Temple of the Tooth

In Kandy, the Temple of the Tooth stands at the center of Sri Lanka’s spiritual and cultural identity, revered not only as a sacred place of worship but also as a symbol of royal authority and national memory. Known locally as Sri Dalada Maligawa, the temple houses the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha and forms part of the UNESCO-listed Sacred City of Kandy. Its importance has shaped the history of the island for centuries, giving the site a meaning that extends far beyond its beautiful setting. What makes the Temple of the Tooth especially powerful is the way devotion and heritage are inseparable here. It is at once a pilgrimage site, a royal monument, and one of the defining landmarks of Kandy, carrying centuries of faith, tradition, and symbolism within its walls. Few places in Sri Lanka bring together sacred significance and historic grandeur with such clarity, which is why the temple remains one of the country’s most essential and unforgettable sights. 

Temple of the Tooth Highlights

• Visit the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy for one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred and important religious landmarks.
• See the revered Sacred Tooth Relic shrine within the royal temple complex at the heart of Kandy.
• Add the Temple of the Tooth to your Sri Lanka itinerary for spiritual heritage, architecture, and UNESCO-listed cultural significance.