Dalada Maligawa

Kandy’s most dominant landmark is the Dalada Maligawa, the 16^th – 19^th century moated and golden – roofed temple of the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. It is one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred and venerated Buddhist shrines.

The Dalada Maligawa draws multitudes of pilgrims daily, who come to worship and participate in traditional rituals which are held three times a day.

The atmosphere of lively religious activities as part of a busy day to day life alone is worth to go and have a look what is going on in the temple premises.

The temples of the four guardian gods of Sri Lanka – Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama and Pattini - dating mainly from the 18^th centuries, are in the vicinity.

Dalada Maligawa was part of the palace complex and the king lived nearby. You still find the old court complex (a new one is under construction and almost finished!), the small offices of the lawyers and the kings garden (presidential house plus Udawattakale) close to the temple. On the other side of the temple the old but artificial lake gives the place the special charm it has.

Duration: 2 hrs.