Series:
Episode 1 – Common Tourist Issues – The Dark Side of Sigiriya
Episode 2 – Tourist Problems at Nine Arches Bridge & Little Adam’s Peak (And How to Solve Them)
Episode 3 – The Ultimate Guide to Tourist Issues at Mirissa Beach—and How to Avoid Them
Episode 4 – Yala National Park Tourism: Common Issues Tourists Face & Practical Solutions
Episode 5 – Visiting the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa): Top Tourist Issues & Practical Solutions for a Better Experience in 2025
Planning to visit Sri Lanka’s sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy? Discover the real issues tourists face—like crowding, cultural confusion, scams, and entry confusion—plus practical solutions to help you enjoy this spiritual experience respectfully and comfortably.
Why Tourists Flock to the Temple of the Tooth
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy is one of the most venerated religious and cultural landmarks in Sri Lanka. As the shrine that houses a tooth relic of Lord Buddha, it’s not just a must-see destination for Buddhists around the world but also a centerpiece of Sri Lankan heritage and identity.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of tourists—both local and foreign—visit the temple to admire its ancient architecture, witness traditional rituals, and experience spiritual serenity.
But here’s the reality: many visitors leave overwhelmed, confused, or even frustrated due to a variety of common issues that hinder the true potential of their experience.
In this post, we break down the top problems tourists face at the Temple of the Tooth—and offer clear, respectful solutions so your visit can be meaningful, respectful, and memorable.
1. Overcrowding and Long Queues, Especially During Ritual Times
The Problem:
The Temple is especially crowded:
- During Pooja times (morning, noon, and evening rituals).
- On Poya days (Buddhist full moon holidays).
- During Esala Perahera festival season (July–August).
As a result, tourists face:
- Long waiting times to enter inner chambers.
- Tight, uncomfortable crowds.
- Difficulty seeing the relic room clearly.
Solution:
- Visit during off-peak hours: Mid-mornings (10 AM–11:30 AM) or early afternoons (2 PM–3:30 PM) on non-holiday weekdays are less crowded.
- Avoid weekends and Poya days, unless you want the full ritual experience.
- If visiting during a pooja, arrive 30–40 minutes early to get a better viewing spot.
Travel Smart Tip: Book a guided tour with queue-skipping access during high seasons.
2. Confusion About Dress Code and Temple Etiquette
The Problem:
Many foreign tourists are turned away or asked to change clothes because they:
- Wear shorts, sleeveless tops, or revealing outfits.
- Walk in with shoes or hats.
- Take photos where prohibited.
This causes embarrassment and delays.
Solution:
- Dress modestly: Shoulders and knees must be covered.
- Men: Wear trousers or long shorts and a sleeved shirt.
- Women: Wear long skirts, dresses, or pants with covered shoulders.
- Remove shoes and hats before entering the temple complex.
- Follow signage and ask your guide before taking photos.
- Bring or rent a sarong or scarf in case your outfit is borderline.
Respect Tip: This is a living religious site. Act with the same respect you would in a mosque, church, or synagogue.
3. Lack of Clear Signage or Historical Context
The Problem:
The temple complex is rich in history and symbolism, but:
- Most signs are in Sinhala or basic English.
- Descriptions are minimal or outdated.
- Visitors struggle to understand what they’re seeing.
Many leave without truly understanding the importance of the Tooth Relic or the rituals taking place.
Solution:
- Hire a licensed guide or book a reputable tour (with cultural commentary).
- Use a Temple Audio Guide App (many are available in English, French, German, and Japanese).
- Read a short background article or watch a video before visiting.
Cultural Insight: The temple’s role in royal history, Buddhist devotion, and national identity is deeply layered and worth understanding.
4. Scams and Unofficial Guides
The Problem:
Around the temple entrance, some tourists are approached by:
- Pushy “guides” with fake badges.
- People asking for donations to “temple causes.”
- Vendors overcharging for socks, flowers, or sarongs.
These interactions can be stressful and misleading, especially for first-time visitors.
Solution:
- Only hire guides inside the official temple entrance counter, where they wear licensed badges.
- Politely decline anyone asking for donations or offering help outside the gate.
- Buy socks or flowers from shops inside the official compound if needed.
Safety Tip: Be wary of handing your phone or wallet to strangers offering to take a photo for you outside the temple.
5. Hygiene Concerns – Barefoot Walking & Cleanliness
The Problem:
Since shoes must be removed:
- Tourists walk barefoot on hot or sometimes dirty stone paths.
- Some areas near the outer temple smell due to poor drainage or litter.
Many visitors are uncomfortable walking barefoot in such conditions, especially elderly travelers or those with health concerns.
Solution:
- Bring or buy temple socks (available at most local shops).
- Carry sanitizer or wet wipes to clean your feet after the visit.
- Enter from the main pathway, which is usually cleaner than side entrances.
Hygiene Tip: After your visit, consider washing your feet with soap and water before heading to your next destination.
6. Misunderstanding Religious Rituals and Behavior
The Problem:
Tourists often:
- Talk loudly or laugh during rituals.
- Stand in prayer queues unknowingly.
- Take selfies during prayer or incense offerings.
These behaviors, while unintentional, offend devotees and disrupt the sacred atmosphere.
Solution:
- Observe first before participating in any ritual or queue.
- Keep your voice low, your phone on silent, and photography discreet.
- If unsure, ask your guide or a temple official—Sri Lankans are very helpful when approached respectfully.
Respect Tip: Even if you’re not religious, remember you’re entering a place of deep spiritual importance.
7. Entry Fee Confusion for Foreigners
The Problem:
- Foreigners must pay an entry fee (around LKR 2,000–2,500, ~USD 6–8).
- Locals and Sri Lankan residents enter for free.
- Some tourists feel the pricing is unfair or aren’t told about it in advance.
Solution:
- Understand this fee supports temple maintenance and heritage preservation.
- Bring cash in Sri Lankan rupees, as card payments are rarely accepted at the gate.
- Check if your guided tour includes the entry fee—some do, others don’t.
Budget Tip: Also factor in tips for guides (LKR 500–1,000) and optional flower offerings if you wish to participate.
8. Lack of Seating or Resting Areas
The Problem:
- The temple complex requires a lot of walking and standing, especially during rituals.
- Seating is limited, and elderly visitors or those with mobility issues find it hard to rest.
Solution:
- Ask your guide for shortcuts or less crowded paths through the complex.
- Carry a small foldable travel stool if needed.
- Use the museum or temple garden areas for occasional rest breaks.
Accessibility Tip: The temple is not fully wheelchair accessible—plan accordingly if you or your companion has mobility challenges.
9. Mobile Connectivity and Information Access
The Problem:
- Internet access inside the temple complex is poor.
- Tourists can’t look up historical facts or translate signs in real-time.
Solution:
- Download an offline temple guide or map before your visit.
- Save a few key phrases in Sinhala or Tamil to assist with communication.
- Rely on printed or downloaded materials when mobile data is weak.
Smart Tip: Bookmark cultural articles or videos ahead of time and read during transit or waiting periods.
10. Weather-Related Discomfort
The Problem:
- Kandy can be hot, humid, or rainy—often all in one day.
- The stone floors become slippery in rain.
- Tourists dressed for style rather than comfort suffer in heat.
Solution:
- Wear light cotton clothing, modest but breathable.
- Carry a foldable umbrella or poncho during rainy seasons (May–August).
- Wear non-slip temple socks or bring slippers to put on after leaving.
Weather Tip: Mornings are cooler and more pleasant for temple visits than mid-afternoon.
Final Thoughts: Your Visit to the Temple of the Tooth Can Be Spiritual and Stress-Free
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth is more than just a historical landmark—it is a living spiritual heart of Sri Lanka, where tradition, reverence, and identity converge. But like any major cultural site, it has its challenges.
Whether it’s the overwhelming crowds, unclear rituals, or cultural misunderstandings, every issue you might face has a simple, respectful solution.
By arriving informed and open-minded, you’ll be able to:
- Appreciate the temple’s beauty and legacy.
- Avoid common tourist mistakes.
- Respect the customs while creating unforgettable memories.
Travel with mindfulness, leave only footprints, and take home blessings, insights, and a deep connection to one of Asia’s great spiritual wonders.