The Temple of the tooth relic is also known as the Dalada Maligawa which is the holiest Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka, making it the most sacred place of worship among Buddhists around the world. It is located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha.
It is located approximately a twenty minute tuk tuk ride from the city center and it attracts about 2 million visitors annually. The total area of the garden is 147 acres. It includes more than 4.000 species of plants. The Royal Botanical Garden is renowned for its collection of orchids.
This is an artificial lake built in the heart of the city in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasingh, and is situated right next to the Temple of the Sacred tooth relic. There are many legends and folklore regarding the protected lake.
Udawattakele is a 257 acres forest reserve on a hill-ridge in the city. The sanctuary is famous for its extensive avifauna and adventurous bike rides. The reserve also contains a great variety of plant species, especially lianas, shrubs and small trees.
The Kandy Esala Perahera is also known as the “Festival of the Tooth”, which is held in July and August. This historical procession that is held annually to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha is paraded in a procession that consists of traditional local dances, jugglers, musicians, fire-breathers, acrobats, and a large number of caparisoned Tuskers and Elephants parading the streets in celebration of a religious event. The significance of the Esala Perahera that is held in July or August is believed to commemorate the first teaching given by the Buddha after he attained enlightenment.
