Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Kandy)

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, located in the heart of Kandy, is Sri Lanka’s most revered Buddhist shrine. It houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha, making it one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Buddhists around the world. The temple complex, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases stunning Kandyan architecture with golden roofs, intricate wood carvings, and beautiful murals depicting Buddhist legends.Inside the shrine, the tooth relic is kept in a golden casket shaped like a stupa and is displayed to worshippers during ceremonial offerings called Thewawa, accompanied by rhythmic drumming known as Hevisi. The temple also plays a central role in the annual Esala Perahera, one of the grandest cultural processions in Asia. The peaceful ambiance, sacred rituals, and historical significance make the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Sri Lanka.

Kandy Dancing Show

A cultural performance showcasing Sri Lanka’s traditional Kandyan dance forms. The show features vibrant costumes, rhythmic drumming, energetic acrobatics, and symbolic storytelling dances such as the Ves, Pantheru, and Fire Dance. It reflects the ancient royal traditions of the Kandyan Kingdom.

Sigiriya

A cultural performance showcasing Sri Lanka’s traditional Kandyan dance forms. The show features vibrant costumes, rhythmic drumming, energetic acrobatics, and symbolic storytelling dances such as the Ves, Pantheru, and Fire Dance.It reflects the ancient royal traditions of the Kandyan Kingdom.

Koneswaram Temple

Koneswaram Temple, perched dramatically atop Swami Rock in Trincomalee, is an ancient Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva that blends spiritual depth, sweeping ocean vistas, and centuries of history into one awe-inspiring setting; believed to be over 2,000 years old and revered as one of Sri Lanka’s five sacred Ishwarams, the temple once formed part of a grand “Thousand Pillared” complex before much of it was destroyed by the Portuguese in the 17th century, with remnants still found around the site and in the waters below;

Today, visitors reach the temple through Fort Frederick and emerge into a serene cliff-top sanctuary filled with vibrant Dravidian sculptures, shrines, and prayer spaces, overlooking turquoise waters where the wind, crashing waves, and soaring eagles create a tranquil, almost mystical atmosphere that makes the temple a powerful place for worship, reflection, and breathtaking views.

Kandy Esala Perahera

One of the world’s oldest and grandest Buddhist festivals, held annually in Kandy. This grand procession honors the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha. Decorated elephants, traditional dancers, fire performers, drummers, and torch-bearers parade through the streets for several nights, creating a breathtaking cultural and spiritual spectacle.

Dambulla Cave Temple

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Sri Lanka’s largest, best-preserved cave temple complex. Situated atop a rock, it contains five main caves filled with over 150 Buddha statues, ancient murals, and intricate religious art dating back more than 2,000 years. The views from the top are also stunning.

Anuradhapura

An ancient capital and one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred cities. It is home to massive stupas, royal ruins, rock carvings, ancient monasteries, and the Sri Maha Bodhi tree—believed to be the oldest historically documented tree in the world. The city reflects the height of early Sinhalese civilization.

Mihintale

A sacred mountain and the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Mihintale is where Arahat Mahinda met King Devanampiya Tissa, introducing Buddhism to the island in the 3rd century BCE. The site includes stone stairways, stupas, meditation caves, and viewpoints offering panoramic countryside views.

Kandy View Point

A popular lookout spot offering a panoramic view of the entire Kandy city, including Kandy Lake, the Temple of the Tooth, and the surrounding hills. It’s especially beautiful during sunset and is ideal for photography.

Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the well-preserved ancient capital of Sri Lanka’s medieval kingdom. Flourishing between the 11th and 13th centuries, it showcases remarkable urban planning, advanced irrigation systems, and magnificent architecture. The city is famous for its royal palaces, intricately carved temples, colossal Buddha statues—especially the iconic Gal Vihara rock sculptures—and vast man-made reservoirs like the Parakrama Samudra. Walking through Polonnaruwa feels like stepping into a living museum, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of Sri Lanka’s ancient civilization and its rich cultural heritage.