Kandy, or Senkadagalapura, became the capital of the Kingdom of Kandy at the end of the 16th century, during the struggle against Portuguese influence on the coast. Mountains, forests and remoteness from seaports really helped the kingdom maintain its independence. Kandy became the last capital of the Sinhalese kings: in 1815, the city was occupied by British troops. Today, it is not an "impregnable place", but a living city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where history is still read in the temple complex, palace and layout around the lake.
The Mahaweli Ganga runs through the city, and next to the temple lies a large artificial lake Kandy, also known as Kiri-Muhuda – "Sea of Milk". It belongs to the legacy of the last years of the Kandyan Kingdom. There is an island in the center of the lake; stories about its palace purpose are better taken as a local legend rather than as an established fact. It is really easy to meet birds and monitor lizards on the shore – so a leisurely walk around the lake remains one of the most pleasant ways to feel the city.
The main attraction of Kandy is also located here - the Dalada Maligawa Temple, or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth. According to Buddhist tradition, the left tusk of Gautama Buddha is kept here. The relic is associated with the history of power on the island: its presence in the capital was perceived as a sign of the legitimacy of the ruler. The temple is located next to the former royal palace and remains an important place of pilgrimage, not just a tourist site.
It seems that Sri Lanka could become Zurab Tsereteli's favorite place: it is easy to get carried away by the scale of legends here. But it is better not to guess the exact size of the relic in the article: visitors are not shown it, and in the temple it is stored in seven golden caskets nested inside each other. More importantly, ceremonies, queues of pilgrims, drums and flower offerings remind you that you have a functioning shrine in front of you.
According to Buddhist tradition, the relic came to the island in the IV century: Princess Hemamala brought it from India, hiding it in her hair. It ended up in Kandy in 1595; the current temple complex was mainly formed in the era of the Kandyan Kingdom. Thus, the legend becomes a convenient entry point into history, and not a replacement for it.
It is believed that the tooth brings good luck and power to its keeper. Historically, the right to rule was really associated with it, so there was a struggle for the relic and the temple. In January 1998, an explosion seriously damaged the temple complex; UNESCO documented the subsequent restoration. This is an important context to visit: both faith and the preservation of the monument are carefully treated here.
I don't know if you believe the legends, but Kandy is definitely worth a visit! I decided that this is Sri Lankan St. Petersburg - an amazingly beautiful city among greenery, water and temples.
What to check before visiting
- The official website of the temple indicates the daily visiting time from 05:30 to 20:00; the ritual schedule and entry conditions may vary, so check them before leaving.
- Modest clothing is required to enter: shoulders and knees must be covered. At the entrance, there is an inspection, shoes and large things are offered to be left at special points.
- The official FAQ publishes separate prices for visitors from SAARC countries, Thailand and Myanmar and for other foreigners. Do not focus on old blogs: check the current rate right before your visit.
- Photography or filming is not permitted inside the temple premises; turn off devices at the entrance and follow the instructions of the staff.
Sources & Verification
Facts checked on 2026-09-01 on the UNESCO page on the Holy City of Kandy, the Central Cultural Fund material on the Temple of the Sacred Tooth and the official FAQ of the Dalad Maligawa Temple. For visiting rules, ceremonies and prices, always check the latest official publication of the temple.
