About The Royal Palace of Kandy The Royal Palace of Kandy, also known as the Maha Vasala, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the historic city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. Built in the 14th century by King Vikramabahu III, the palace served as the residence of the Kandyan monarchs until the British colonial period in the early 19th century. Today, the Royal Palace stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and architectural prowess of the Kandyan Kingdom. Timings Of Royal Palace of Kandy The Royal Palace of Kandy is open to visitors every day from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. It is recommended to visit the palace during these hours to fully explore and appreciate its beauty. Entry Fee The entry fee for the Royal Palace of Kandy is 1000 Sri Lankan Rupees for adults and 500 Sri Lankan Rupees for children. Visitors can also opt for a guided tour at an additional cost. Required Time And Restricted Items It is recommended to allocate at least 1-2 hours to explore the Royal Palace of Kandy thoroughly. To ensure the preservation of the historical site, visitors are not allowed to carry food, beverages, or plastic items inside the palace premises. Architecture Of Royal Palace of Kandy The architecture of the Royal Palace of Kandy is a blend of traditional Kandyan and colonial styles. The palace features intricate wood carvings, vibrant frescoes, and elaborate roof structures that reflect the artistic sophistication of the Kandyan era. Best Time To Visit The best time to visit the Royal Palace of Kandy is during the months of January to April when the weather is pleasant and conducive for sightseeing. Avoid visiting during the monsoon season from May to September as heavy rains can hinder your exploration. How To Reach The Royal Palace of Kandy is located in the heart of the city, making it easily accessible by both public and private transportation. Visitors can take a tuk-tuk, taxi, or bus to reach the palace from any part of Kandy. History Of Royal Palace of Kandy The Royal Palace of Kandy has a storied history that dates back to the ancient Kingdom of Kandy. It served as the seat of power for the Kandyan monarchs who ruled the region for centuries before being annexed by the British in 1815. The palace witnessed numerous political intrigues, battles, and royal ceremonies during its illustrious past. Inside Royal Palace Of Kandy Inside the Royal Palace of Kandy, visitors can explore the audience hall, royal chambers, temple of the tooth relic, and surrounding gardens. The palace showcases a fascinating collection of artifacts, antiques, and historical remnants that offer insight into the Kandyan way of life. Traveling Tips When visiting the Royal Palace of Kandy, it is advisable to wear comfortable footwear and carry sufficient water to stay hydrated. Respect the cultural norms and heritage of the palace by maintaining decorum and refraining from touching or defacing any structures. Hotels Near Royal Palace Of Kandy Several hotels near the Royal Palace of Kandy offer comfortable accommodation options for visitors. Some of the popular hotels include The Grand Kandyan, Earl's Regency Hotel, Cinnamon Citadel Kandy, and Hotel Topaz. Nearby Tourist Spots Of Royal Palace Of Kandy While exploring the Royal Palace of Kandy, visitors can also visit nearby tourist spots such as the Temple of the Tooth Relic, Kandy Lake, Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, and Bahirawakanda Temple. These attractions offer a comprehensive experience of the cultural and natural wonders of Kandy.
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Housed in a massive white building in Colombo is Sri Lanka National Museum, holding thousands of treasures from the country’s past. The moment you set your eyes on this museum, you would be able to tell that it is a colonial structure, built like most other European buildings. EstablishmentDoors to this premiere cultural wealth were opened on 1st January 1877. It was founded by Sir William Henry Gregory, the then British Governor of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), who was persuaded by the Royal Asiatic Society (CB) for opening up a public museum. At the time of its establishment it was known as the Colombo Museum. The CollectionHundreds of years have been stored inside the largest museum in Sri Lanka. As you enter the building, a 9th-century stone Buddha statue receives you with an enigmatic smile. The collection on the lower floor has been categorized in a chronological order and on the upper floor, relics have been kept as per their themes. Museum LibraryA major share of the collection is kept inside the museum library. Here you will find ancient documents, inscriptions on palm leaves, books and publications of the 18th century and even periodicals in local and foreign languages.
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One of the six Commonwealth War Cemeteries of Sri Lanka is located in Kandy and often referred to as Kandy War Cemetery. This beautiful but melancholic site is the final resting place of those who died defending this country during the Second World War. It is located near the Mahaweli riverside and was formerly known as Pitakande Military Cemetery, before the charge of its maintenance was taken over by Commonwealth War Graves Commission. It is said that this burial ground is one of the most beautifully landscaped and maintained ones in the world. During World War IIHaving a strategic position in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka or Ceylon as it was then known, had an important naval and airbase set up here. It was also the site of jungle warfare training center, a hospital and a leave center. When the military headquarters were shifted from Burma to Ceylon, Kandy played a vital role during and after that time. Graves and MemorialsThis cemetery has 201 graves of those who dies in war, belonging to different nationalities. Amongst them, 107 are Britons, 35 East Africans, 26 Sri Lankans, 23 Indians 6 Canadians, 3 Italians and 1 Frenchman. In 1973, a memorial was erected here bearing the names of 28 Italian war prisoners who died here during the WW2 years.
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Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue
The tranquility of Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue in Kandy is one of the not-to-be-missed experiences while here. The 80-feet tall white statue sits on a hillside overlooking the entire cityscape and can be seen from almost anywhere in Kandy. Reaching hereIt takes about 20 minutes from the city police station to reach the site of this Buddha Statue. From there one can either take a tuk-tuk or climb up the steps. The path, though winding, is not very steep. At the topOnce you have reached up the hill, a magnificent concrete structure in white will greet you. As you turn about, your eyes will be filled with a spectacular vision of Kandy city spread about. The best part of your trip here is that you can climb the stairs behind the statue and get a better look at the surroundings. Inside the statue is a gallery displaying fascinating pictures from Buddha’s life journey. You can buy souvenirs for a lesser price than the city at a shop located here. TipsThe walk up to the hill can be tiring so make sure you are carrying water bottles. Take some food with you as well as there are no eateries around. Prefer to visit the place early morning or during the evening to keep away from the heat and enjoy a pleasant weather.
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Running through the town of Negombo is a canal, built by the Dutch, which presently serves as an important means of transportation as well as tourist attraction. Many private tour operators and hotels offer boat rides in this canal to show you around the city from a different perspective. The routeThe Dutch Canal covers a route of 120 kilometers passing from Colombo in the south to Negombo in the west and moves towards Puttalam in the north. On a boat ride here, you will be surrounded by mangroves on both the sides. There’s a good chance that you will spot many birds such as Herons, Cormorants, Kingfishers, and a variety of prey and perching birds. So don’t forget to take your cameras along for capturing the beautiful views of the journey. It is advised that you wear comfortable clothes, preferably in earthy colors. In the pastWhen the Dutch invaded this country in the mid-seventeenth century, they recognized the value of several lagoons crossing the lands and harnessed these water resources by building canals. During those days, the canals were used for carrying cargoes of precious gems, pearls and spices till the main sea port of Negombo for export.
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R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo has been titled as the ‘Home of Sri Lankan Cricket’ and it truly is. With a seating capacity of 35,000 spectators, exceeding that of Lord’s, it is the largest cricket stadium in Sri Lanka. This place has been host to several notable Tests, ODIs as well as T20s. Surely a place to be visited in Colombo, even if you are not a cricket buff. HistoryThe stadium has been named after late Sri Lankan president Ranasinghe Premadasa, under whose orders it was constructed. Opened in February 1986, the first match played here was between Sri Lank ‘B’ team and England ‘B’ team. Two months later the inaugural ODI was played between Sri Lank and New Zealand; whereas the first Test Match, played between Sri Lanka and Australia was hosted in 1992. Matches to RememberThis stadium is best remembered for the highest Test total ever made. Sri Lanka scored a whopping 952/6 declared against India in 1997. Former captain Sanath Jayasuriya scored 340 and Roshan Mahanama 225. Stadium PlanThe pavilions have two-tier seating systems, with several corporate boxes built in. The grandstand built opposite the score board and top level blocks have high quality seating arrangements. In preparations for the 2011 World Cup, the stadium underwent significant renovations.
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Adding to the serenity of Galle is the Japanese Peace Pagoda, situated on the headland to Unawatuna. This massive white structure sits on the Rumasalla Hill, overlooking the Indian Ocean. It was built by Japanese Monks in 2004 and is one of the four Buddhist Stupas in Sri Lanka. The stupa is large enough to be spotted from the beaches of Unawatuna and Galle. Reaching UpThe best way to reach the pagoda is to walk all the way up, it is not a daunting but beautiful path. If not possible, one can also drive up the hill. The other way through steps would also have to be covered on foot. View from aboveThe place is surely a soul-stirring one for those seeking inner peace but there is also something more here. The view from this stupa, overlooking the forest and the ocean is something you will never forget. Particularly if you are here at dusk, be prepared for a sight that is spellbinding. TipsDress appropriately with your legs and shoulders covered. Either wear something full or bring a scarf or sarong to wrap around. It would be a pleasant experience to visit during the evening time and participate in the daily rituals.
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