Temple of the Tooth
This evening you will visit The Temple of the Tooth. The stunning 17th-century Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is believed to house the left upper canine tooth of the Lord Buddha himself.
Area
Kandy and the Hill Country
Type
Art & Architecture
History
Grade
Standard
Who
Adults
Teens
Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
1-2 Hours
Every day this precious relic attracts white-clad pilgrims, bearing lotus blossoms and frangipani. On the outside, the temple buildings are not magnificent or elaborately decorated, concealing the grandeur within. White with red roofs, they cluster around Kandy Lake (the island in the middle once housed the king's harem). Around the entire complex is a low white stone wall, delicately and simply carved with openings that give a filigree effect. During celebrations, candles are placed in the openings, lighting up the entire front. The relic of the tooth is kept in a two-story inner shrine fronted by two large elephant tusks. The relic rests on a solid gold lotus flower, encased in jewelled caskets that sit on a throne. The temple is joined to the Pattiripuwa (Octagon) tower, built in 1803, that was originally a prison but now houses a collection of palm-leaf manuscripts. The king's palace is also in the temple compound.
Tours Featuring This Experience
Be inspired by the itineraries below which include this experience and let our travel specialists craft a bespoke luxury holiday for you.
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View TourJust us: Sri Lanka
If your dream honeymoon combines idyllic beaches, breathtaking adventures, and a touch of culture, Sri Lanka offers the perfect mix. From spotting leopards on safari and sipping fresh tea in the rolling hills to indulging in oceanfront luxury, this itinerary promises unforgettable memories for two.
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View TourIconic Sri Lanka
Showcasing our most popular properties and a route that remains a firm favorite with our guests, this journey captures the very best of Sri Lanka in effortless style. From serene colonial gardens to the untouched wilderness of Wilpattu, you’ll experience immersive culture, meaningful encounters and refined luxury throughout. Explore ancient kingdoms by bike and on foot, journey through emerald tea hills, and unwind on the southern coast—this is Sri Lanka’s classic highlights.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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Nine Skies
Clinging to a tea covered hill, with beautiful views over the hill country Nine Skies offers an intimate stay in a newly refurbished tea bungalow.
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View AccommodationWater Garden Sigiriya
Water Garden Sigiriya is an oasis of natural beauty in the heart of The Cultural Triangle, inspired by the ancient water gardens of Sigiriya. Expect luxury in a very open and natural setting with the mountainous Sigiriya Rock Fortress as your backdrop.
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Goatfell
Nestled within a working tea estate in the heart of Sri Lanka’s hill country, Goatfell is an intimate four-bedroom bungalow retreat offering peaceful surroundings, personalized service and a wonderful base for exploring the region.
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View AccommodationUga Jungle Beach
Uga Jungle Beach is a relaxed eco-retreat set in shrub jungle close to the remote village of Kuchchaveli on the north east coast of Sri Lanka about 30 minutes north of Trincomalee. The hotel is located on a secluded and picturesque beach.
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View Accommodation98 Acres
98 Acres is located on a scenic tea estate in the hillside town of Ella. A eco-friendly retreat, it has been built almost entirely out of recycled materials. With chalets nestled into its lush green surroundings, enjoy views out over the southern plains.
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View AccommodationCamellia Hills
Camellia Hills is a luxurious five-bedroom bungalow nestled in Sri Lanka's tea plantations. It has a dining room, two lounge areas, and a swimming pool. The bungalow boasts breathtaking views across the Castlereagh Reservoir.
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View AccommodationSantani Wellness Kandy
Santani is Sri Lanka's first dedicated spa resort which has brought luxury wellness to Sri Lanka. Set in the tranquil hills just over an hour from Kandy, Santani provides a relaxing and rejuvenating environment, and a variety of spa and wellness packages.
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View AccommodationW15 Hanthana Estate Kandy
Recapture the nostalgia of the plantation era at this colonial bungalow set amid the tea plantations and lush green forests of the Hanthana Hills, enjoying the timeless elegance of the décor, butler service, pool, tennis court and drinks on the veranda.
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View AccommodationRosyth Estate
Built in 1926, Roysth Estate is an old colonial planter’s bungalow set on a 62-acre private working tea and rubber estate. This charming property offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of rural Sri Lanka.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceTrain from Kandy to Hatton
The 2 hour train journey to Hatton is a glorious way to see the rolling countryside from your observation car, as you climb into the hills and tea plantations.
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View ExperienceKandy Market
Visit the colorful market in Kandy for textiles, as well as a lively atmosphere.
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Soap-Making Experience
Experience a unique journey in Sri Lanka's Central Province, where a women-led business blends wellness, sustainability and luxury allowing you to explore the art of soap-making, enjoy fresh estate produce, and create lasting memories.
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View ExperienceGuided Tour of Kandy: Gods, Kings & Men
Today head to the center of Kandy, once known as the Kingdom of Kandy. Take some time to visit the famous UNESCO protected Temple of the Tooth. Next wander around the colorful market followed by some tea at the historic Queen's Hotel.
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View ExperienceWalking in Horton Plains
Horton Plains is a beautiful national park in the Southern Hill Country with some wonderful hikes and breath-taking views.
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View ExperienceExplore the Tea Plantations
During your stay in the Hill Country, explore the tea plantations where you can see the tea pluckers at work, visit a tea factory, or go for a walk through the rolling green hills.
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View ExperienceKandy by tuk tuk
Travel through Kandy's unique landscape of hills and rivers, exploring its colonial history and religious sites, riding a tuk tuk to scenic hills and markets, and concluding with delicious treats and Ceylon tea with breathtaking city views.
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View ExperienceBiking in the Hills
Grab a helmet and set off on mountain bike trails that wind through Sri Lanka's tea estates, hillside villages, and highland ridgelines.
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View ExperienceKandy Temple Trail
Head a little more off the beaten track to explore some of Sri Lanka's more historically and architecturally interesting temples. Gadaladeniya, Embekke and Lankathilaka are set away from the main tourist trail but are still easily accessible from Kandy.
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View ExperienceTrekking in the Knuckles Range
This is a must for trekking enthusiasts, who will love the striking landscapes and ever-changing fauna on this 4-5 hour trek from Illukkumbura to Riverston. Expect sweeping panoramas and waterfalls in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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View ExperienceThe Pekoe Trail
Embark on the Pekoe Trail, Sri Lanka's first long-distance hike from Hanthana to Nuwara Eliya, guided by a local expert, as you traverse stunning tea plantations, iconic landmarks, and diverse landscapes.
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View ExperienceKandy Royal Botanical Gardens
The Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, Kandy, is renowned for its wide variety of plant species
and beautiful flowers. Of particular note is the collection of a variety of orchids.
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