How To Get From Colombo To Galle: Know The Best Options For Traveling The Distance 

BY  Sibashree Jun 15, 2026

Amidst the concerns of poaching and irregularities, Kumana National Park remains one of the hotspots for wildlife encounters in Sri Lanka.  During my days in Sri Lanka, I had already done the Hurulu Eco Park Safari, a safari in the Kaudulla National Park. Also, Kumana National Park was the third place I chose for a safari, where I had delightful encounters with elephants.  Though the park offers various jeep safaris, wildlife tours, and birdwatching tours, I planned it in a different way. I opted for a wildlife ride from Arugam Bay to Kumana National Park instead of taking a safari tour inside.  I took a DIY route and rented a scooter for a day, and started from Arugam Bay, which was just 50 minutes away.  The rental charge was around LKR 2000. Also, I chose it to make my experience of meeting these amazing animals in their natural habitat more memorable.  And in this article, I will share the adrenaline rush I had at Kumana National Park, the Kumana National Park safari prices, and more.  However, let’s start with where Kumana National Park is. Where Is Kumana National Park? The southeastern part of Sri Lanka has many gems, and Kumana National Park is surely one of them.  Around 50 km away from Arugam Bay, it shares a contiguous border with the Yala National Park. Also, the beautiful Kumbukkan Oya River separates them.  In addition, it is located at a distance of around 391 km from Colombo via Panama.  Thanks to its location, the Kumana National Park is also known as Yala East. It offers a more peaceful safari experience than neighboring Yala and other destinations, as it gets fewer vehicles.  Also, it has lagoons, dense mangrove forests, and the central Kumana Villu swamp.  Moreover, along with elephants, deer, leopards, and crocodiles, the Kumana National Park also has birds of different species.  In fact, it is a premier destination for bird watching with the presence of migratory waterfowl, painted storks, and black-necked storks. My Experience Of The Kumana National Park Safari Let me tell you, you will not be able to get inside the Kumana National Park on a scooter. If you want a proper safari inside the park, you will have to be a part of the jeep tours.  The Ride With my scooter plan sorted, I rode south of Arugam Bay and rode for ten kilometers, leading to the Kumana Park entrance.  It is an extension of the park, and it took around 1 hour to ride through the park stretch.  Now, as soon as I left Arugam Bay, I started noticing elephants, and there was a complete herd near the Elephant Rock. They were busy among themselves in an open field.  However, the scooter ride became more adventurous after I passed through Panama. The dirt roads start from here, and you feel that you are away from the bustling surfing town of Arugama Bay.  Then, the small roads took twists and turns, and they passed through wetlands and fields just outside the Kumana National Park. Here, I could spot many wildlife variations, including water buffalo and deer.  The Visitor Center And The Kudumbigala Monastery Next, I stopped at the visitor center at the park entrance and spent around 20 minutes there learning about the park and the wildlife there.  I continued my journey to the nearby Kudumbigala Monastery. It was built in 246 BC and is a magnificent Buddhist hermitage spanning across 600 acres.  King Devanampiyatissa, the first Buddhist king of Sri Lanka, built it.  Kumana National Park Jeep Safaris You have many options if you are planning a Kumana National Park jeep safari. Have a look at the table below to know the Kumana National Park jeep safari details.  Types of Kumana National Park Jeep Safaris Kumana National Park Jeep Safari PriceMorning Jeep Safari $71 USD OnwardAfternoon Jeep Safari $71 USD OnwardFull-Day Kumana National Park Safari with Rice and Curry Lunch$97 USD OnwardKumana National Park and Panama Village$76 USD Onward What Is The Best Time For A Kumana National Park Safari?  Late afternoon is the best time to spot an elephant at Kumana National Park. This is the time when these adorable animals gather near water.  I also saw two crocodiles gliding into the water.  I even had a very close encounter with an adult elephant, and honestly, I was scared a little. However, the mother elephant was unbothered, and she passed by showing her regal moves.  And also, I saw a peacock with all its feathers spread out. It was a lifetime experience for me.  Furthermore, season-wise, April to June, or the dry season in the eastern region, is the best time for a Kumana National Park jeep safari.  These months are also ideal for the nesting season of the local and migratory waterbirds in the Kumana Villu swamp.  So, in these months, you can spot egrets, herons, ibises, pelicans, and painted storks.  Where To Stay Near The Kumana National Park?  Panama is at a distance of 22 km. Arugam Bay. It is also located around 50 km away. So, these two are the best places to stay if you are planning a visit to the Kumana National Park.  However, do you want the most immersive experience? You can plan a stay in the Kumana Mobile Tented Camp inside the Kumana National Park.  Here, you will stay in simple canvas tents, and the amenities will be basic. You will get facilities such as a portable loo outside the camp and a fresh water supply for bathing.  For me, the biggest attraction in the camp was the communal area. Everyone could sit there and have their food. Furthermore, here you can find the best collection of wildlife books.  In addition, this camp offers excursions to hidden spots, pristine lagoons, and amazing viewpoints on a bicycle.  I chose the camp location close to the ocean. Also, if you want, you can also find a camp closer to the jungle.  However, this is quite an expensive affair, and the tariff was around $330 per night.

BY  Sibashree Jan 6, 2026

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) is planning to diversify its tourism offerings. Jaffna, the northernmost part, comes into the limelight. Also, Jaffna is the place to learn about the local Tamil culture and heritage of the country.  Moreover, Jaffna has beautiful temples, and the Jaffna temple etiquette shows how the people here are sincere about their customs and traditions. Also, major festivals such as the Nallur Annual Festival are celebrated around the temples here.  On the other hand, the Jaffna food scene is a celebration of locally-sourced ingredients such as fresh seafood, palm flour, and roasted spices.  SLTDA is proactively improving the infrastructure without compromising the sustainability aspect. Thus, in 2026, Jaffna is going to emerge as an eco-tourism leader, which promotes its culture and heritage.  Also, during my last visit, I found Jaffna to be a rhythm. I woke up with the sound of temple bells at 5 AM and the smell of jasmine and roasted curry powder. As I crossed the Elephant Pass, it was a paradigm shift from the greens of the Sinhalese South. Suddenly, I was in a sun-drenched, rugged terrain of palmyrah palms and limestone.  Moreover, the humble and soft curves of the Buddhist Stupas were replaced by the towering Gopurams of the Hindu temples.  Also, life moves at a gentle pace here, and everyone works together, keeping a century-old tradition and heritage alive.  In this Tour and Travel Blog, I will talk about how to experience Tamil culture in Jaffna every day, through festivals, temple visits, and more.  How To Experience Tamil Culture In Jaffna? Reading The Streets And Daily Rituals  Taking a walk down the streets of Jaffna is the best way to learn about the local Tamil culture. And the best part is the inclusivity.  So, it does not matter which social strata you belong to. The customs, festivals, and temples are accessible to all. Nevertheless, these are the daily rituals and road customs that offer insights into the culture of Jaffna. 1. The Kolam (Doorstep Art) I walked along the lanes of Jaffna at dawn and saw women sweeping their doorsteps and drawing intricate geometric patterns with white rice flour. It is called the Kolam.  Kolam has deeper spiritual and environmental implications. Furthermore, Kolam at the doorstep is a gesture of non-violence or Ahimsa. Also, the design is made using rice flour, which ants and birds eat. Thus, the first act of the day becomes about giving.  Furthermore, during a special festival or wedding in the house, the white lines are bordered with Kaavi (red brick powder). The red lines offer spiritual protection from evil eyes.  Also, if you see a house with no Kolam for many days, it means that the family is mourning. Moreover, it signifies that the rhythm of joy has paused for a certain period for the family. 2. The Pottu And Vibuthi (Forehead Markings) Pottu and Vibuthi are two different types of forehead markings, and these are the visual language of faith. a. Vibuthi (The Ash) Vibuthi means three horizontal lines drawn on the foreheads of the devotees of Shiva. It means the burning away of the ego and the impermanence of life.  Also, the followers of Lord Shiva often smear ash on their foreheads after a morning temple visit.  b. The Sandalwood Paste It is a yellow dot made of sandalwood paste. Many people even smear the sandalwood paste on the entire forehead. It signifies mental clarity and cooling. c. Pottu (The Dot) Pottu, often red (vermillion), symbolizes the "third eye" or the seat of Shakti (divine power). It means that a woman is married.  You will also notice black dots (with Kajal/Kohl) on the forehead of young children as a mark to ward off evil eyes.  3. The Home Visit Etiquette And Tamil Hospitality Customs The Tamil hospitality customs are warm and welcoming. However, when you visit a Jaffna home, you have to follow certain social norms.  Follow The Evil Eye Or Drishti Rule  You cannot praise the beauty and health of a child excessively when visiting their home. It is considered a bad omen or an act of jealousy. If you want to adore a child, praise them briefly and share your good wishes.  The Plate Rule Of Eating  It does not matter how much you liked the food. You cannot polish your plate. Contrary to Western culture, here, leaving a polished plate means that you are still hungry or the host failed to provide enough.  The custom is to leave a tiny, symbolic amount of food on the plate. It shows that you have been provided with an abundant amount of food. 4. Caste & Conservatism: Managing Expectations In my Jaffna travel guide, I have talked about the cultural richness of the Sri Lankan northern city. However, beyond the cosmopolitan buzz of Colombo, a socially conservative vibe reigns in this region of Sri Lanka.  So, PDA or public displays of affection, even holding hands, can draw uncomfortable stares from the older generation.  Furthermore, you cannot wear short skirts or shorts in public. Your clothing has to be modest, and usually your knees and shoulders should be covered.  Temple Culture Beyond Sightseeing: A Jaffna Cultural Guide The Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil is the majestic spiritual and cultural heart of the city. However, the village kovils, or the smaller temples, are the places where local communities gather, and the atmosphere is very intimate.  The Archana Basket Ritual At The Temples  You can buy a small wicker basket near the temple entrance. It contains bananas, a coconut, flowers, and betel leaves.  Once you enter the temple, you have to hand it over to the priest at the inner sanctum. He will offer the basket to the deity and chant a blessing.  Furthermore, the priest will return with a flaming lamp (Aarti). Hover your hands over the flame and then touch your eyes to receive the light’s blessing. The Temple Sound: Nadaswaram And Thavil When you are in Jaffna, you don’t have to look for music. The music will find you. The sound of the Nadaswaram, a long wind instrument, exudes a piercing and soulful melody.  Then, the Thavil, or drum, has a thundering sound, and it is heard during every major temple festival. Nallur Festival Traditions And Jaffna Festival Calendar FestivalMonthWhat to ExpectThai PongalJanuaryA harvest festival where "Pongal" (rice and milk) is boiled until it spills over, symbolizing abundance.Nallur FestivalAugustA massive 25-day celebration culminating in a grand chariot procession where thousands of men pull the deity's carriage.DeepavaliNovemberThe Festival of Lights; homes have oil lamps, and the city exudes the scent of traditional sweets. Immersive Cultural Experiences For an immersive cultural experience, you must meet a traditional weaver in Inuvil. You will see how artisans create the most intricate textiles on hand-operated looms from cotton and palmyrah fibers.  Also, you must give the restaurants a miss for the day. Visit a local homestay where you can have cooking lessons. Grind spices using a stone grinder or Miris Gala and feel the aroma.  Do you love Bharatanatyam Dance? Visit an art school like the Jaffna Kalai Thoothu. You can watch students rehearse this ancient, highly disciplined classical dance form. You can even join sessions such as the Vibrant Rhythms of Jaffna, where you can also try some moves.  The Authority Voices On The Jaffna Cultural Guide •Anuk Arudpragasam (Booker Prize Shortlisted Author): “Jaffna is a place of memory. The culture here isn't just performed; it is held onto tightly as a way of surviving history.” (Context: Discussing the resilience of Tamil culture post-war). vThe "Jaffna Boy" (Local Cultural Blogger): “To know Jaffna, you must wake up before the sun. The culture lives in the sweeping of the front yard and the drawing of the Kolam before the heat sets in.” •Serious Eats (Culinary Authority): “The hospitality in Jaffna is aggressive in the best way possible. You do not just 'eat' here; you are fed.” A Jaffna Cultural Guide: Know The Expert Tips  “Saptingala” or “Have you eaten?” This is the common term I have heard from the locals I encountered. Seldom have I come across a city where people are so caring, even in casual greetings.  However, it’s safe to say “Yes.” Otherwise, they will feel obligated to feed you. Apart from these gestures, some other things you need to keep in mind when you are in Jaffna. 1. Don’t Touch The Head The head is the most sacred part of the body. So, you cannot pat a child on the head. Furthermore, you cannot touch a priest or monk randomly.  2. Use Your Clean Right Hand  You have to keep your right hand clean. You must use your right hand for shaking hands, eating, giving money and gifts, and pointing.  3. Men And Shirts  You will often find older men not wearing a shirt in their house. There is nothing offensive about the custom. In the hot and humid north, it is a tradition that ensures comfort.  4. Don’t Photograph Women Bathing In Holy Places Keerimalai Springs is a holy bathing place, and local women often take a bath in sarees at public wells. You must not photograph them.  It is a daily ritual for them and not meant for any tourist show.  5. The Quintessential Jaffna Siesta  Most shops and house doors are closed between 1 PM and 4 PM. It is the Jaffna Siesta time. It once again shows how life in Jaffna moves at a different pace than the rest of the world.  6. Gold Is Security  Women in Jaffna roam around wearing massive amounts of gold jewelry. It is their financial security. Also, Thattam, or the gold coin jewelry, is especially famous here.  It is disrespectful if you ask a woman whether the ornaments she is wearing are real or not. It is always real.  7. The Jasmine Rule  During my stay in Jaffna, I always wore a string of fresh jasmine flowers in my hair. It was one of the reasons why I connected with the local people very quickly.  A Jaffna Cultural Guide: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Jaffna cultural guide.  1. What Is The Main Religion In Jaffna?  Hinduism is the main religion in Jaffna. Furthermore, people here are mostly devotees of Lord Shiva and Murugan. The religious beliefs of the people here impact the local culture, food, and daily rhythm. 2. Can I Shake Hands With Local Women? The Jaffna society is conservative. So, most women here will not be comfortable shaking hands with you at the first meeting. You can fold your hands and say “Vanakkam” with a smile for a perfect greeting.  3. What Language Do The People In Jaffna Speak? Tamil is the primary language in Jaffna. People here rarely speak the Sinhalese language.Furthermore, you will find people speaking English in hotels and other facilities. However, as you explore the villages, you will find very few people speaking English.  4. Is Jaffna Culture Similar To India?  Yes, the culture of Jaffna is very similar to that of Tamil Nadu in South India. In fact, if you visit Jaffna from Colombo, you will experience a huge cultural shift. The Tamil people in Jaffna are very protective and proud of their distinct identity, cuisine, and dialect.  5. Can I Enter A Home In Jaffna If I Am Invited? Yes, it is a huge honor to visit a home in Jaffna on invitation. Just remember to take off your shoes at the gate or door. Furthermore, when you visit a home in Jaffna, you can carry flowers and sweets as gifts. You must not carry alcohol as a gift if you are visiting a home in Jaffna for the first time. 6. Why Is Vegetarian Food So Common In Jaffna?  Vegetarian food is very common in Jaffna due to the strong Hindu influence. Many locals are vegetarians here due to religious beliefs. Also, many local Tamil families here follow the custom of eating vegetarian food on Tuesdays, Fridays, and other holy days. 7. Is It Rude To Leave Food On My Plate In Jaffna? No, it is not rude to leave food on your plate when you are eating in Jaffna. In fact, when you leave a little amount of food on your plate in Jaffna, it means that the host has served you an abundant amount of food. If you polish your plate off completely, the host may serve you another mountain of rice, considering you are not full yet. 

BY  Sibashree Sep 14, 2026

Almost every visitor notices the golden roof or moat around it when visiting the Temple of the Tooth, Kandy.  However, the first thing I noticed was the queue.  It was an ordinary Tuesday morning, around 9 AM.  I saw monks, schoolchildren in white, and visitors with cameras filling the same security screening.  However, I was not surprised to see the crowd at the Temple of the Tooth, or the Sri Dalada Maligawa. Built around a single relic, it has shaped the island's politics and identity for over 1,600 years. Also, as the living spiritual centre of Sri Lankan Buddhism, it deserves all the attention.  In addition, the temple has been in the news more than once in the past two years.  In April 2025, a rare public exposition of the Tooth Relic drew an estimated 450,000 devotees in a single day. The queues were long and stretched around 10 kilometers through Kandy.  Again, the temple hosted the ten-night Kandy Esala Perahera, running from 18 to 28 August, 2026.  While there is still time for the Kandy Esala Perahera Festival in 2027, you can plan a visit to the temple on a regular day to have a more immersive and detailed encounter with this iconic Sri Lankan landmark.  The Temple Of The Tooth, Kandy: At A Glance Things to KnowDetailOfficial NameSri Dalada MaligawaAlso Known asTemple of the Sacred Tooth RelicTemple of the ToothLocationPalace Square, Kandy, Central Province, Sri LankaWhat it enshrinesThe left canine tooth relic of the BuddhaUNESCO statusPart of the Sacred City of Kandy, a World Heritage Site since 1988Present shrine built1707–1739, under King Sri Veera Parakrama NarendrasingheDaily opening hours5:30 AM – 8:00 PM, every day of the yearDaily puja (ritual) times5:30–7:00 AM9:30–11:00 AM6:30–8:00 PMEntrance fee (most foreign nationals)LKR 3,000Entrance fee (SAARC nations, Thailand, Myanmar)LKR 2,500Entrance fee (Sri Lankan citizens)FreeMajor annual festivalKandy Esala Perahera (July/August)Time neededAbout 1 to1.5 hours for the temple and longer during puja or festival season What Is The Story Behind The Temple Of The Tooth? The tooth relic arrived in Sri Lanka around seventeen centuries ago, between 301 and 328 CE.  The temple has been rebuilt, burned down, and rebuilt again more times than we can think of.  How Did The Tooth Relic Come To India? According to Buddhist tradition, after the Buddha's parinirvana, his left canine tooth was preserved in the Kingdom of Kalinga.  The Kingdom of Kalinga is now the state of Odisha in India.  However, there was unrest during the reign of King Guhasiva. So, Princess Hemamali and her husband, Prince Danta, took the tooth relic out of Kalinga. The relic was hidden inside the hair of the princess to ensure a safe passage.  They safely brought it to Sri Lanka during the reign of King Kithsiri Meghavanna, dated around 301 to 328 AD.  Since then, the relic has become inseparable from Sri Lankan kingship.  It was said that whichever king had it would have the right to rule.  Also, the relic was moved from capital to capital.  It came through Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambadeniya, Yapahuwa, Kurunegala, Gampola, and finally reached Kotte.  Then, it came to Kandy, the last of the royal capitals of Sri Lanka.  A Timeline Of Sri Dalada Maligawa The building we see today is not the original structure. It is the product of at least four rebuilds across two and a half centuries. It was shaped by Portuguese raids, a Dutch fire, and later renovations by successive Kandyan kings. PeriodWhat happenedc. 301–328 ADTooth relic brought to Sri Lanka from Kalinga by Prince Danta and Princess Hemamali during the reign of King Kithsiri Meghavanna.1592–1604King Wimaladharmasuriya I built the first Dalada Maligawa in Kandy, later destroyed during Portuguese invasions.1635–1687King Rajasinghe II built a second shrine on the same site, and it was burned down by the Dutch.1687King Wimaladharmasuriya II constructs a three-storey Dalada Maligawa, which later decays.1707–1739King Sri Veera Parakrama Narendrasinghe builds the two-storey shrine that still stands today.1747–1782King Kirti Sri Rajasinha renovates and beautifies the temple to be close to its present appearance.1798–1815King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe adds the octagonal Pattirippuwa pavilion.1815The Kandyan Kingdom falls to the British; daily rituals at the temple continue without a break.1988UNESCO inscribes the Sacred City of Kandy, including the temple, as a World Heritage Site.25 January 1998An LTTE suicide truck bombing damages the temple's facade and the adjoining royal palace complex, killing more than a dozen people.April 2025A rare public exposition of the relic draws an estimated 450,000 devotees in a single day.18–28 August 2026The ten-night Kandy Esala Perahera, combining the Kumbal and Randoli processions, is held at the temple. Surviving Invasions, War, And Time Even after such a long history, the rituals at the site have never stopped.  The rituals have continued through Portuguese raids, Dutch fire, the British taking Kandy, and even after the 1998 bombing.  Today, Mahanayake theros of the Malwatta and Asgiriya monastic chapters and a lay custodian, Diyawadana Nilame, are the custodians of the daily rituals.  They also take care of the preservation of the relic.  Why Is The Temple Of Tooth So Important?  The Temple of Tooth is not just the most photographed temple in Sri Lanka.  For Sri Lankan Buddhists, it is the living head of state for the faith.  This explains why the atmosphere inside the relic feels very different from a typical heritage monument.  A Living Symbol Of Buddhist Sri Lanka The possession of the tooth relic was the validation of a king’s right to rule the island. So, it moved between capitals alongside the seat of government for centuries.  This symbolic weight has not disappeared with the monarchy.  Sri Lankan presidents and senior officials still make a point of visiting the temple during the Esala Perahera each year. Thus, they continue a tradition of state association with the relic that predates colonial rule by well over a thousand years. The Kandy Esala Perahera The biggest annual event of Kandy is Esala Perahera.  It is a firelit procession of dancers, drummers, and elaborately dressed tusker elephants.  These festivities take us back to the 1600 year old tradition of the temple.  In 2026, the festival ran across ten nights from 18 to 28 August. The five nights of the Kumbal Perahera were followed by five nights of the grand Randoli Perahera. The festival closed with the Diya Kapeema water-cutting ceremony.  If your Sri Lanka trip lines up with late July or August, it is worth checking that year's dates on the temple's official website before booking. The festival follows the lunar calendar and shifts annually. Planning Your Visit: Timings, Fees, And Rules In this section, I have highlighted the operating hours and fees for the Temple of the Tooth.  Opening Hours And Puja Times ServiceTimingDaily opening hours5:30 AM to 8:00 PM, every day (including Sundays and public holidays)Early morning service (Thewawa)5:30 AM to 7:00 AMMidday service (Thewawa)9:30 AM to 11:00 AMEvening service (Thewawa)6:30 PM to 8:00 PMNanumura Mangallaya (herbal bathing ritual)Every Wednesday, 9:30 AMChild-offering ceremonyDaily, 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM Entrance Fees Visitor categoryFee (LKR)Sri Lankan citizensFreeSAARC country nationals2,500Thailand and Myanmar nationals2,500All other foreign nationals3,000 The ticket is a single entry that covers the Temple of the Tooth Relic, the Dalada Museum, the World Buddhist Museum, the Tusker Museum, and the Royal Elephant Stable. So, budget a bit more time than "just the shrine" if you want to see all five.  The machines installed at the temple itself issue the tickets.  However, many outside individuals or agencies claim to sell the tickets to the temple. These are not valid.  Entry Guidelines All visitors and their belongings go through screening at the entrance with scanning machines. So, leave bulky luggage behind. Plastic and polythene, including for offerings, are discouraged inside the premises. Pets are not permitted anywhere on the temple grounds. Visitors with mobility needs can arrange transport from the main entrance and lift access by calling the temple's administration office in advance. What It Is Actually Like To Visit Photos of the golden roof and the octagonal Pattirippuwa do not really prepare you for how the temple feels once you are inside. It is smaller, quieter in some corners and far more crowded in others. Also, every activity here happens around the ritual clock rather than tourist convenience. Walking Through The Complex After the security check, the path leads to a moat. It also goes through the Mahawahalkada, the ornately carved main entrance, before opening into the temple courtyard.  The two-storey main shrine sits at the centre. Also, its upper floor is carved from ivory. The golden canopy and jewelled caskets surrounding the relic itself are visible only from a respectful distance.  The stonework, including the moonstone carving at the entrance and the Water Wall running along the moat, is stunning.  The holes hold oil lamps, and you can only focus on them if the crowd is a little less.  The Puja Ceremony You must reach the temple at least 15-20 minutes before the puja ceremony.  This is when drummers play the traditional hewisi rhythms and the inner chamber doors open. So, you will get the closest view most visitors will ever get of the golden reliquary.  The 9:30 AM service tends to be the most manageable for tourists in terms of crowd size and daylight for photography. However, the temple authority does not allow flash photography near the shrine. Beyond The Main Shrine The Tusker Museum in particular houses the preserved remains of Raja, the legendary tusker who carried the relic casket in the Esala Perahera for over 50 years. It is a detail most first-time visitors miss. A Half-Day Itinerary Around The Temple TimeActivity9:00 AMArrive at Sri Dalada Maligawa, clear security, and buy your ticket.9:15 AMExplore the courtyard, moonstone carving, and Water Wall before the crowd builds.9:30 AMAttend the midday puja and hewisi drumming at the inner shrine.10:15 AMVisit the Dalada Museum and Tusker Museum (included in your ticket).11:15 AMWalk the perimeter of Kandy Lake, just south of the temple.12:00 PMLunch at one of the cafés along Dalada Vidiya, the road facing the temple.1:00 PMContinue on to the Royal Palace complex or the National Museum of Kandy next door Things You Probably Didn't Know There is no actual photograph of the tooth relic, and the temple authority does not display it publicly.  What they show twice daily is the outermost of several nested golden caskets that house it. The temple survived a suicide truck bombing on 25 January 1998. It was days before Sri Lanka's 50th independence anniversary celebrations, with Kandy as the epicenter.  The attack damaged the facade. However,  nothing happened to the relic, and daily rituals resumed within days. The octagonal Pattirippuwa pavilion, one of the most photographed parts of the complex, was not part of the original design at all. It was an addition between 1798 and 1815, under the island's last king, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe. Newborns can be formally "offered" to the temple as part of a blessing ceremony at 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM daily. The child has to be between three and six months old. What Is The Best Time To Visit The Temple Of The Tooth?  The temple is open 365 days. However, a few timing choices make a real difference to the temple visit experience.  You will enjoy the calmest ambiance in the temple at 5 AM when the temple opens. I visited the temple at 9 AM.  It was just before the temple opened. The crowd was large, but they were in a disciplined queue.  So, I got the chance to explore the temple and take the best photographs.  Moreover, if your dates allow, you can visit the temple during the Kandy Esala Perahera in July or August. Also, the Poya (full moon) days and Wednesdays, when the Nanumura Mangallaya bathing ritual takes place, draw larger numbers of local devotees.