Colombo → Sigiriya → Kandy → Ella
Example · Sigiriya, Kandy and Ella — 7 Days with a Local Guide
7 days · 6 nightsEnglish, German
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Researched by Sarisara, with sources.
The Colombo National Museum opened on 1 January 1877, built by the British governor Sir William Henry Gregory in an Italian architectural style. It is the oldest and largest museum in Sri Lanka, and still the country’s main collection of historical and cultural treasures.
Its best-known exhibit is the throne, crown and royal regalia of the last King of Kandy, Sri Vikrama Rajasinha — taken by the British when they ended Kandyan rule in 1815, and later given back to Sri Lanka. Visitors also see a copy of the Tara statue, the skeleton of a famous Sri Lankan elephant, Buddhist stone sculptures, ancient pottery, and historic maps and manuscripts. The ground floor galleries are arranged to follow Sri Lanka’s history in order, from ancient times onward, while the upper floor is arranged by subject — such as costumes, weapons, or art.
The museum sits beside Colombo’s Viharamahadevi Park, in a part of the city that is easy to combine with a short walk afterwards. A library founded the same year, in 1877, still operates inside the building, and is recognised as the first library in Sri Lanka with the legal right to keep a copy of every book published in the country.
Most visitors spend around an hour and a half to two hours moving through both floors. It is a working museum rather than a quick photo stop, so allow enough time to read the information beside the exhibits that interest you most.
Entrance tickets are not included in Sarisara prices. Please pay them in cash at the gate.
Last checked: 21 Oct 2026. Prices are set by the temple and can change.
This is the Department of National Museums' own official price for the Colombo National Museum. It is not included in your Sarisara price. Several other travel websites quote higher figures (for example USD 8/4 for a combined ticket with the National Museum of Natural History, or older LKR 1,200/600 prices) — this page uses the department's own figure. Confirm the exact amount and currency accepted at the gate before you go, since this can change.
There is no enforced dress code. Dress comfortably for an indoor museum, as you would for any museum.
Not dressed right? There is no dress rule checked at the entrance. You will not be refused entry for your clothing.
Several independent sources agree the museum has been closed on Mondays since 1 September 2025, and is also closed on Poya (full moon) days. The museum's own official ticket-pricing page does not separately state opening hours.
Department of National Museums, Sri Lanka Official website
Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka
Trips, experiences and stays in and around Colombo.
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Colombo → Sigiriya → Kandy → Ella
Experiences
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Fire dancers light the road before the elephants of the Esala Perahera.
