Trace last monarchy's story at Old Royal Palace
Kandy, Sri Lanka • 
Underrated
Underrated
Best months to visit
Jan, Feb, Jul
18°C – 29°C, cool and dry with light rain, high crowds, peak season
18°C – 29°C, cool and dry with light rain, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Limited accessibility; uneven terrain and stairs present.
Limited accessibility; uneven terrain and stairs present.
Value for money
Medium
Entry fees are reasonable for the cultural experience.
Entry fees are reasonable for the cultural experience.
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Romantic Ambiance
Couples found the palace gardens and historical sites very romantic and serene.
Rich History
Couples enjoyed exploring the history and learning about the Kandyan Kingdom together.
Peaceful Environment
Visitors felt the environment was peaceful, offering a great escape for couples.
Confusing Ticketing
Some couples found the ticketing process for the complex to be confusing.
Limited Parking
Couples reported that parking near the palace can be quite limited.
Stairs Present
Couples with mobility issues found stairs to be a challenge at the palace.
How to book
ViatorRECOMMENDED
Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
2h - 3h
4.8
from
USD 45
per_person
BOOK
GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
4h - 5h
4.9
from
USD 70
per_person
BOOK
KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
Non-refundable
8h - 10h
5.0
from
USD 120
per_person
BOOK
Hours of operation
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
-
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
MEDIUM
19-27°C
December sees a decrease in rainfall, averaging 212mm over 12 days, with temperatures around 27°C.
December sees a decrease in rainfall, averaging 212mm over 12 days, with temperatures around 27°C.
Open
Higher demand may lead to limited availability in accommodations and attractions.
Higher demand may lead to limited availability in accommodations and attractions.
Recommended
December marks the beginning of the drier season, making it a more favorable time for visitors. The holiday season brings more tourists, so early bookings are recommended.
December marks the beginning of the drier season, making it a more favorable time for visitors. The holiday season brings more tourists, so early bookings are recommended.
January
HIGH
18-29°C
Cool and dry with light rain.
Cool and dry with light rain.
Open
Open from 9 AM to 4 PM; closed on Tuesdays.
Open from 9 AM to 4 PM; closed on Tuesdays.
Recommended
January offers pleasant weather, making it ideal for visiting the Old Royal Palace. However, expect larger crowds and higher prices due to peak tourist season.
January offers pleasant weather, making it ideal for visiting the Old Royal Palace. However, expect larger crowds and higher prices due to peak tourist season.
February
MEDIUM
19-30°C
Warm and dry with occasional light rain.
Warm and dry with occasional light rain.
Open
Open from 9 AM to 4 PM; closed on Tuesdays.
Open from 9 AM to 4 PM; closed on Tuesdays.
Recommended
February's favorable weather conditions make it a good time to visit the Old Royal Palace, with moderate crowd levels and slightly higher prices.
February's favorable weather conditions make it a good time to visit the Old Royal Palace, with moderate crowd levels and slightly higher prices.
March
MEDIUM
20-32°C
Warm with increasing humidity and light rain.
Warm with increasing humidity and light rain.
Open
Open from 9 AM to 4 PM; closed on Tuesdays.
Open from 9 AM to 4 PM; closed on Tuesdays.
Recommended
March offers warm weather suitable for visiting the Old Royal Palace, with moderate crowds and standard pricing.
March offers warm weather suitable for visiting the Old Royal Palace, with moderate crowds and standard pricing.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Buses from Colombo arrive at the Goods Shed Bus Station, near the railway station. Local buses also serve the Maligawa bus stop, a short walk from the palace.
Taxi
Recommended
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available for direct access to the palace entrance.
Train
Recommended
Trains from Colombo arrive at Kandy Railway Station, approximately 2 kilometers from the palace.
Bike
Renting a bike or scooter is a popular way to explore the city, offering flexibility and a local experience.
Car
Driving via Colombo-Kandy Road (A1) allows direct access, with drop-off near the entrance. Limited parking is available.
Walking
Walking is feasible from the city center (15-20 min from Kandy Lake area) or the Temple of the Tooth (5 min walk).
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required