Arthur's Seat View Point Kandy
A roadside viewpoint on the hills above Kandy giving the classic postcard look down over the lake, the temple and the red-roofed city.
Southwest of Kandy Lake, past the old Royal Palace Park, sits one of those viewpoints that just quietly earns its reputation through word of mouth. Arthur's Seat sits at 550 meters above sea level on Rajapihilla Mawatha, and it delivers exactly what you'd hope, a sweeping view across the lake, the golden roofs of Sri Dalada Maligawa, and the whole tangle of Kandy spread out below the hills. It's not a grand monument or anything with an entrance gate, just a stretch of road and a platform, but that simplicity is honestly part of the appeal.
The name comes from local folklore about a British tea planter named Arthur, who apparently owned a bungalow up here and used to stand on a stone seat under a tree just to take in the view himself. Whether every detail of that story holds up to scrutiny or not, it's stuck for good reason, this has clearly been a favourite lookout for a very long time, well before Instagram made it famous.
These days it's known as much for one particular photo spot, a single chair set up against the skyline, as it is for the view itself. Travellers line up to get their shot in it, especially around sunset when the sky turns warm and the lake catches the color. Come after dark instead and you get a different reward, the city lights flickering on below, Kandy Lake reflecting them back like scattered glass.
It's a short, steep climb if you're walking up from the lake, or a quick tuk-tuk ride if you'd rather skip the effort, and either way you end up somewhere quiet enough to just sit for a while. No crowds pushing past, no ticket booth, just benches, a decent breeze, and one of the better views this city has to offer.
At a glance
- Entry fee: Free, no tickets needed, small donations sometimes accepted for parking or upkeep.
- Opening hours: Open 24 hours, though visiting after dark needs some caution walking up.
- Time needed: 15 to 30 minutes covers the viewpoint and a few photos comfortably.
- Best time: Early morning for mist and quiet, or sunset for golden light and city glow.
Getting there
Located about 1.5 km from the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic on Rajapihilla Mawatha, reachable by a short but steep walk up from Kandy Lake, or a quick tuk-tuk or taxi ride from anywhere in central Kandy.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to visit Arthur's Seat View Point Kandy?
- Free, no tickets needed, small donations sometimes accepted for parking or upkeep.
- What are the opening hours at Arthur's Seat View Point Kandy?
- Open 24 hours, though visiting after dark needs some caution walking up.
- How long should I spend at Arthur's Seat View Point Kandy?
- Plan for 15 to 30 minutes covers the viewpoint and a few photos comfortably.
- When is the best time to visit Arthur's Seat View Point Kandy?
- Early morning for mist and quiet, or sunset for golden light and city glow.
- How do I get to Arthur's Seat View Point Kandy?
- Located about 1.5 km from the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic on Rajapihilla Mawatha, reachable by a short but steep walk up from Kandy Lake, or a quick tuk-tuk or taxi ride from anywhere in central Kandy.