Temple of the Tooth
ශ්රී දළදා මාළිගාව
Sri Dalada Maligawa houses the relic of the tooth of Buddha, making it one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world. The tooth relic has played an important role in local politics since ancient times.
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✨ Historical Significance
Why Temple of the Tooth Matters
Ranked #17 among the world's top 100
UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tooth relic is considered so sacred that whoever holds it is believed to hold the governance of the country.
Built
16th century
Location
Sri Lanka
Annual Visitors
2 million
UNESCO
✓ ID: 450
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📅 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.
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💡 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.
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❓ 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. 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. The tooth relic is considered so sacred that whoever holds it is believed to hold the governance of the country.
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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🗺️ Explore More Sites
← Previous in ranking
#16 Dambulla Cave Temple
Dambulla, Sri Lanka
Next in ranking →
#18 Ryoan-ji
Kyoto, Japan
📍 More in Kandy
🏳️ More in Sri Lanka
🎯 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
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