When you visit Kandy, you must make a stop at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. It is the most sacred site in Sri Lanka. Locally known as the Sri Dalada Maligawa, it was established in 16th century AD. The shrine is located adjacent to the royal palace complex from the former Kingdom in Kandy and overlooks the huge expanse of Kandy Lake.

The Relic of Buddha was kept in this refuge. It was declared that the person who protects and houses it will automatically be given the right to lead the country. This artifact is a symbol of pride and identity for Sinhalese. Each day thousands of white-clad pilgrims travel to this sacred space bearing lotus flowers and frangipani as they offer prayers and pray, or pujas. Visitors and devotees can visit the Temple during puja to see the protected inner shrine, even though the tooth is still kept in a gold casket.

The annual Esala Perahera procession sees the Relic casket being paraded down the streets on a male elephant. This 10-day festival is the largest Buddhist festival in the world, and it is the most important in Sri Lanka.

It is best to visit the Temple in the morning, or at night when the prayers and ceremonial offerings are made. You must dress appropriately. Your legs and shoulders must be covered and your shoes removed before you enter the holy Temple.