Royal Palace of Kandy Complex Tour

The Royal Palace of Kandy complex, which forms part of the Maligawa precinct surrounding the Temple of the Tooth, encompasses the last standing structures of the Kandyan Kingdom's royal court: the Audience Hall (Magul Maduwa) with its magnificent carved wooden pillars, the National Museum of Kandy housed in the former queen's chambers, and the remains of the original palace walls and bathhouse. A guided tour of the complex moves through rooms that witnessed the final years of the Kandyan monarchy — the signing of the Kandyan Convention in 1815 — and the transition from royal palace to colonial administration centre that preserved these structures into the modern era.

The National Museum contains royal regalia, ancient ola-leaf manuscripts, jewellery, and weapons of the Kandyan court.

Shorta Tours arranges Royal Palace of Kandy Complex Tour as part of a tailored private itinerary, providing expert guides, comfortable private transfers, and hand-picked operators to ensure a seamless and truly memorable experience.

Kandy became the last capital of the independent Kandyan Kingdom after the fall of Kotte to the Portuguese in 1594, and remained an independent Sri Lankan state for over two centuries while successive European powers controlled the rest of the island. The palace complex was built and continuously expanded by Kandyan kings from 1592 to 1815, incorporating South Indian architectural elements into the distinctly Kandyan style visible in the carved columns of the Audience Hall.

The British formally dissolved the Kandyan monarchy in 1815 through the Kandyan Convention signed in the Audience Hall, ending 2,300 years of Sinhalese royal rule.

Today, Royal Palace of Kandy Complex Tour remains one of the highlights of visiting Central Province, drawing guests from around the world who seek its unique combination of history, nature, and authentic Sri Lankan character.

Entry fees apply separately to the Temple of the Tooth, the National Museum, and the Audience Hall. Conservative dress is required throughout the precinct.

Shorta Tours provides specialist guides with knowledge of both the architectural history and the political narratives of the Kandyan period.

Essential items to pack: Conservative clothing, socks, camera, cash for entry fees..