Wales Park (Royal Palace Park) - Image 1
1 / 10

Royal Palace Park Wales Park

3.9
·867 reviews·Kandy, Sri Lanka

A serene hilltop park in Kandy offering elevated city and lake views, perfect for a peaceful stroll amidst gardens.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Quieter, less crowded

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Wales Park (Royal Palace Park) - Image 1

Royal Palace Park Wales Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Quieter, less crowded

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene hilltop park in Kandy offering elevated city and lake views, perfect for a peaceful stroll amidst gardens.

3.9
(867 reviews)

"A hidden gem offering stunning views and a calm, relaxing atmosphere, perfect for unwinding."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check for Construction

Some visitors report ongoing construction. Check recent reviews for current conditions before your visit. :construction_worker:

Manage Expectations

Reviews vary; some find it lacking, others a hidden gem. Go with an open mind for a peaceful walk. :thinking_face:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Hilltop vantage points

Enjoy breathtaking elevated views of Kandy Lake and the surrounding city. A perfect spot for photos.

Shaded Garden Paths

Shaded Garden Paths

Throughout the park

Stroll through serene, shaded paths lined with greenery. Ideal for a peaceful walk and relaxation.

Tranquil Atmosphere

Tranquil Atmosphere

Throughout the park

Experience a calm and quiet environment, a welcome respite from the city's hustle and bustle.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Navigating Entry Fees & Expectations

Be aware that foreign tourists pay a higher admission fee than locals. Some visitors report ongoing construction and a lack of flowers, while others find it a worthwhile, serene escape. Manage expectations based on recent reviews.

Timing Your Visit for Serenity

While the park is generally quiet, it's a popular spot for local couples. Visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays might offer a more tranquil experience, away from the romantic rendezvous.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter, less crowded
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Cooler breeze, golden hour
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

ශ්‍රී දළදා මාලිගාව or The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, is a Buddhist temple in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha ☸️ . . . . . #srilanka #fyp #buddhism #buddha #srilankan #buddhist #kandy #sridaladamaligawa #templeoftoothrelic #chamo🐥
@chamodi_sanjeka
3.4K likes • 48.9K views

Check for Construction

Some visitors report ongoing construction. Check recent reviews for current conditions before your visit. :construction_worker:

Manage Expectations

Reviews vary; some find it lacking, others a hidden gem. Go with an open mind for a peaceful walk. :thinking_face:

The Prince of Wales, aka Duke of Cornwall, visited a blustery Dartmoor to call for action to restore an area of peatland. It’s part of Prince William’s new Landscape Vision for the national park. He got his wellies on to visit Royal Tor Bog, near Yelverton, Devon, and speak to some of the people working in collaboration to help make the vision a reality. “I’m keen to continue my father’s work a...
katemanseywrites
40 likes • 2.3K views
HM Queen Margrethe tells a funny story from Fredensborg Palace, a place where European royalty used to meet as a big family. The story begins with the Prince of Wales, the King of Greece and the Tsar of Russia walking in the palace park when they meet a man who has no idea who they are and when they tell him, the man jokingly says; ”then I am the Emperor of China”. (Day 50 out of 85)
margrethe.ii
3.5K likes • 82.2K views

Local Dating Spot

It's a popular spot for local couples. Be prepared for a more intimate atmosphere. :couplewithheart:

Great for a Short Visit

Touring the park can be completed in about 10 minutes. Perfect for a quick, peaceful break. :stopwatch:

reddit.com

Photos/travel report from recent travel to Sri Lanka

Tips

from all over the internet

Check for Construction

Some visitors report ongoing construction. Check recent reviews for current conditions before your visit. :construction_worker:

Manage Expectations

Reviews vary; some find it lacking, others a hidden gem. Go with an open mind for a peaceful walk. :thinking_face:

Local Dating Spot

It's a popular spot for local couples. Be prepared for a more intimate atmosphere. :couplewithheart:

Great for a Short Visit

Touring the park can be completed in about 10 minutes. Perfect for a quick, peaceful break. :stopwatch:

What Travellers Say

3.9
(867 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Royal Palace Park offers a tranquil escape with elevated views of Kandy Lake and the city, praised by some for its serene atmosphere and greenery. However, other visitors report ongoing construction, broken facilities, and a perceived lack of value for the foreigner admission fee, with some reviews potentially confusing it with the Royal Botanical Gardens.

"This is NOT the botanical garden you heard about!!!!! Some reviews are not for this park but the very botanical park that is 7 km away from here.

Foreign tourists have to pay 500 rupees for nothing. No flowers, toilets are broken, lots of construction going on. Don’t waste your money visiting here. You can not really overlook Kandy lake from here either!

However, this is a popular spot for local couples to date here. A small park that you can finish touring in 10 mins have at least 20 couples making out. Super awkward when I visited.

But it’s true that this place is quiet."

徐瑞智

"Admission fees for foreigners may seem more expensive than for locals. However, once you enter and take a walk around the park, you will be satisfied with more than the ticket price. It's a truly great place, whether for healing or learning. I recommend this place as a place you should not miss if you visit Kandy."

Christopher Rho

"Don’t go there! You have to pay for
Nothing because it’s everything “under construction “
And the front desk people were not nice with me, just asking me to pay
Horrible energy"

natali vanherweck

What People Like

Calm and quiet atmosphere
Elevated city views
Greenery and shaded paths

What People Dislike

Ongoing construction
Higher foreigner fee
Broken facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Royal Palace Park (also known as Wales Park or Rajawasala Park) is located on a small hill in the heart of Kandy. It's easily accessible by tuk-tuk or a short walk from the city center, offering views of Kandy Lake. Reddit

Yes, the park is situated within the royal palace complex, making it very close to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. You can easily combine visits to both attractions. TikTok

From Kandy town, you can take a short tuk-tuk ride or enjoy a pleasant walk up the hill to reach the park. The central location makes it convenient to access. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Foreign tourists have a different admission fee than locals, which is reportedly higher. Some reviews mention paying 500 rupees as a foreigner. Reddit

Information on discounts or special passes is not widely available. It's best to inquire at the entrance regarding current pricing for locals and foreigners. Reddit

Specific opening hours are not always clearly stated, but it's generally accessible during daylight hours. It's advisable to visit during the day for the best views and experience. Reddit

Currently, there is no information available about purchasing tickets online for Royal Palace Park. Tickets are typically purchased at the entrance. Reddit

Some visitors have reported ongoing construction, which may impact the experience. It's recommended to check recent visitor feedback for the most up-to-date information on accessibility. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The park offers shaded paths, gardens, and elevated views of Kandy Lake and the city. It's a place for a quiet walk, relaxation, and enjoying the scenery. Reddit

Yes, the elevated viewpoints provide excellent opportunities for photography, especially for capturing panoramic shots of Kandy Lake and the city skyline. Reddit

Some reviews mention that toilets may be broken or in disrepair. It's advisable to use facilities before entering the park if possible. Reddit

It's a popular spot for local couples due to its quiet and serene atmosphere, making it suitable for a romantic outing. Reddit

Most visitors find that a tour of the park can be completed in about 10 minutes, making it ideal for a brief visit or a peaceful break. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography Tips

The hilltop vantage points offer the best panoramic views of Kandy Lake and the city. Look for clearings in the greenery for unobstructed shots. Reddit

Late afternoons can offer beautiful golden hour light for photography, while mornings provide clear, bright views. Consider the weather for optimal shots. Reddit

No specific restrictions on photography have been widely reported. However, always be respectful of other visitors, especially couples. Reddit

A smartphone with a good zoom or a camera with a wide-angle lens would be ideal for capturing the expansive city and lake views. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Royal Palace Park is a small, quiet space that might offer a brief moment of calm for families. However, with reports of ongoing construction and limited facilities, it may not be the most engaging destination for young children. Reddit The park's popularity with local couples might also make it feel less ideal for families seeking a more open and playful environment. Reddit Consider it for a short, peaceful stroll if your family needs a quiet break, but don't expect extensive play areas or attractions. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the admission fee for foreign tourists at Royal Palace Park might be a point of consideration, especially given some reviews suggesting limited attractions. Reddit While it's a relatively inexpensive entry compared to major attractions, weigh the cost against the experience described by recent visitors. Reddit If you're looking for free or very low-cost scenic spots, exploring other viewpoints in Kandy or enjoying the ambiance around Kandy Lake might be alternatives. Reddit

❤️ Couples

Royal Palace Park is known as a popular spot for local couples, offering a serene and somewhat intimate atmosphere. Reddit Its quiet paths and elevated views make it a pleasant place for a relaxed outing. Reddit If you're looking for a peaceful, scenic spot to enjoy some quiet time together, this park could be a good choice, especially during off-peak hours. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding the Visitor Experience

Royal Palace Park, also known as Wales Park, presents a mixed bag for visitors. While some reviews highlight it as a 'hidden gem' offering a 'calm and quiet place' with 'stunning views' and a 'well-maintained' environment perfect for 'healing or learning,' others express disappointment. Reddit Common criticisms include ongoing construction, broken facilities, and a perceived lack of value for the foreign tourist fee. Reddit It's important to note that some reviews might be conflated with the Royal Botanical Gardens, which are a different attraction located elsewhere. Reddit

Despite the mixed feedback, the park's primary appeal lies in its serene atmosphere and elevated position overlooking Kandy Lake and the city. It's a popular spot for local couples seeking a peaceful retreat, which can contribute to a more intimate ambiance. Reddit For travelers looking for a brief respite and a pleasant view, it can be a worthwhile stop, especially if managed expectations align with the reality of a small, quiet park. Reddit

Navigating Kandy's Green Spaces

When planning a visit to Kandy, it's crucial to distinguish between the various green spaces. The Royal Palace Park (Wales Park) is a small, centrally located park known for its city views and tranquil, albeit sometimes intimate, atmosphere. Reddit It's often confused with the Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya, a much larger and more renowned botanical garden located about 7 km outside Kandy. Reddit The botanical gardens boast an extensive collection of flora, including orchids, and are a significant tourist attraction in their own right. TikTok

Travelers seeking a quick, peaceful break with city vistas might prefer the Royal Palace Park, especially if they are already in the vicinity of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Reddit However, if the primary interest is in diverse plant collections and a more expansive garden experience, the Royal Botanical Gardens would be the more appropriate choice. TikTok Always verify which park you are researching to ensure your visit aligns with your expectations. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2