
Boutique Maldives & Sri Lanka Holiday
A classic Sri Lanka and Maldives holiday with unique cultural experiences and beautiful boutique hotels throughout.
Located in the royal palace complex in Kandy, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic houses Sri Lankas most important Buddhist relic; a tooth of the Buddha. Said to have been snatched from the flames of the Buddhas funeral pyre in 483 BC, the tooth was smuggled into Sri Lanka during the 4th century AD, hidden in the hair of a princess.
Over the years the tooth has gradually grown in importance as a symbol of sovereignty, and it was generally believed that whoever had custody of the tooth, had the right to rule the island. Today, the temple acts as a pilgrimage site for Sri Lankan Buddhists who will pay at least one visit to the temple during their lifetime.
Monks still conduct worship in the inner chamber of the temple, performing rituals three times daily. On Wednesdays, a symbolic bathing of the Sacred Relic take place with a herbal preparation made from scented water and fragrant flowers. This holy water is believed to contain healing powers and is distributed amongst those present.
You will want at least an hour to explore this important Buddhist site.
You can include this experience as part of an Experience Travel Group holiday designed exclusively with you.
A classic Sri Lanka and Maldives holiday with unique cultural experiences and beautiful boutique hotels throughout.
The east coast has calm seas and the island's best weather from May-September, making it a fantastic option for a summer holiday.
For those with more time to spare, this 3-weeker is our ultimate island itinerary. Distinctive experiences and tucked away gems.
Luxurious holiday with the best hotels in Sri Lanka and The Maldives and with our exclusive ETG experiences.
Escape winter and wedding hassle: go to Sri Lanka for our Luxury Winter Wedding!
Discover the highlights of Sri Lanka while enjoying famous, luxury hotels like Aman and Tea Trails.
This holiday takes in Sri Lanka's varied highlights with a focus on the work of its most famous architect Geoffrey Bawa.
Three-week holiday taking in the local culture, nature, wildlife and of Sri Lanka with five blissful days in The Maldives.
Map centered on Temple of the Sacred Tooth. Zoom out to view other hotels (H) and experiences (E) in the area.
Every ETG journey is unique. Tell us your loves, your hates, your holiday ambitions, your hopes and fears, and we’ll share a suitcase so full of inspired holiday ideas you’ll need to sit on it to shut it tight.
Not sure what you’re looking for? Let us inspire you...
Get in TouchCall us 020 7924 7133
A world of wonder delivered straight to your inbox. Your fantastic fortnightly round-up of delicious destinations, the hottest in cool accommodation, (the coolest in hot accommodation?), wild and woolly traveller experiences and advice from our expert travel team, plus all our latest holiday offers.
Sign up Here
One of my highlights was visit to Temple of the Tooth. Laky knew exactly where to be during the ceremony to get best from it and I enjoyed being part of the crowd.
Pam, April 2013
Temple of the Tooth, loved it but a disappointment that we didn't attend any of the religious services.
Chris & Jane, February 2013
We were a bit disappointed with the Temple of the Tooth as after all the hype you don't actually see it.
Alison, January 2013
Temple of the Tooth - Went on a busy day, which was good as we saw it in full flow.
Gary, September 2012