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Museums & galleries

National Museum of Kandy

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National Museum of Kandy

Overview

The National Museum of Kandy occupies part of the former royal palace grounds, right next to the Temple of the Tooth. Exhibits are set inside historical palace buildings, including the former queens' residence, displaying artefacts, weaponry, and regalia from the Kandyan Kingdom era.

Getting There

From central Kandy or the railway station, the site is a 10- to 15-minute walk along the lake. A tuk-tuk from downtown takes roughly 5 minutes to the perimeter gate.

Time to Allow

Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour to view the indoor exhibits.

When to Visit

Visit in the morning or early afternoon before crowds gather for temple ceremonies. December to April and July to August provide the driest weather for walking around the grounds.

Nearby Attractions

You can easily pair a visit with other sights in the palace quarter:

  • Temple of the Tooth (0.1km): Located directly next door.
  • Royal Palace of Kandy (0.2km): The adjoining palace building.
  • International Buddhist Museum (0.2km): Situated just behind the temple.
  • St. Paul's Church, Kandy (0.3km): A historic church just outside the complex.

Updated September 13, 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 National Museum of Kandy

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

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National Museum of Kandy 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

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
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.

0.2 km away
International Buddhist Museum

Museums & galleries

International Buddhist Museum

The world's first international Buddhist museum, located next to the Temple of the Tooth and the Kandy National Museum. It's housed in a British colonial-era building on the site of the former royal palace, adding to its historical significance.

0.2 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.

0.3 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.

0.4 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.

0.4 km away