The brilliant white walls, the glamorous pageantry and intricate carvings of gold, bronze and ivory are all set against a backdrop of lush green forests and the calm Kandy Lake. This is a marvel of Kandyan heritage. Here are more facts that should come in handy.
How to get there
Located at the centre of Kandyan Kingdom, it is roughly 100km away from the Katunayake Airport. If you happen to be in the city, you may take a leisurely walk around the city or call a tuk to speed up the route. If you stay on the outskirts of Kandy, you travel to Kandy by bus for a reasonable fee or hail a tuk.
Best time to visit
As it is a spiritual space if you visit from 5.00 PM to 7.00 PM you can witness the prayers and chant conducted by the Buddhist monks for the city’s safety, health and wellbeing. However, if you’re not too keen on crowds, you can take the earliest journey as soon as the temple is open for visitors. You can find info about visiting times and ticketing information on blogs and sites such as Kandy Escapes.
The sacred tooth relic
The Sri Dalada Maligawa is the resting place for one of the most venerated relics in Buddhist culture, the tooth relic of Sri Gautama Buddha. It has been passed down for about 2000 years and was a historic symbol of power among the rulers of the Island.
The Perahera
The most colourful, extravagant, glamourous procession you’ll ever see featuring elephants and displays of dancing and fire, is the Perahera of the Sri Dalada Maligawa. It takes place annually during July-August and if you happen to be in Sri Lanka during that time it is a must-watch.
Tips
This is a place of utmost respect and religious importance for Sri Lankans. Please show your reverence and respect for the local culture by wearing modest clothing that covers your legs, arms and bare shoulders. If by any chance you haven’t brought any appropriate clothing with you, you can ask for a shawl or a sarong to cover up.
