National Museum Of Kandy , Kandy, Sri Lanka
Historical, Heritage, Museums
Sinhala and English
531m
About National Museum of Kandy
The National Museum is yet another tourist destination located in the city of Kandy. It lies beside the Temple of the Tooth Relic and is visited by travellers from many different countries. The building was originally set up by King Wickrama Rajasinhe and was known as “Palle Vahala”. In earlier times it was used by the kings and queens for their accommodation.
The Kandya art association was establish in 1832 and made many artefacts and historic items which is displayed at this museum today. You can find loads of exhibits here including royal relics, thrones, sceptres, jewellery, coins and tools used during various periods. Most of these items date back to the 17th and 18th century.
A very prominent thing at this museum is the motionless statue of Sir Henry Ward, a former British governor of Ceylon. This museum consists of many architectural wonder which is located strategically and scattered throughout for the tourists. The museum is a little ruined due to poor maintenance but the exhibits are worth the visit.
The National Museum provides a great opportunity to explore the heritage of Sri Lanka. Ancient moonstones, old leaf manuscripts, pots of varied sizes and some striking statues can be found here. The front door and some other structures are original. The museum has curated exhibits from the Kandyan kingdom and makes for an interesting visit.
This museum is the place to learn about the traditions, customs and rituals of Sri Lanka!
Freedom to make your own trip!
What you want, when you want and how you want.
Places to Visit near National Museum of Kandy

Pilgrimage, Historical
Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa), Central Province
0.1 km from National Museum of Kandy - See map
As the name already gives it up, the Temple of the Tooth or Sri Dalada Maligawa is a center of Buddhist faith and is believed to house Sri...
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Historical
International Buddhist Museum, Central Province
0.2 km from National Museum of Kandy - See map
The International Museum of World Buddhism is located near to the Temple of the Tooth and is housed in the former High Court building. It is a...
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Adventure, Nature, Wildlife
Udawatta Kele Sanctuary, Central Province
0.7 km from National Museum of Kandy - See map
Also known as the Royal Forest Park of Kandy, the Udawatta Kele Sanctuary is located on the hillside behind the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Being...
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Historical
Royal Palace of Kandy, Central Province
0.9 km from National Museum of Kandy - See map
The reminiscence of the last Kandyan King Wickrama Rajasinhe, the Royal Palace of Kandy is a reminder of the royal past dating as far back as the...
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Pilgrimage, Historical
St. Paul's Church, Kandy, Central Province
0.9 km from National Museum of Kandy - See map
The St. Paul’s Church in Kandy, Sri Lanka and is located on the sacred grounds of the Temple of the Tooth Relic. This church serves as a...
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Nature
Kandy Lake, Central Province
1.6 km from National Museum of Kandy - See map
Kandy Lake is an artificial lake which was built by the last King of Sri Lanka and of Kandy, Wikarama Rajasinhe. It was originally built to...
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Nature
Arthur’s Seat, Kandy, Central Province
2.5 km from National Museum of Kandy - See map
The Arthur’s Seat is a perfect lookout located in the heart of the Kandy city. It is a place from where you can overlook the Kandy Lake, the...
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Nature, Historical
Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue, Kandy, Central Province
2.9 km from National Museum of Kandy - See map
One of the many things to be toured and experienced in Kandy, the Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue is a huge religious monument. It lies within...
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Historical
Ceylon Tea Museum, Central Province
5.9 km from National Museum of Kandy - See map
A tea factory, a museum, a library and restaurant all housed into one. What more could you ask for?! The Ceylon Tea Museum is the place where you...
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Historical
Kandy War Cemetery, Central Province
5.9 km from National Museum of Kandy - See map
The Commonwealth War Cemetery is a melancholic cemetery which is a resting place for the war heroes who dedicated their lives for Sri Lanka during...
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Pilgrimage, Historical
Gadaladeniya Temple, Kandy, Central Province
14.3 km from National Museum of Kandy - See map
The Gadaladenia Temple, located Pilimathalawa town in Kandy is the fines example of Buddhist temple architecture. It is a very well-known tourist...
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Pilgrimage, Historical
Lankatilaka Temple, Central Province
17.9 km from National Museum of Kandy - See map
The famous Lankatilaka Vihara or Lankatilaka Temple is located at Udunuwara Hiyarapitiya village of Kandy. This temple is built on a huge rock...
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