Temple of the Tooth Kandy — visiting times, dress code, and is the puja ceremony worth seeing?
Kandy is on our itinerary and the Temple of the Tooth (Dalada Maligawa) seems like a must. I have a few practical questions:
1. What are the opening times and are there specific times the tooth relic is on display?
2. I've heard there are three daily puja (worship) ceremonies — what time are they and is it worth timing your visit around one?
3. What is the dress code exactly — can I wear shorts and sandals if I cover up at the door?
4. Is there an entry fee and does it include the puja or is that separate?
5. How long should I allocate for a visit?
6. Is there anything else near the temple worth combining in the same half-day?
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2 Answers from travellers
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I visit the Dalada Maligawa regularly and can answer all of these precisely:
Opening times: 5:30 AM to 8:00 PM daily. The inner shrine room where the tooth relic casket is displayed is open during puja times and a limited viewing period each morning.
The three daily puja ceremonies:
- Thevava: 5:30–6:45 AM (dawn offering)
- Nanumura Mangalyaya: 9:30–11:00 AM
- Thevava: 6:30–8:00 PM (evening offering)
The evening puja is the most atmospheric — drums, hewisi music, and a large congregation of worshippers. If you can only attend one, attend the evening puja. Arrive at least 30 minutes early for a good position.
Dress code:
Shorts and sleeveless tops are not permitted anywhere in the complex. Sarongs are available at the entrance to wrap over shorts (free or small fee). Shoes must be removed from the outer courtyard inward. Bare feet on hot stone is worth knowing about — small shoe bags are helpful.
Entry fee (foreign visitors): LKR 1,500 (approximately USD 5). This includes entry during puja. Photography is permitted in most areas but not during the active puja ceremony.
How long: 1–1.5 hours for the temple complex alone. Combined with the Royal Palace Museum and the Kandy Lake walk: a full 3-hour half-day.
Nearby: Kandy National Museum (next door, worth 30 minutes), Bahiravokanda Buddha statue (15 min tuk-tuk), Peradeniya Botanical Gardens (20 min drive).
Visited during the evening puja — the atmosphere was extraordinary. The sound of the drums echoing inside the ancient stone corridors, the smell of incense and jasmine offerings, hundreds of worshippers pressing forward to pay respects. Even as a non-religious visitor it was deeply moving. Don't just walk through the temple as a tourist — attend the puja and observe respectfully.
Scam Watch: kandy
TukTuk or tour drivers take you to "gem museums" or "government-certified" gem shops. They receive huge commissions (up to 40%) on anything you buy. Prices are inflated 3-10x the actual value.
Men approach tourists near Temple of the Tooth offering to be guides. After the tour, they demand large "donations" or guide fees (5000-10000 LKR).
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