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Planning on visiting the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic? If the answer to that is yes, keep reading because below we cover all of the need-to-know information about this iconic site.
The first time we visited we got caught off guard by a lot and felt like we missed out. The second time we visited, we nailed it, and it was an amazing experience! If you don’t have the chance to visit multiple times, this blog will make sure you get the most out of it when you go.
We cover all insider tips, the best tours, and lots, lots more below!
1. About the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, is the holiest Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka.
In short, when The Buddha died, his body was cremated as is custom in Buddhism because of the belief in reincarnation. After he was cremated, four of his teeth remained. As you can probably guess these teeth became sacred objects and were distributed throughout the areas of the world that were Buddhist – Sri Lanka being one of them.
In Sri Lanka, the seat of the kingdom used to change depending on what king was ruling and the sacred tooth would move with the kingdom. Over the years it moved around a lot, but the last kingdom in Sri Lanka, the Kandy Kingdom, is its current resting place. For Buddhists, this is the holiest and easily most important temple not just in Sri Lanka, but in the world.
The temple was constructed in 1595 and is absolutely gorgeous. Covered with impressive art, shrines, and statues, if you’re looking to learn about Buddhism this is the perfect place to do so. There are well-put-together exhibits all over and you could easily spend all day seeing it all. Although, if you really want to make the most of it, having a Buddhist guide is hands down the best way to experience it. More on that later though!
It’s important to note that as a tourist, you won’t be able to go and look at the tooth directly. While there are daily ceremonies when devout Buddhists are allowed to go into the shrine for worship, the closest you’ll get is peeking through the doors. This doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting, but I wouldn’t want you to get your hopes up for seeing it in person.
The service itself involves a lot of music and is quite the spectacle. Depending on if it’s the morning, afternoon, or evening service, different music, and offerings are made inside the shrine, but you don’t get to see that part unfortunately. Still, it’s a special one-of-a-kind ceremony that only happens at the Sacred Tooth Shrine! If you want to see it, I’ll put the times below.
2. Where is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic?
The city of Kandy is located about 3.5 hours east of Colombo. The temple itself sits just off of Kandy Lake which is in its downtown area. There are plenty of hotels in this part of town, so if you want to be close to it consider staying by the lake!
3. When is the best time to visit?
If you want to explore the temple when it’s less busy, I suggest going between the daily services. These services draw huge crowds of tourists and unless you’d like to see one for yourself, the temple is a much better experience when there are fewer people. Again, (just in case you missed it above) you don’t get to see the sacred tooth during these services.
The morning service is from 5:30-7 am. The mid-day service is from 9:30-11 am. And the evening service is from 6:30-8 pm.
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is open every day from 5:30 am to 8 pm.
4. What are the best tours that visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy?
Entrance Ticket with Optional Guide
If you’re the kind of person who wants to spend several hours at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, check out this skip-the-line ticket and optional guided tour.
You’ll avoid any long queues (especially when tour groups are lining up to buy tickets!) and have the chance to explore the temple with a guide and then stick around for as long as you want after exploring on your own.
I love that you get to choose your start time with this option, so you can make the most out of your visit. I’d suggest spending an hour with your guide for history and insight, followed by the ceremony, and then exploring the temple on your own after it’s quieted down. You get the best of it all!
If this sounds like the perfect way to experience the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, tickets with the guided tour are $65 USD or just skip-the-line tickets are $18 USD.
Get your skip-the-line tickets and tour here!
Important note: All of the full-day tours below require you to pay to enter sites such as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. While this may seem like an inconvenience, it keeps tour prices low and means you don’t pay extra money for a “convenience charge” of them getting the ticket for you.
Private Full Day Tour of Kandy by TukTuk for 1-2 people
This tour of Kandy is perfect for solo travelers and couples who want a local guide to take them to Kandy highlights and hidden gems. There’s a perfect balance of temples, history, nature, and culture all bundled into one.
The day kicks off with pickup from any hotel in Kandy. Right away, it heads to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. I like that you get to explore it with a guide during its quieter morning hours. One hour here is perfect and during that time you’ll learn tons of amazing things about Buddhism and the history of Sri Lanka.
The rest of the day is a whirlwind of amazing activities like the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kandy Viewpoint, and several other lesser-known temples around the city like Lankatilaka. It’s such a comprehensive tour that’s made even better by a friendly expert local guide. I’m personally a sucker for beautiful views so the Kandy Viewpoint was one of my favorite stops. Although the cultural dance at the end of the day is the cherry on top of this Kandy coated experience!
For only $10 USD, this tour is well worth the price for a full day of fun.
Book this budget-friendly tour of Kandy right here!
Private Guided Day Tour of Kandy with Sacred Tooth Relic Ceremony
This tour of Kandy is great to take if you want to see the ceremony at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and some other highlights around town. Depending on your travel preference or group size, you can book a tuk-tuk, car, or van.
Starting with hotel pickup, I love that the first stop is Kandy Viewpoint. It’s absolutely gorgeous in the morning. If you really want to make it special, bring a thermos of local tea with you!
I also like to get out into nature for an easy hike and wildlife spotting, so the fact that you get to do that at Udawattekele Sanctuary is a big selling point for me. Well, that and the Royal Botanical Gardens, the massive Bahirawakanda Temple (aka Big Buddha), and every other fantastic stop on this tour.
Of course, if you want to see the ceremony at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, this is going to be the highlight for sure. Accompanied by your guide, you’ll get to watch as monks go into the shrine and perform their rituals. Seeing this with a guide is great because they can point out little details people miss on their own.
Prices for this tour vary by group size and mode of transportation, but for reference, it’s only $42 USD for four people if you choose the car option. Now that’s a deal!
Book this tour of Kandy and read its 5-star reviews here!
Tour of Kandy and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic from Colombo
If you’re staying in Colombo and want to experience the magic of Kandy look no further than this tour. It visits four of my favorite places and provides comfortable transportation the entire time. You even get some complimentary snacks along the way!
Since the drive to Kandy is about 3.5 hours, pick up from your Colombo hotel is at 6 am. The first stop of the day is the Royal Botanical Gardens. After a lovely walk through the gardens, it’s off to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. If you want to see the ceremony, let your guide know and they can adjust some times to make it happen.
The last stop of the day is the Kandy Viewpoint (I love it up there!) for some breathtaking views of the city. As a bonus, the guide grabs my favorite Sri Lankan drink, King Coconut, to accompany the fantastic landscape. Don’t forget to eat the meat inside after you finish the water!
If you’re in Colombo and ready to see the highlights of Kandy, this tour is only $55 USD per person.
Book this tour here to access FREE cancellation!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
5. What do I need to wear to visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic?
Before being allowed to enter the temple, you will need to remove your shoes, socks are okay though! There is an area where staff will store your footwear and give you a separate numbered ticket to retrieve them when you get back. This service costs 100 Sri Lankan Rupees which is less than $0.30 USD.
Men and women will also need to have their knees and shoulders covered while in the temples. If you don’t have proper clothing along, you can buy a sarong to wear for around $8 USD at the entrance. Both the shoe service and buying sarongs are cash only.
Related Read: Interested in a safari? Our blog on the best safaris in Sri Lanka has all the info you’ll need!
6. How much is admission and where can I buy tickets?
Tickets can be purchased from the ticket office outside the temple for 2000 LKR ($7 USD). Note that this is cash only and tickets are single entry.
However, if you go to buy tickets when a tour group comes through, you could end up waiting for a while. If you want to buy a skip the line ticket online in advance, you’ll completely avoid that!
One thing to keep in mind is that to get to the ticket office, you need to walk along the lake. During this short stretch, you will be bombarded by people trying to sell you “private tours” or telling you that the ticket office is closed and to come back with them later. Don’t listen to them! Just smile, nod, and keep walking. If you stop to ask questions or respond to them they won’t leave you alone, trust me.
Easily get your skip-the-line ticket for the temple here!
7. How long do you need to explore the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic?
For us and for most people who visit, 1 to 1.5 hours is perfect. This is without seeing the ceremony. If you want to see the ceremony and experience the rest of what the temple has to offer, you could easily spend three hours here.
8. Is visiting the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic worth it?
Yes, it absolutely is! Even if you aren’t Buddhist, the significance of this temple will not be lost on you.
While you won’t get to see the Sacred Tooth Relic itself, the temple is still an amazing place to visit. There is so much more here than just the Sacred Tooth and especially if you see it with a guide, it will be a highlight of Sri Lanka!
Related Read: Keep planning an epic trip with our ultimate bucket list for Sri Lanka!
Where to Stay in Kandy
As one of Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist destinations, there are a lot of great places to stay in Kandy. Unfortunately, none of them are made of candy as I was hoping, but instead, you’ll find incredible views, luxury pools, and some of that amazing Sri Lankan hospitality! Here are my top three hotels for a range of budgets.
Grand Serendib Hotel – $$$
The Grand Serendib Hotel will provide all you need and more if you’re looking for a luxurious place to stay in Kandy. Situated in Kandy’s rolling hills, you’ll get incredible views of the city, Kandy Lake, and mountains from the floor-to-ceiling windows. The rooms are upscale and modern and offer a suite or family suite, with a sitting area and a balcony.
You can also enjoy the outdoor pool and onsite restaurant (which is as upscale as the hotel) and it’s within walking distance of the city center. Prices range from $300-$500 USD during the high season and are around $150 USD during the rainy season. You can book this stay on Booking.com.
Kandy Tree Tops – $$
The Kandy Tree Tops might be a mid-range price point, but it is still quite an upscale stay! Located within walking distance of Kandy’s city center and top sights, the Kandy Tree Tops offers deluxe doubles, junior suites, or family-style rooms. All are spacious, equipped with amenities to make your stay comfortable, and great views. Some of these rooms even have a large soaking bathtub!
Breakfast is included and you can enjoy the garden and rooftop terrace. Prices range from $100 to $170 USD per night and can be booked on Booking.com.
Settle Inn Tourist Lodge – $
The Settle Inn Tourist Lodge is one of the most popular budget stays in Kandy. I love that this hotel has typical Sri Lankan decor and hospitality. It’s located about 1 kilometer from Kandy city center, but you can enjoy the restaurant and spa on site. They offer double or triple rooms for about $25 USD a night, or if you’re traveling with a group you can book an entire villa.
Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
Getting Around Sri Lanka
To visit all of the best places in Sri Lanka, you’re going to need a mode of transport. You have a few choices when it comes to getting around Sri Lanka:
Rent a Tuk-tuk
Easily the most popular (and most fun) way to travel around Sri Lanka. We actually rented a tuk-tuk on our trip and absolutely loved it! Tuk-tuks are easy to drive, cheap to rent, and the freedom that comes with your own wheels is unmatched.
If you do decide to rent a tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka, be sure to go with a reputable company that provides quality tuk-tuks, such as Tuktuk Rental (who we rented from.) These guys not only offer an amazing service, but their tuk-tuks are actually rented from local families, providing income for the local community.
If you decide to rent from Tuktuk Rental, be sure to use the coupon code ‘DEST‘ for 5% off!
For more info, read our blog: The Truth about Renting a Tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka.
Hire a Driver
If you’re only planning on going to a couple of destinations, then a private driver is not a bad idea. In the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle, your driver can take you to your next destination. All you have to do is sit back and relax!
You can hire highly-rated drivers in advance to pick you up right from the airport when you arrive in Sri Lanka. This driver will take you to your hotel in Mirissa, Galle, Bentota, or Unawatuna. Whereas this driver will take you to Kandy.
Of course, every time you want to change destinations you will have to arrange for another driver (unless you book this driver who will drive you around for an entire week). Car transfer can easily be organized through your hotel.
Take Public Transport
This is a choice I only recommend for those on a very tight budget and with plenty of time. Public transport is everywhere in Sri Lanka in the form of public buses and trains. It is also very cheap, costing less than a couple of dollars per journey.
However, it isn’t the most comfortable way to travel. The buses don’t have air conditioning and neither do many train services. They can also be slow-moving, stopping every couple of minutes to pick up more passengers.
With that said, public transport is popular with budget backpackers, and it is mostly safe. This is one way to travel for those who want to get around as the locals do!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Visiting the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy is a great way to experience authentic Sri Lankan culture, and explore one of the most sacred (and beautiful) Buddhist temples in the world. I hope our guide has given you some good tips as you plan your own visit to this historic place.
If this blog was helpful, have a look through all of our blogs about Sri Lanka! I also put a few related articles below that might help you out on your travels.
ULTIMATE Guide to the Dambulla Cave Temples, Sri Lanka