National Museum Kandy
Explore the Kandyan era's rich history and artistry within the walls of a former royal palace.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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See more of the palace complex
National Museum Kandy
Best Time
See more of the palace complex
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the Kandyan era's rich history and artistry within the walls of a former royal palace.
"A must-see in Kandy, offering deep insights into the Kandyan kingdom's history and craftsmanship."
🎯 Budget-Friendly Gem
A great value for history buffs, offering deep insights into the Kandyan era without high costs.
⏰ Don't Miss the Middle Palace
Visit before 4 PM to explore the king and queen's former bedchambers next door.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kandyan Era Artifacts
Discover ancient weapons, ceremonial objects, and traditional attire showcasing Kandyan artistry.
Historic Royal Palace
Explore the museum housed within the former royal palace, offering a glimpse into royal life.
Old Maps of Sri Lanka
See fascinating historical maps that provide a unique perspective on the island's past.
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Planning Your Visit
Budget-Friendly History
Timing is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Budget-Friendly Gem
A great value for history buffs, offering deep insights into the Kandyan era without high costs.
⏰ Don't Miss the Middle Palace
Visit before 4 PM to explore the king and queen's former bedchambers next door.
🚶♀️ Easy to Access
Conveniently located behind the Temple of the Tooth, easily walkable from Kandy Lake.
📚 Informative Displays
Exhibits have clear explanations in multiple languages, including English.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Budget-Friendly Gem
A great value for history buffs, offering deep insights into the Kandyan era without high costs.
⏰ Don't Miss the Middle Palace
Visit before 4 PM to explore the king and queen's former bedchambers next door.
🚶♀️ Easy to Access
Conveniently located behind the Temple of the Tooth, easily walkable from Kandy Lake.
📚 Informative Displays
Exhibits have clear explanations in multiple languages, including English.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Kandy National Museum as a 'hidden gem' offering a valuable and insightful look into the Kandyan era. Its location within the historic royal palace adds to its charm, and the well-explained exhibits provide a rich understanding of Sri Lanka's heritage. While not exhaustive, it's a highly recommended stop for history enthusiasts.
"The Kandy National Museum is definitely worth visiting if you’re keen on the history and traditions of the Kandyan era. It houses a fascinating range of exhibits, from ancient weapons and ceremonial objects to traditional Kandyan attire and finely crafted items that showcase the artistry of the period.
The displays are thoughtfully arranged, with clear explanations that bring context to each artifact. Overall, the museum provides a rich insight into the heritage, culture, and craftsmanship of the Kandyan kingdom, along with glimpses of Sri Lanka’s colonial past."
Stefan Joseph
"This museum is conveniently located in the palace area nestled behind the temple of tooth. It was overall informative of the history of Kandy and had some great pieces with simple but informative information in a number of languages (including English). My personal highlight was some great old maps of Sri Lanka. It was very quiet when we went. It is not very large. It definitely provided lots of information however it was not exhaustive. Tickets are 600 rupees for foreign adults"
Nicholas Toms
"Hidden Gem in Kandy.
Overlooked because most people go to the tooth temple but this is really a must see in Kandy. A lot of people don’t understand the history behind this building This building established during Sri Wickrama Rajasingha era was then known as “Palle Vahala” This was used as the palace where the Queens of the king lived. This building has been built according to the architectural features of Kandy period. This pallevahala building was used to deposit the various items of historical value made by Kandy Art Association established in 1832 and technicians of Matale district. This was opened for the public as a museum 1942.
This museum has over 5000 museum objects which are depicting various aspects historical and cultural events of the Kandyan period. (17-19 century A.D.)
The staff are amazing. We visited during Tourism Day and it was one of the best experiences I’ve had in Sri Lanka. The staff are amazing. Highly recommended"
S EL CH
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The National Museum Kandy is conveniently located behind the Temple of the Tooth Relic, making it easily accessible on foot from Kandy Lake. Many visitors combine a visit here with the temple.
Parking can be challenging in the busy temple area. It's often easier to walk from your accommodation or use a tuk-tuk, especially if you're already exploring the Temple of the Tooth.
Yes, if you are staying in the central Kandy area, it's a pleasant walk, especially along the lakefront, to reach the museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for foreign adults is approximately 600 Sri Lankan Rupees. It's considered a good value for the historical information provided.
The museum generally opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon. The adjacent 'Middle Palace' (former royal chambers) typically closes at 4 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.
No, advance booking is usually not required. You can purchase tickets at the museum entrance.
Yes, children can find the exhibits interesting, especially the historical weapons and the palace architecture. It's a good educational stop for families.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend less than an hour exploring the museum, as it's not very large but offers concentrated historical insights.
You'll find a range of artifacts from the Kandyan era (17th-19th centuries), including ancient weapons, ceremonial items, traditional costumes, intricate crafts, and old maps of Sri Lanka.
Absolutely! The museum is housed in a historic building that was part of the royal palace complex, known as 'Palle Vahala,' where the king's queens lived.
While not always explicitly advertised, the staff are known to be amazing and helpful, potentially offering insights. The displays themselves are well-explained in multiple languages.
It's often described as quiet and not very large, meaning it rarely feels overwhelmingly crowded, especially if you visit during weekdays or slightly off-peak hours.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary, but generally, photos for personal use are allowed in many sections. It's always best to check for any posted signs or ask staff.
The architecture of the royal palace building itself, the intricate details of the artifacts, and the old maps offer great photographic subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tip: Combine your visit with a walk around Kandy Lake to make a half-day outing. Ensure you visit the 'Middle Palace' before its 4 PM closing time to see the royal chambers, which can be particularly interesting for younger visitors.
💰 Budget Travelers
Tip: Consider visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays to enjoy a more serene experience. It's a perfect complement to the free or low-cost activities around Kandy Lake and the Temple of the Tooth.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Royal Palace Connection
The building's construction reflects the distinct architectural features of the Kandyan period, with massive walls and door frames. Adjacent to the museum is the 'Middle Palace,' which was the king and queen's bedchambers, offering further insight into royal living quarters. Visiting this part of the complex, which is open until 4 PM, provides a more complete picture of the royal lifestyle.
A Treasure Trove of Kandyan Heritage
Beyond the more prominent displays, the museum also houses finely crafted items and intricately carved objects that showcase the skill of Kandyan artisans. A particular highlight for many visitors are the old maps of Sri Lanka, offering a unique cartographic perspective on the island's past. The thoughtful arrangement and clear explanations in multiple languages make these exhibits accessible and engaging for all.
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