December to March (West/South). This is the Dry Season (Dec–Mar) when weather is most comfortable for sightseeing, with average temperatures of 27–30°C (80–86°F).
4How much does it cost to visit Temple of the Tooth?
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Entry fees for Temple of the Tooth are approximately $5–$15 USD (international visitors may pay more). Prices may vary by season and nationality. Check the official website for current rates.
5How long should I spend at Temple of the Tooth?
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Plan to spend 1–3 hours at Temple of the Tooth. Take time to appreciate the architecture and historical significance.
6Is Temple of the Tooth a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
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Yes, Temple of the Tooth is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (ID: 450). It has been recognized for its outstanding universal value and is protected under international heritage conservation agreements.
7What should I wear when visiting Temple of the Tooth?
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Remove shoes before entering. Cover shoulders and knees. Avoid sleeveless tops and shorts. Some temples require long pants/skirts.
8How many people visit Temple of the Tooth each year?
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Temple of the Tooth receives approximately 2 million visitors per year, making it one of the popular pagodas in Sri Lanka.
9How do I get to Temple of the Tooth?
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Located in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Reach Kandy by domestic flights, trains, or buses from major cities. Local transport (taxi, tuk-tuk, or ride-sharing) available from Kandy center to the site. Check local transport options for the most convenient route.
10Do I need a visa to visit Sri Lanka?
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E-visa (ETA) required. The local currency is Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Sri Lanka is in the UTC+5:30 timezone.
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🎯 Nearby Attractions
- •Kandy Esala Perahera Route (pagodas #63)
- •Dambulla Cave Temple in Dambulla
- •Sigiriya in Sigiriya
- •Mihintale in Mihintale
- •Local museums and cultural centers in Kandy