DAMBULLA TEMPLE AND THE SACRED TOOTH TEMPLE OF BUDDHA IN KANDY

Dambulla is the largest and best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The rock tower rises 160 meters above the surrounding plain and there are more than 80 documented caves in the area. Interest in the caves is centered on five caves containing sculptures and paintings. These paintings and sculptures relate to the life of Gotama Buddha. The history of the Dambulla Cave Temple dates back to long before the Buddhist period in Sri Lanka. According to many historical records, the caves were first used by King Valagamba, ruler of Anuradhapura, in the 1st century BC. Anuradhapura was the ancient capital of Sri Lanka and was frequently attacked by South Indian forces and King Valagamba would hide in the Dambulla caves to escape his enemies.

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth, one of the most important Buddhist temples in the world, is located in Kandy, the sacred Buddhist city of Sri Lanka. Kandy is the second most important city in Sri Lanka after Colombo. Considered sacred by all Buddhists in the world and located in the Old Royal Palace area, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth has been hosting the sacred relic of Gautama Buddha since ancient times. This is such a sacred relic that it was believed that the person who had the honor of preserving it would seize the administration of the country. Communities fought each other to possess this relic, which could really change the political balance. This sacred relic was Buddha's "tooth". Today, tourists from all over the world visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth in Kandy to see the "Sacred Tooth of Buddha". The sacred relic of Buddha is kept in a 7-drawer box decorated with precious stones and gold-plated. Visitors who want to see this relic pass through the moat surrounded by brick walls in the shape of water waves with some rituals. Be prepared to be allowed inside after a very strict search!!!

The Kandyan cultural show is the most amazing show to see in Kandy. This show is an exciting live cultural show that showcases traditional dance and music performances of Sri Lanka. The show takes place every evening in the city of Kandy. The Kandyan cultural show is an in-house performance held at various locations near the Tooth Relic Temple. We went to the Lake Club Kandyan cultural show.

Accommodation recommendation; Villa Mount Melody

A hotel with a wonderful view of nature, a little outside the city. The staff are very nice people. A spotlessly clean hotel. We were very pleased.

Villa Mount Melody Hotel

Address:

17/1 C, Galkanda Rd, Aniwatta, 20000 Kandy, Sri Lanka • Distance to centre 1.5 km