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Temples & religious sites

Temple of the Tooth

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Temple of the Tooth

Temple of the Tooth

Located in Kandy, this Buddhist temple is built on the site of the former royal palace. It serves as a religious center that enshrines a tooth relic of the Buddha. Travelers visit the site for its historical significance and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Getting There

The temple is situated within the central area of Kandy. From the city center, it is accessible via a short walk or a quick tuk-tuk ride, typically taking less than 10 minutes depending on the exact starting point.

Visit Duration

Allow approximately 1.5 to 3 hours to explore the grounds and observe the rituals. The time spent may vary depending on the length of the queues to view the relic.

When to Visit

The site gets crowded during daily prayer times and during major Buddhist festivals. To avoid the avoid the largest crowds, visit during the quieter periods between the main puja ceremonies. There is no specific season that restricts access, though weather in Kandy can be rainy.

Nearby Attractions

Because of its central location, the temple can be combined with several other sites within walking distance:

  • National Museum of Kandy (0.1km)
  • Royal Palace of Kandy (0.1km)
  • International Buddhist Museum (0.1km)
  • St. Paul's Church, Kandy (0.2km)

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near Temple of the Tooth

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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Temple of the Tooth Nearby stays

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Itineraries including this place

2 nights, 3 days

Kandy 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)

A 3-day route through Kandy grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

3 nights, 4 days

Kandy 4-Day Itinerary (3 Nights)

A 4-day route through Kandy grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

National Museum of Kandy

Museums & galleries

National Museum of Kandy

A museum right next to the Temple of the Tooth, on the site of the former Kandy royal palace. Exhibits are spread across the former queens' residence and the main palace building, offering a look at royal life and history.

0.1 km away
Royal Palace of Kandy

Castles & palaces

Royal Palace of Kandy

This palace served as the residence of the monarchs of the Kingdom of Kandy until British colonial rule began in 1815. It preserves intricate wood carvings, stone sculptures, and murals in the traditional Kandyan style.

0.1 km away
International Buddhist Museum

Museums & galleries

International Buddhist Museum

The world's first international Buddhist museum, located next to the Temple of the Tooth and the Kandy National Museum. It's housed in a British colonial-era building on the site of the former royal palace, adding to its historical significance.

0.1 km away
St. Paul's Church, Kandy

Temples & religious sites

St. Paul's Church, Kandy

An Anglican church located on sacred ground west of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, in Kandy's historic district. It's conveniently paired with a visit to the Temple.

0.2 km away
Temple of the Tooth Museum

Museums & galleries

Temple of the Tooth Museum

A museum housed in the first- and second-floor exhibition spaces of the Temple of the Tooth building. It's a great place to explore artifacts and records related to the temple and learn about the history of Kandy's Temple of the Tooth in depth.

0.3 km away
Malwathu Maha Viharaya

Temples & religious sites

Malwathu Maha Viharaya

A Buddhist temple in Kandy and the head temple of the Malwatta chapter of the Siam Nikaya. It is one of the two temples responsible for the care of the Sacred Tooth Relic enshrined at the Temple of the Tooth, and remains a pilgrimage site for Buddhists.

0.4 km away