Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Just behind the main temple, but still inside the complex, is the World Buddhism Mu-
seum. Housed inside the former High Court buildings, the museum contains lots of photo-
graphs, models and displays illustrating Buddhism around the world. Note that a large
number of the statues and other exhibits are actually reproductions.
Freelance guides will offer their services around the entire temple complex for around
Rs 500, and free audio guides are available at the ticket office. An elevator facilitates ac-
cess for travellers with disabilities.
The shrine receives many worshippers and tourists, with fewer tourists in the morning.
Wear clothes that cover your legs and your shoulders, and remove your shoes.
Ceylon Tea Museum
MUSEUM
500/200; 8.30am-4.30pm Tue-Sun)
An essential stop on any Sri Lankan tea tour, this museum occupies the 1925-vintage
Hantane Tea Factory, 4km south of Kandy on the Hantane road. Abandoned for more than
a decade, it was refurbished by the Sri Lanka Tea Board and the Planters' Association of
Sri Lanka. There are exhibits on tea pioneers James Taylor and Thomas Lipton, and lots of
vintage tea-processing paraphernalia. Knowledgeable guides are available and there's a
free cuppa afterwards in the top-floor tearoom.
National Museum
MUSEUM
9am-5pm Tue-Sat)
This museum once housed Kandyan royal concubines and now features royal regalia and
reminders of pre-European Sinhalese life. There are some interesting objects housed here
and it could be a very interesting museum, but it's sadly let down by very poor lighting, la-
belling and general layout.
One of the displays is a copy of the 1815 agreement that handed over the Kandyan
provinces to British rule. This document announces a major reason for the event.
…the cruelties and oppressions of the Malabar ruler, in the arbitrary and unjust inflic-
tion of bodily tortures and pains of death without trial, and sometimes without accusation
