Royal Palace Park - Kandy
Royal Palace Park is a scenic and historic green space located in the heart of Kandy, Sri Lanka, near the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Kandy Lake. Once part of the royal grounds of the Kandyan Kingdom, the park offers visitors a peaceful environment surrounded by nature, history, and beautiful views of the city.
Climb the hill above Kandy Lake and you'll find Royal Palace Park, also known as Wales Park, one of the best places in Kandy to see the whole city laid out below you.
From the top, the view takes in the lake, the red roofs of the town and the green hills rolling away on every side. On a clear morning you can pick out the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic near the water's edge. It's a lovely way to get your bearings before heading down to explore.
The park itself is small and peaceful, with shady paths, benches and neatly kept lawns. The area was once linked to the royal grounds of the Kandyan Kingdom, the island's last kingdom, which gives the quiet surroundings a sense of history. Most people come simply to walk slowly, take photos and enjoy a break from the traffic in the town.
Early morning, roughly between 8 and 10am, is the best time to visit. The air is cooler, the light is soft and the views are usually at their clearest before the afternoon haze sets in. Entry is free, and the park is open from 8am to 5pm.
It sits on Rajapihilla Mawatha, a five-minute drive or a 15 to 20 minute uphill walk from the town centre. A tuk-tuk from the railway station takes only a few minutes. If you walk, wear comfortable shoes and carry water.
At a glance
- Entry fee: Free
- Opening hours: 8 AM–5 PM
- Time needed: 2 Hours
- Best time: Early morning (8:00 AM to 10:00 AM)
How to get there
Royal Palace Park (also known as Wales Park) is located on a hilltop above Kandy Lake on Rajapihilla Mawatha. You can reach it via a 5-minute drive or a 15–20 minute uphill walk from the Kandy city center, or catch a quick local tuk-tuk from the Kandy Railway Station
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to visit Royal Palace Park - Kandy?
- Free.
- What are the opening hours at Royal Palace Park - Kandy?
- 8 AM–5 PM.
- How long should I spend at Royal Palace Park - Kandy?
- Plan for 2 Hours.
- When is the best time to visit Royal Palace Park - Kandy?
- Early morning (8:00 AM to 10:00 AM).
- How do I get to Royal Palace Park - Kandy?
- Royal Palace Park (also known as Wales Park) is located on a hilltop above Kandy Lake on Rajapihilla Mawatha. You can reach it via a 5-minute drive or a 15–20 minute uphill walk from the Kandy city center, or catch a quick local tuk-tuk from the Kandy Railway Station.