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Museums & galleries

International Buddhist Museum

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International Buddhist Museum

International Buddhist Museum

Located in Kandy, this is the first museum of its kind globally dedicated to the history and art of Buddhism. It is housed in a British colonial-era building situated on the site of a former royal palace. Visitors go here to view a collection of Buddhist artifacts and learn about the religion's spread across different countries.

Getting There

The museum is located within the central area of Kandy. From the city center, it is accessible via a short tuk-tuk ride or a walk, typically taking less than 10 minutes depending on your starting point.

Visit Duration

Allow approximately 1.5 to 3 hours to walk through the galleries and examine the exhibits at a steady pace.

When to Visit

Visiting during the early morning is recommended to avoid the midday heat and the largest crowds. The museum can become crowded during local Buddhist festivals and public holidays.

Nearby Attractions

Because of its central location, this museum can be easily combined with other historical sites within walking distance:

  • Royal Palace of Kandy: 0km (on-site)
  • Temple of the Tooth: 0.1km
  • St. Paul's Church, Kandy: 0.1km
  • National Museum of Kandy: 0.2km

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near International Buddhist Museum

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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International Buddhist Museum Nearby stays

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Itineraries including this place

2 nights, 3 days

Kandy 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)

A 3-day route through Kandy grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

3 nights, 4 days

Kandy 4-Day Itinerary (3 Nights)

A 4-day route through Kandy grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Royal Palace of Kandy

Castles & palaces

Royal Palace of Kandy

This palace served as the residence of the monarchs of the Kingdom of Kandy until British colonial rule began in 1815. It preserves intricate wood carvings, stone sculptures, and murals in the traditional Kandyan style.

0.0 km away
St. Paul's Church, Kandy

Temples & religious sites

St. Paul's Church, Kandy

An Anglican church located on sacred ground west of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, in Kandy's historic district. It's conveniently paired with a visit to the Temple.

0.1 km away
Temple of the Tooth

Temples & religious sites

Temple of the Tooth

A Buddhist temple on the site of the former Kandy royal palace, enshrining a tooth relic of the Buddha. Its historical and religious significance is such that it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

0.1 km away
National Museum of Kandy

Museums & galleries

National Museum of Kandy

A museum right next to the Temple of the Tooth, on the site of the former Kandy royal palace. Exhibits are spread across the former queens' residence and the main palace building, offering a look at royal life and history.

0.2 km away
Temple of the Tooth Museum

Museums & galleries

Temple of the Tooth Museum

A museum housed in the first- and second-floor exhibition spaces of the Temple of the Tooth building. It's a great place to explore artifacts and records related to the temple and learn about the history of Kandy's Temple of the Tooth in depth.

0.3 km away
Malwathu Maha Viharaya

Temples & religious sites

Malwathu Maha Viharaya

A Buddhist temple in Kandy and the head temple of the Malwatta chapter of the Siam Nikaya. It is one of the two temples responsible for the care of the Sacred Tooth Relic enshrined at the Temple of the Tooth, and remains a pilgrimage site for Buddhists.

0.5 km away