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Castles & palaces

Royal Palace of Kandy

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Royal Palace of Kandy

Royal Palace of Kandy

The Royal Palace of Kandy was the residence of the monarchs of the Kingdom of Kandy until 1815. Visitors go here to see examples of traditional Kandyan architecture, including detailed wood carvings, stone sculptures, and murals that reflect the artistic style of the era.

Getting There

The palace 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 to 15 minutes depending on the starting point.

Duration of Visit

Allow approximately 1 to 2 hours to walk through the grounds and examine the carvings and murals.

When to Visit

The site can get crowded, particularly during religious festivals or peak tourist seasons. Visiting in the early morning is generally quieter. Be aware that the weather in Kandy is often humid with frequent rainfall.

Nearby Attractions

Because of its central location, the palace can be combined with several other sites within walking distance:

  • Temple of the Tooth: 0.1km
  • St. Paul's Church, Kandy: 0.2km
  • National Museum of Kandy: 0.2km
  • International Buddhist Museum: 0km

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 Royal Palace of Kandy

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

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Royal Palace 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

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.

0.0 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
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.

0.2 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