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Best Museums in Sri Lanka
Top Rated Museums
Top Reviewed Museums
Mount Galle Tea Estate
Kandy National Museum
Archaeological Museum Complex
Canbuy Gem Museum
Old Royal Palace
Reviews
Really nice museum explaining the process of mining. Very nice people
Super interesting!!! We absolutely enjoyed it. Gems are part of Sri Lanka history. It's worth it to learn more about it.
The site is impressive and lots of old ruins and technology to learn. But the museum itself has not changed for the past 15 years. Not one bit!
01. There will be guides offering services in the parking area
02. Museum staff needs to learn Sri Lankan hospitality. Why is it so difficult to smile? Jeez.
03. Museum probably needs to have air conditioned.
01. There will be guides offering services in the parking area
02. Museum staff needs to learn Sri Lankan hospitality. Why is it so difficult to smile? Jeez.
03. Museum probably needs to have air conditioned.
Royal palace is located in the same premises as as tooth relic temple.
It has beautiful gardens and traditional building.
It has beautiful gardens and traditional building.
this will definitely be the greatest experience of your life
Nice place to visit if you have the time! Nice rocks and a nice video on how they take the stones! They have a meteorite rock which is very unique
I loved it! The manager was very informative and passionate about the gems. It was very lovely to learn all about it. 15-20 mins is sufficient and all staff were friendly and very kind. Thank you!
The ticket price went up 5usd/pax, it's 30usd now, and I can't see absolutly no change! Museum is amazing but impossible to stay inside with the heat, they should have a/c. The bathroom should be renovated. Also some structures in the complex need better protection. I really don't understand what are they doing with all the ticket money....
A great place to see all of Sri Lanka’s beautiful gem stones! The owner and other helpers were very friendly and passionate, giving us a free guided tour of stones along with a video of gem extraction in Sri Lanka. Definitely worth a visit!
This is the best place ever! The morning started off with a tour and ended with us buying two beautiful rings. It’s clear to see that they are so passionate about what they do. All the staff are very friendly and the jewelry are well priced. You must check it out if you’re in Kandy.
Offers a captivating journey through the rich history of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka. With its well-curated exhibits showcasing artifacts, sculptures, and historical relics dating back to the Polonnaruwa Kingdom, visitors gain deep insights into the cultural and architectural heritage of the region. The museum's informative displays, coupled with knowledgeable guides, make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.
It was very good and I like it ,it give you alot of knowledge about Buddhist to you if you interest it
The Archaeological Museum Complex in Polonnaruwa is a treasure trove of Sri Lanka's ancient history, offering visitors a fascinating journey through time. Located amidst the majestic ruins of the ancient city, this museum provides a comprehensive overview of Polonnaruwa's rich cultural heritage.
Upon entering the museum complex, visitors are greeted with a remarkable collection of artifacts, sculptures, and exhibits that chronicle the rise and fall of one of Sri Lanka's most illustrious kingdoms. From intricately carved stone statues of the Buddha to delicate pottery fragments and ancient coins, each artifact offers a glimpse into the daily life, religious practices, and artistic achievements of the ancient inhabitants of Polonnaruwa.
One of the highlights of the museum is its informative displays and multimedia presentations, which provide context and insight into the significance of the archaeological sites scattered throughout the region. Visitors can learn about the city's layout, architectural styles, and the cultural influences that shaped its development over the centuries.
Moreover, the museum complex itself is a marvel of modern architecture, seamlessly blending with its historic surroundings while offering modern amenities and educational facilities for visitors of all ages.
Overall, a visit to the Archaeological Museum Complex in Polonnaruwa is an immersive and enlightening experience that deepens appreciation for Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage and the enduring legacy of its ancient civilizations. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a cultural aficionado, or simply a curious traveler, this museum is a must-visit destination in the heart of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle.
Upon entering the museum complex, visitors are greeted with a remarkable collection of artifacts, sculptures, and exhibits that chronicle the rise and fall of one of Sri Lanka's most illustrious kingdoms. From intricately carved stone statues of the Buddha to delicate pottery fragments and ancient coins, each artifact offers a glimpse into the daily life, religious practices, and artistic achievements of the ancient inhabitants of Polonnaruwa.
One of the highlights of the museum is its informative displays and multimedia presentations, which provide context and insight into the significance of the archaeological sites scattered throughout the region. Visitors can learn about the city's layout, architectural styles, and the cultural influences that shaped its development over the centuries.
Moreover, the museum complex itself is a marvel of modern architecture, seamlessly blending with its historic surroundings while offering modern amenities and educational facilities for visitors of all ages.
Overall, a visit to the Archaeological Museum Complex in Polonnaruwa is an immersive and enlightening experience that deepens appreciation for Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage and the enduring legacy of its ancient civilizations. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a cultural aficionado, or simply a curious traveler, this museum is a must-visit destination in the heart of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle.
Some small museum of local culture and religion.
If you are interested to know about gems or want to buy one in Sri Lanka a must visit place. They show a documentary about how gems are extracted and cut and finished.
Truly remarkable and well-maintained archaeological site, accessible by bike.
The main problem remain the price of the entry ticket ($30) that is absolutely not proportional to the service provided.
For this price, guided tours wouldn't be too much trouble !
In addition, the park is full of pushy salespeople who make the visit unpleasant...once again, why do we pay so much? I really recommend visiting this park if you are interested in archeology and like old temples in a beautiful natural environment, but just know that the service provided is not worth the price
The main problem remain the price of the entry ticket ($30) that is absolutely not proportional to the service provided.
For this price, guided tours wouldn't be too much trouble !
In addition, the park is full of pushy salespeople who make the visit unpleasant...once again, why do we pay so much? I really recommend visiting this park if you are interested in archeology and like old temples in a beautiful natural environment, but just know that the service provided is not worth the price
I didn't expect much from the museum but was pleasantly surprised. It had interesting artifacts organized sensibly. Apart from a few spelling mistakes in the English descriptions, nothing to complain about!
I have been many times in Kandy in the past 5 years but this is the first time I decided to visit this museum.
It was a great experience.
Especially because of the very kind and helpful Mrs Swarnapali from the Educational department
She was guiding us through the whole building giving us very precise and valuable informations about the collections and the building.
Even young Thenu 8 years old was listening very carefully. We learned a lot.
Again many thanks to Swarnapali.
I highly recommend the Kandy National Museum.
It was a great experience.
Especially because of the very kind and helpful Mrs Swarnapali from the Educational department
She was guiding us through the whole building giving us very precise and valuable informations about the collections and the building.
Even young Thenu 8 years old was listening very carefully. We learned a lot.
Again many thanks to Swarnapali.
I highly recommend the Kandy National Museum.
The size difference between the old Royal Palace and the Temple of the Tooth Relic might be due to historical changes, including potential destruction or alterations over time. It's possible that sections of the old palace were destroyed or modified during different periods. Additionally, noble leaders' houses may have been expanded or renovated separately, contributing to variations in size and attractiveness. Historical events and architectural decisions could account for these differences in scale and appearance.
Even more to see in this multi building area the Royal Palace of Kandy is a historical complex that served as the official residence for the monarchs of the Kingdom of Kandy until the advent of British colonial rule in 1815. It is striking with its traditional Kandyan architectural styles, intricate woodwork, finely crafted stone carvings, and ornate wall murals.
Hidden Gem in Kandy.
Overlooked because most people go to the tooth temple but this is really a must see in Kandy. A lot of people don’t understand the history behind this building This building established during Sri Wickrama Rajasingha era was then known as “Palle Vahala” This was used as the palace where the Queens of the king lived. This building has been built according to the architectural features of Kandy period. This pallevahala building was used to deposit the various items of historical value made by Kandy Art Association established in 1832 and technicians of Matale district. This was opened for the public as a museum 1942.
This museum has over 5000 museum objects which are depicting various aspects historical and cultural events of the Kandyan period. (17-19 century A.D.)
The staff are amazing. We visited during Tourism Day and it was one of the best experiences I’ve had in Sri Lanka. The staff are amazing. Highly recommended
Overlooked because most people go to the tooth temple but this is really a must see in Kandy. A lot of people don’t understand the history behind this building This building established during Sri Wickrama Rajasingha era was then known as “Palle Vahala” This was used as the palace where the Queens of the king lived. This building has been built according to the architectural features of Kandy period. This pallevahala building was used to deposit the various items of historical value made by Kandy Art Association established in 1832 and technicians of Matale district. This was opened for the public as a museum 1942.
This museum has over 5000 museum objects which are depicting various aspects historical and cultural events of the Kandyan period. (17-19 century A.D.)
The staff are amazing. We visited during Tourism Day and it was one of the best experiences I’ve had in Sri Lanka. The staff are amazing. Highly recommended
This remaining part of the kandyan royal palace is well preserved and now houses a museum with a sound collection of kandyan wood and stone artifacts. The staff is very friendly and you can have a good peaceful time here since it doesn't get busy as other parts of the building complex. There are no restrictions on taking photos by the way.
Visited this museum with kids. We visited by walking to the back of the Kandy temple of Tooth palace along the lake edge.
It's a small museum with some 17th to 19th century Kandy kingdom era items.
This museum building itself is historic and part of the Kandy palace. The size of walls, doors frames is massive.
Next to this museum, is another museum building called "Middle Palace", which was the king and queens bedchambers. It is opened only till 4pm.
The museum consists of few large rooms. Took us less than a hour to read descriptions and see the whole.
It's a small museum with some 17th to 19th century Kandy kingdom era items.
This museum building itself is historic and part of the Kandy palace. The size of walls, doors frames is massive.
Next to this museum, is another museum building called "Middle Palace", which was the king and queens bedchambers. It is opened only till 4pm.
The museum consists of few large rooms. Took us less than a hour to read descriptions and see the whole.
The National Museum of Kandy has over 5000 artifacts. There are 8 galleries and visitors can enjoy a rich culture and traditions of ancient kandyan era.
Very large ancient city, you can spend the whole day in there. We've visited under the rain and there were very little people apart from us, so at some points it felt like Indiana Jones movies :)
Quite expensive entrance ticket, but it's a large complex to preserve. Museum is informative but needs some modernisation.
Note: if you want to go out for lunch and come back, don't let them put a stamp on your ticket, when you exit (it would say that it cancels the ticket).
Quite expensive entrance ticket, but it's a large complex to preserve. Museum is informative but needs some modernisation.
Note: if you want to go out for lunch and come back, don't let them put a stamp on your ticket, when you exit (it would say that it cancels the ticket).
Dating back to 1634, this is the remaining part of the palace of the royal monarch during the era of the Kandyan kingdom. (පැරණි රජ වාසල)
Standing in perfectly preserved condition, presently it houses one of several archeological museums of the Sacred City of Kandy.
Standing in perfectly preserved condition, presently it houses one of several archeological museums of the Sacred City of Kandy.
Not much peoples visited here but it's worth for visit here and witness remaing glory of the greatest civilization come to the end.
In Museum you need to by the tickets for you visit to Ancient City. Again 30 USD ripp-off but you can't get around if you want to see the place. Plus a guide which offer themselves at parking area quite aggressively. Museum is ok to go before to get some basic information thus no real need for a guide if you go with your driver. Museum does not allow you to take pics as they want to sell there books in shop. Regarding site .... go very early due to heat as you need to take off shoes and burn your feet while walking in old temple ruins. I was not too impressed. For 5 USD ok, but for 30 USD i expect at least guided tours for free.
A well kept museum of articrafts and models of polonnauwa kingdom. Photography is not allowed in the museum but the articrafts are very beautiful. the photographs can be purchased from the souvinier store
Entrance: 600 lkr
Small. Interesting a 30-40 minutes visit.
Cleaner in the toilet asking for money even though it is written on the wall that it is a free service. He should be replaced by someone honest...
Small. Interesting a 30-40 minutes visit.
Cleaner in the toilet asking for money even though it is written on the wall that it is a free service. He should be replaced by someone honest...
It was a palace of the former kandyan kings.The Building, windows, doors, roof, all the feature are archeologicaly invaluble .It has pots stone carvings wood carvings and wood works ,masonry works and i loke the most the old fan use by king and the roof.entrance free,
Entrance is free,just few meters away from raja tuskers museum. You can observe some clay wooden and stone antiques here,photography inside is prohibited,friendly staff. It will take 5 to 10 minutes to observe it.Garden outside also contains some stone monuments
Great location, and they are doing an amazing job of bringing this tea estate back alive.