Temple of the sacred tooth relic
The city of Kandy has always been associated with mountainous scenery, a cool climate and lush tropical vegetation. However, the city itself is one of the oldest in Sri Lanka and a haven for those who admire and worship the Buddhist religion.

Kandy’s main claim to fame is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth. Upon the passing of the Lord Buddha, his left canine tooth was acquired by a devoted monk who then passed it on to King Brahmadatte as an act of profound respect and reverence. When King Brahamadatte’s empire fell he had his daughter Hemamala and son in law Dantha carry the tooth to Sri Lanka. Here King Kithsirimevan received the couple and took the tooth into possession and built a magnificent shrine for it. The tooth moved overtime to various historic capitals until it finally came to rest at its present location at the Sri Dalada Mailgawa Temple.

The main attraction of the temple is the spectacular and opulent Esala Perahera, it is a vivid and colorful procession of intricately adorned elephants, dancers and monks held during the month of July to pay reverence to the sacred tooth relic. Visitors flock to the temple in this month to pay their respects and pray to the Lord Buddha. One of the cosy, nature friendly Kandy hotels, Jetwing Hunas Falls offers the most picturesque views overlooking the pristine and mist covered Hunasgiriya Peak. It is the ideal base from which to explore the town of Kandy and its unique Buddhist roots.