Visiting the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Located within the Royal Palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, the Sri Dalada Maligawa is a hub of Buddhist worship. While the tooth itself is kept in a series of gold caskets and is rarely seen, the temple atmosphere during "Thewava" (offering) ceremonies is electric with the sound of drums and traditional horns. Visitors can admire the intricate wood carvings, painted ceilings, and the historical museum that narrates the journey of the relic from India to Sri Lanka. The temple is the heart of Kandy, especially during the annual Esala Perahera festival, when the relic is paraded through the streets.