Dalada Maluva, Polonnaruwa | Timings, Things To Do, Tips @ Holidify

Dalada Maluva, Polonnaruwa Overview

The circular building of Dalada Maluwa, also known as Terrace of the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, is a beautiful work of art and architecture of the 12th century. Dalada Maluwa was built by King Parakrambahu the great (1164-1196AD), it was later enhanced and decorated by King Nissankamalla (1198-1206). It was the intended house for the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha; however, presently, the Tooth Relic is deposited in Kandy Tooth Relic Temple.

As the capital of the Kandyan kingdom, Kandy which is 3 hours away from Dalada Maluva had become home to the relic of the tooth of Lord Buddha, and the protector of the relic was the ruler of the land. The Royal Palace and the Temple of the Tooth were thus placed near each other.
The existing rock arts and moonstones are serene. Dalada Maluwa was an attraction for Buddhist Vihar in the glory days and stood as an epitome of a glorious history.

An important festival and significant tourist attraction here is the Kandy Esala Perahera which is the procession from Dalada Maluwa to Kandy. Also known as The Festival of the Tooth, it is a grand event celebrated with embellished costumes. It is an annual procession held every year between July and August in honour of The sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha.

2 Day itinerary for Dalada Maluva

DAY 1:
Reserve the first day for the excursion. If one starts from Rankoth Vehera, an hour would be enough to take an entire tour of the stupa.
Now head towards the south where we find the Dalada Maluwa, take a cab, and you will reach there within 8-9 minutes. Heading further south with an 8 minute walk our last destination will be The Royal Palace of Parakramabahu and an hour would be enough time for the tour of this place but reach before 5 pm because the visiting hours end at 6:30 pm.

Day 2:
After all the expedition, keep this day for some relaxation, shopping, clubbing and trying the local cuisine. You will find many places to buy clothes or souvenirs on the A11 road like CIB Shopping mall and Pibidemu Polonnaruwa Shopping Complex.
Restaurants like Jaga food and Gami Gedara are known to serve the best Sri Lankan cuisines.
As the day ends, you may like to sit on the shore of The Parikrama Samudra and enjoy the serenity of the waters.

Things to Do in Dalada Maluva

One can rent a bicycle and explore the various clothes markets on the side of the road near Dalada Maluva or get into one of the bakeries and binge into some Sri Lankan sweets.
After the excursion one may cycle to Parakrama Samudra – the giant artificial lake in a Polonnaruwa and enjoy the serenity.

Tips for Visiting Dalada Maluva

Avoid carrying food items to the premises as it may attract monkeys.
Smoking and alcohol inside the area are considered disrespectful and is a cultural offence.DAY 1:
Reserve the first day for the excursion. If one starts from Rankoth Vehera, an hour would be enough to take an entire tour of the stupa.