Quick answer
The Kandy and Dambulla cricket grounds route takes three to five days: see Asgiriya, the former Test ground in central Kandy, and Pallekele in the valley east of the city; drive north via the Matale spice gardens to Rangiri Dambulla beside its reservoir; and climb Sigiriya. Kurunegala's Welagedara Stadium can be added on the way to or from Colombo. Kandy and Dambulla are about two to two and a half hours apart.
Key takeaways
- The route covers Asgiriya, Pallekele, Dambulla and optionally Welagedara.
- Kandy and Dambulla are about two to two and a half hours apart.
- Pallekele pairs with Kandy; Dambulla with Sigiriya and the cave temple.
- Three to five days is enough with sightseeing.
- A private driver makes the route simple.
Days 1 to 2: Kandy
Start in Kandy, the hill capital, three to four hours from Colombo. Asgiriya, the ground of Trinity College in the heart of the city, hosted Tests from 1983 to 2007, including Australia's first Test in Sri Lanka. Its steep banks and school buildings make it one of the most atmospheric grounds on the island, and it can sometimes be seen from outside.
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium lies 30 to 40 minutes east of the city, in a valley ringed by hills. If a match is on, spend the day on the grass banks; if not, see the ground from outside on the way to the Knuckles range or Victoria Reservoir.
In the evening, visit the Temple of the Tooth and walk around Kandy Lake.
- →Asgiriya: a former Test ground in the city.
- →Pallekele: 30 to 40 minutes east.
- →Evening: the Temple of the Tooth.
Day 3: north through Matale
Drive north from Kandy towards Dambulla, about two to two and a half hours, through Matale, with its spice gardens and the rock temple of Aluvihare, where the Buddhist scriptures were first written down.
The road climbs out of the hills into the dry zone, and the landscape changes from green slopes to scrub, paddy fields and great tanks.
Lankan Stays & Trails can arrange the driver, stops along the way and accommodation at each end.
Many drivers stop at a spice garden for a short tour and a taste of local cinnamon, cardamom and pepper. Prices at the attached shops can be high, so there is no obligation to buy.
- →Matale: spice gardens.
- →Aluvihare: a historic rock temple.
- →The landscape: hills to dry zone.
Days 3 to 4: Dambulla and Sigiriya
Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium sits beside the Dambulla reservoir, with the cave temple rock in view. If an evening match is on, the sunset over the reservoir is memorable; if not, the stadium can be seen from outside.
The Dambulla cave temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with painted caves and many Buddha statues, is a short drive away. Stay in Sigiriya or Habarana and climb Sigiriya or Pidurangala at sunrise.
An evening safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla, famous for elephants, rounds off the stay.
- →Dambulla stadium: beside the reservoir.
- →Cave temple: painted caves.
- →Sigiriya: sunrise climb.
Day 5: Kurunegala and back to Colombo
On the way back to Colombo or the airport, about four hours from Dambulla, stop at Kurunegala, capital of the North Western Province, where Welagedara Stadium hosts domestic and school cricket below Elephant Rock.
The rock fortress of Yapahuwa, with its carved stairway, is about an hour north of Kurunegala and a quiet alternative to Sigiriya.
The route can also run in reverse, starting from Colombo via Kurunegala to Dambulla and ending in Kandy.
When to go
The inland route works most of the year. Pallekele sees afternoon showers, especially in the inter-monsoon months, while Dambulla is dry and hot, especially during the southwest monsoon months. Kandy's Esala Perahera, in July or August, is a highlight if your dates coincide.
Check Sri Lanka Cricket's schedule and the LPL schedule for matches at Pallekele or Dambulla, and shift the route to fit them.
The Minneriya elephant gathering is at its peak roughly July to October.
- →Pallekele: showers likely.
- →Dambulla: dry and hot.
- →Perahera: July or August.
Tips for the route
A private car and driver is the easiest way to link the grounds and sights. Allow extra time on match days, when traffic around Pallekele and Dambulla builds.
Most grounds can be seen from outside on non-match days. Entry inside is at the discretion of staff, so ask politely.
Dress modestly for temples, with shoulders and knees covered, and remove shoes and hats.
- →Hire a driver.
- →Ask at the gate.
- →Dress modestly for temples.
Frequently asked questions
What cricket grounds are inland in Sri Lanka?
Inland Sri Lanka has two international grounds, Pallekele near Kandy and Rangiri Dambulla near Sigiriya, and historic grounds including Asgiriya in Kandy, a former Test venue, and Welagedara in Kurunegala. The tea country also has old planters' grounds such as Radella.
How far is Kandy from Dambulla?
Kandy is about two to two and a half hours by road from Dambulla, via Matale. Pallekele is 30 to 40 minutes east of Kandy, and Dambulla stadium about 30 minutes from Sigiriya. The drive passes spice gardens and the Aluvihare rock temple.
How long does the inland route take?
Three to five days is enough to see Asgiriya, Pallekele and Dambulla with sightseeing in Kandy, Dambulla and Sigiriya. Add a day for Kurunegala and Yapahuwa on the way to or from Colombo.
Can I visit Asgiriya?
Asgiriya is Trinity College's ground, so entry is at the school's discretion. It can sometimes be seen from outside, and on school or domestic match days spectators are usually welcome. Ask politely and follow any instructions from staff.
When is the best time for the inland route?
The route works most of the year. Pallekele sees afternoon showers, while Dambulla is dry and hot. Kandy's Esala Perahera in July or August and the Minneriya elephant gathering, roughly July to October, are highlights if your dates coincide.
Can I see a match on the route?
If a match is on at Pallekele or Dambulla during your dates, the route can be shifted to fit it. Both host white-ball internationals and LPL matches, and Pallekele also hosts Tests. Check the schedules before you go.
Can the route be done in reverse?
Yes. Start in Colombo, drive via Kurunegala to Dambulla and Sigiriya, then south to Kandy and Pallekele, and return to Colombo. The order can be chosen to fit any matches and the rest of your trip.