Sri Dalada Museum
Sri Dalada Museum is an important cultural and religious museum located within the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic complex in Kandy, Sri Lanka. The museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history, traditions, and significance of the sacred temple and the revered Sri Dalada Maligawa, one of the most important Buddhist sites in the world.
Most visitors to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic see the shrine, the offerings and the crowds, then head back out. Take a little longer and climb up to the Sri Dalada Museum, and the temple starts to make a lot more sense.
The museum sits inside the temple complex itself and tells the story of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the temple built to protect it. For centuries, keeping the relic was tied to the right to rule the island, and the exhibits show how closely faith and royalty were bound together in Sri Lanka's history.
Spread across two floors, the collection includes old documents, photographs, ceremonial objects and gifts offered to the temple over the years. Some pieces are quietly beautiful, while others help explain the rituals you see happening downstairs. It's a small museum, so you can take your time with each room without feeling rushed.
Entry is included in your Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic ticket, so there's no extra cost. The museum opens daily from 7am to 7:30pm, and 30 to 45 minutes is enough to see both floors comfortably.
Early morning, between 7 and 9am, is the calmest time, before the temple fills up. Dress as you would for the temple itself, with shoulders and knees covered. The museum is right in the heart of Kandy by the lake, so it's easy to fold into your temple visit.
At a glance
- Entry fee: Included with Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic entrance ticket.
- Opening hours: Daily from 7 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.
- Time needed: About 30 to 45 minutes covers the two floors comfortably.
- Best time: Morning between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM
How to get there
The Sri Dalada Museum is located inside the historic Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) complex in the heart of Kandy, Sri Lanka, right by Kandy Lake. You can easily walk there from anywhere in the city center or access the museum directly from inside the main temple grounds.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to visit Sri Dalada Museum?
- Included with Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic entrance ticket.
- What are the opening hours at Sri Dalada Museum?
- Daily from 7 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.
- How long should I spend at Sri Dalada Museum?
- Plan for about 30 to 45 minutes covers the two floors comfortably.
- When is the best time to visit Sri Dalada Museum?
- Morning between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM.
- How do I get to Sri Dalada Museum?
- The Sri Dalada Museum is located inside the historic Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) complex in the heart of Kandy, Sri Lanka, right by Kandy Lake. You can easily walk there from anywhere in the city center or access the museum directly from inside the main temple grounds.