The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, or Sri Dalada Maligawa, is the most sacred and revered Buddhist site in Sri Lanka and one of the holiest shrines in the entire Buddhist world, enshrining the sacred tooth relic of the Lord Buddha within its magnificent golden-roofed sanctuary. Located within the royal palace complex in the heart of Kandy, this glorious temple has been a centre of religious, cultural, and political life for centuries. The temple comes alive during the spectacular Esala Perahera festival each year, when ornately decorated elephants, traditional dancers, and drummers parade through the streets of Kandy in a magnificent procession. A visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a profound and unforgettable spiritual experience that must not be missed on any visit to Sri Lanka.
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is located in the heart of Kandy, approximately 115 kilometres from Colombo, and can be reached by road or rail in about 2.5 to 3.5 hours. The scenic train journey from Colombo to Kandy is highly recommended and is considered one of the most beautiful rail journeys in Asia.
Distance from Colombo: Approximately 115 km (2.5–3.5 hours drive).
Main town: Kandy (5 minutes walk from the temple).
Nearest railway station: Kandy railway station.
Means of transport: Taxi, Train or Bus.
