Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic & Kandyan Cultural Show

All Tours in Kandy

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic & Kandyan Cultural Show

267 reviews

Kandy, Central Province, Sri Lanka

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Tour snapshot

Duration:
5h

Group size:
15

Near public
transportation

Free cancellation
Learn more

Overview

<p>The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is Sri Lanka's most important religious site — home to the relic of the tooth of the Buddha, which for over a millennium has been the source of the legitimate right to rule the island. Your guide navigates the temple complex, explaining the history, rituals, and the magnificent architecture of this golden-roofed lakeside shrine.</p><p>In the evening, witness a breathtaking Kandyan cultural dance performance — a theatrical showcase of traditional drumming, fire-dancing, and the highly disciplined classical dance form recognised by UNESCO.</p>

Available languages

English, Sinhala, Tamil

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. Non-refundable within 24 hours.

Highlights

Visit Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist temple
See the golden casket chamber of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Walk the shores of Kandy Lake at golden hour
Watch a live Kandyan cultural dance & drum performance
Fire-dancing, acrobatics & traditional music
Expert guide with deep knowledge of Sinhala Buddhist culture

What's Included

Temple of the Tooth entrance fee

Kandyan Cultural Show ticket

Expert licensed guide

White cloth (required at temple — provided)

Bottled water

Hotel pickup/drop-off

Dinner

From Rs.13,500.00

Date

Wed 2 Mar - Fri 11 Apr

Number of travelers

2 adults - 1 childeren - 1 room

Adults

Children

Ages 0 - 17

Rooms

97% of travelers recommend this experience

Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Important information

Departure details

Tour departs daily at 15:00 to align with the evening puja ceremony at the temple.

Know before you go

Dress modestly — shoulders and knees must be covered. A white cloth is required inside the inner shrine (provided). Remove shoes and hats.
Photography is permitted in most areas of the temple but not in the innermost relic chamber.

Additional information

The Esala Perahera festival (July/August) transforms this into an extraordinary experience — ask about special Perahera tour packages.

Itinerary

Kandy Lake Walk

Stop: 20 minutes

Begin with a relaxed walk around the scenic Kandy Lake, built in 1807 by the last king of Kandy. Your guide shares the lake's fascinating history and points out the island house at its centre.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Stop: 90 minutes

Enter the temple complex and explore the outer and inner shrine rooms. Learn about the twice-daily puja rituals, the significance of the relic, and the elaborate Esala Perahera festival that takes place here each August.

Kandy City Walk

Stop: 45 minutes

Walk through Kandy's historic core — the covered market, Natha Devale (the oldest remaining Hindu shrine in Kandy), and the colonial-era Queen's Hotel.

Kandyan Cultural Show

Stop: 60 minutes

Enjoy a 60-minute performance of traditional Kandyan arts: ves dance, naiyandi, kohomba kankariya, fire-walking, acrobatics, and the thrilling finale of plate-spinning atop a human pyramid.