Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist temple holds what tradition says is the left canine tooth of the Buddha, in a golden-roofed complex beside Kandy Lake. The Mahavamsa chronicle tells how Princess Hemamali carried the relic to the island hidden in her hair, and for centuries whoever kept it was seen to have the right to rule. The complex is the heart of the UNESCO-listed Sacred City of Kandy and a living place of worship, with drumming, chanting and flower offerings three times a day. It ranks among Kandy's most visited sights, and for good reason - most itineraries include it on day one.

Walk barefoot through marble corridors lined with Buddhist paintings, and join the queue of devotees carrying lotus flowers towards the golden shrine. When the drums start for puja, the whole courtyard turns towards the sound. If you are in Kandy in late July or August, the Esala Perahera sets out from here: ten nights of dancers, fire performers and caparisoned elephants, with a replica casket carried on the back of a tusker.

Experience living Buddhist culture at Sri Lanka's most important religious site. That puts it near the top of any Kandy visit, and it deserves the spot. Combine it with International Buddhist Centre and National Museum of Kandy - they are close enough to walk between and together make the strongest half-day in Kandy. Afternoon tends to work best here.

It is one entry in our list of things to do in Kandy. The Kandy guide covers transport, costs and when to go.

We plan trips to Kandy and the rest of Sri Lanka. Tell us your dates and we will put a route together. Our routes are on the tours page.