Awesome Day - Sithum kindly arranged our tickets and taxi for the temple of tooth tour. Our guide was really knowledgable and the tour was very interesting. We learnt lots about the history and the temple was beautiful. Sithum ensured we got there safely and our driver took us to meet the guide so we knew where to go. Sithum also went above and beyond to help us arrange a taxi for the following day to go to Sigiriya, he has made our trip so far really smooth. We would definitely recommend booking this tour - we’ve had a great service.

Go early and avoid holy days - Buddha’s tooth was apparently snatched from his funeral pyre and smuggled in to Sri Lanka by a princess and here it is kept in a casket and is considered very holy. People come to make offerings and hope their prayers are answered. Beautiful flowers are sold at many stalls outside. One must not take photos of anyone in front of the buddhas. There is a memorial to a faithful elephant and people can light incense sticks for loved ones. Most people wear white. All must show respect by covering legs and shoulders. Shoes are not worn in the whole complex. 200 rupees to have them looked after. Go early and avoid holy days.

Deep in to budhism.... - We were here in a private tour, all info about budism(theory and practice) were well received, we spotted the people doing prayers&ofrandes, learned not to do pictures to people/tourists in front of budha(!).We saw the famous sacred elephant(mummified).After all a religious experience for the non budhist.

Kandy .. A must too destination - I am sure it is amazing however having already done Siem Reap etc etc Just about templed out.. The roof however when it shone across the lake was stunning but was shadowed in our opinion by the turtles, Huge Bats, Monitors, Cranes, Egrets Monkeys and Kingfishers in the most amazing TREES surrounding the lake which you can walk around for free... just saying that's all... definitely go here if you can :)

A great opportunity to learn more about Budda and the philosophy of Buddhism. - Interesting visit with the philosophy of Buddhism explained in English, on the panels within the Temple. All visitors are expected to remove shoes prior to entry to the grounds. Temple guides offer to show you around and will expect a large tip from western travellers. I was advised 200/300 rupees was an acceptable amount. Flowers can be purchased to offer as an act of respect within the temple. Amazing architecture, and worth visiting the museum if you have time. We went on a sunday and Kandy and the temple were very busy. There is a high level of interest in western travellers and be prepared to have your photo taken with large family groups of local people! This temple is well worth a visit.

Good Experience - Dushan from Lakpura Travels for Tooth Relic was really nice. He was well aware about the history and shared all the information. He was polite and helpful in his behavior.

Quite a beautiful temple, but a rushed and very pushy, annoying guide! - Quite beautiful but a rather pushy guide. We wanted to look around ourselves, but that was not allowed, we were assigned a guide. Then we looked around with a guide. Went at a decent pace! We found the stuffed elephant Raja the most interesting. Afterwards we gave the guide a big tip, but he didn't think that was enough. He begged for more, but we thought what we already gave him was very reasonable. Then he walked away very angry with the money in his hands without any 'thank you' and didn't look back. We understand that they depend on reasonable tips, but we found this downright rude and not a nice ending.

Temple of the tooth relic Kandy - This is a very holy place for Buddhists hence it is a must visit for religious reasons, however as a tourist you may not find it worth the money as the temple and important items in the temple are closed and open only for certain intervals of time. When we went around noon everything was closed and we saw scores of pilgrims waiting for the temple to open . As a keen tourist I had nothing much to see except for the external temple building. Additionally the walk from the ticket counter is a short walk however in the scorching sun you may burn your foot as you have to remove your foot wear before entering the temple premises. If you don’t know the correct time when the temple is open then you may want to rethink before going in.

Not worth joining at ceremonies - Not worse attending a ceremony. People are pushing and there's nothing to see but tons of people. Unfortunately i was here during Sri Lankan holiday which probably didn't make it lees crowdy. The rip you off because you are a foreginer.

Never received tickets - Tickets never advised. We were told a refund would occur. We are still waiting for a refund and have had no further contact.