Quick answer
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, about 30 to 40 minutes east of Kandy, opened in 2009 as a modern replacement for Asgiriya, Kandy's cramped school ground, which had hosted Tests from 1983 to 2007. Pallekele's first Test was in December 2010, against West Indies, and it hosted matches at the 2011 World Cup and the 2012 World Twenty20. Grass banks and green hills make it one of Sri Lanka's most attractive grounds.
Key takeaways
- Pallekele opened in 2009, about 30 to 40 minutes east of Kandy.
- It replaced Asgiriya, Trinity College's ground, which hosted Tests until 2007.
- Its first Test was in December 2010, against West Indies.
- It hosted 2011 World Cup and 2012 World Twenty20 matches.
- Grass banks and green hills give it a relaxed, scenic feel.
Why Kandy needed a new ground
For decades Kandy's international cricket was played at Asgiriya, the ground of Trinity College in the heart of the city. Asgiriya hosted Tests from 1983, including Australia's first Test in Sri Lanka, but it was small, steep-sided and hard to expand, and access through Kandy's narrow streets was difficult.
In the 2000s Sri Lanka Cricket looked for a site with space for a modern stadium, and found it at Pallekele, a flat area in the Dumbara valley east of the city. Construction began in the late 2000s, and the ground opened in 2009.
Asgiriya remains a school ground and is covered in this site's companion page on Kandy's cricket heritage.
- →Old ground: Asgiriya, hosted Tests from 1983 to 2007.
- →New site: Pallekele, in the valley east of Kandy.
- →Opened: 2009.
The first Test and early years
Pallekele hosted its first Test in December 2010, against West Indies, a match badly affected by rain, an early sign of the ground's weather. White-ball internationals followed quickly, and the ground became a regular stop for touring teams.
The ground's pitches have often offered more pace and bounce than other Sri Lankan venues, especially early in a match, which has made Pallekele Tests more varied than the spin-dominated games at Galle.
Over time, Pallekele has become a favourite of visiting fans, who enjoy the grass banks and the chance to combine cricket with Kandy and the hill country.
- →First Test: December 2010, against West Indies.
- →Pitches: often more pace and bounce early on.
- →Weather: rain-affected matches are common.
World Cups and big matches
Pallekele was a venue at the 2011 World Cup, co-hosted by Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh, and at the 2012 World Twenty20, which Sri Lanka hosted. Floodlights allow day-night matches, and the ground has also hosted Asia Cup and Lanka Premier League games.
Big matches here draw crowds from Kandy and across the hill country, and the atmosphere on the banks is cheerful and family-friendly, with food sellers, bands and flags.
In 2016 Sri Lanka beat Australia at Pallekele in the first Test of a series they went on to win 3-0, one of the ground's most celebrated results.
The setting: banks and hills
Pallekele's appeal for visitors is its setting. Grass banks run around much of the ground, and beyond them green hills rise on every side. On a clear afternoon, with cloud building over the hills, it is one of the most attractive places to watch cricket in Asia.
The banks are popular with families and groups who bring mats and spend the day on the grass. The main stands and pavilion offer more shade and comfort for those who prefer a seat.
Afternoon showers are common, especially in the inter-monsoon months, so a light jacket or umbrella is sensible.
- →Banks: informal, lively, good for groups.
- →Stands: more shade and comfort.
- →Bring: a mat, a hat and a rain layer.
Visiting Pallekele today
The stadium is about 30 to 40 minutes by road from central Kandy, past the Pallekele industrial area and along the valley. On match days, traffic builds, so leave early and agree a pick-up point with your driver.
On non-match days, the stadium can be seen from outside, and entry is at the discretion of staff. Some visitors stop on the way to the Knuckles range or Victoria Reservoir.
Lankan Stays & Trails can add a Pallekele stop to a Kandy stay, with or without a match, and the companion pages cover where to sit and what is nearby.
- →From Kandy: about 30 to 40 minutes.
- →On the way to: the Knuckles and Victoria Reservoir.
- →Match days: leave early.
Pallekele's place in Sri Lankan cricket
Pallekele represents the expansion of Sri Lankan cricket beyond Colombo and Galle into the regions. With Dambulla and Hambantota, it brought international cricket to new parts of the island and new crowds to the game.
For visitors, it offers the best balance of scenery, comfort and access to sights, and many travelling fans rank it alongside Galle.
A day on the banks here, with Kandy waiting in the evening, is one of the most pleasant days a cricket lover can spend in Sri Lanka.
Frequently asked questions
When did Pallekele stadium open?
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium opened in 2009 on a flat site in the valley east of Kandy. It was built to replace Asgiriya, Trinity College's small ground in the city, as Kandy's international venue. Its first Test followed in December 2010.
What was Pallekele's first Test?
Pallekele's first Test was against West Indies in December 2010. Rain affected the match heavily, an early sign of the ground's weather. Since then the ground has hosted Tests regularly, along with one-day and Twenty20 internationals and Lanka Premier League matches.
Why was Pallekele built instead of using Asgiriya?
Asgiriya, in central Kandy, was small, steep-sided and hard to expand, and access through the city's narrow streets was difficult. Pallekele offered space for a modern stadium with parking and floodlights. Asgiriya remains Trinity College's ground and still hosts school and domestic cricket.
Did Pallekele host World Cup matches?
Yes. Pallekele hosted matches at the 2011 World Cup, co-hosted by Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh, and at the 2012 World Twenty20, which Sri Lanka hosted. It has also staged Asia Cup and Lanka Premier League games under its floodlights.
How far is Pallekele from Kandy?
The stadium is about 30 to 40 minutes by road east of central Kandy, depending on traffic. On match days, journeys take longer as crowds arrive, so leave early. Tuk-tuks and hired cars are the usual ways to get there.
Does it rain a lot at Pallekele?
Afternoon showers are common, especially in the inter-monsoon months around April and October to November, and several matches have been affected. A light rain layer is sensible on any visit. Mornings are often clearer than afternoons.
Is Pallekele good for families?
Pallekele is one of the most family-friendly grounds, with grass banks where groups spread mats and children have space to move. The main stands offer more shade. Bring hats, water and snacks, and plan around possible afternoon showers.