Quick answer
The best places to visit near Pallekele International Cricket Stadium are in and around Kandy, roughly 30 to 40 minutes west: the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy Lake, the central market and the evening Kandyan dance shows; the Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya, about 20 minutes beyond Kandy; and the Knuckles Range, the Hanthana hills and nearby tea estates for a rest day.
Key takeaways
- Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is roughly 30 to 40 minutes by road east of Kandy.
- The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy is a UNESCO-listed site and holds Sri Lanka's most revered Buddhist relic.
- The Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya cover roughly 60 hectares beside the Mahaweli River.
- The Knuckles Range, a UNESCO-listed mountain forest, starts about an hour north-east of Kandy.
- Day games at Pallekele finish in time for the evening puja at the Temple of the Tooth, usually around 6.30 pm.
Where Pallekele is, and why most fans stay in Kandy
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium stands in a broad valley at Pallekele, roughly 30 to 40 minutes by road east of Kandy, with hills on every side. The ground has grassy banks as well as stands, and on a clear day the backdrop is one of the finest in world cricket.
There are few hotels near the stadium itself, so most fans stay in Kandy, which has hotels, guesthouses and restaurants of every kind, and travel out by tuk-tuk, taxi or private driver. A smaller number stay in hill hotels on the Digana side, nearer the ground and the Victoria reservoir.
Pallekele has hosted Australian Tests and limited-overs games, and as with every venue, the fixtures change each tour, so check the schedule before booking.
- →Kandy city: the base for most fans, about 30 to 40 minutes away.
- →Digana and the Victoria reservoir: quieter, closer to the ground.
- →Match-day traffic: allow up to an hour on busy days.
Kandy's sights between games
Kandy's sights are the reason most fans enjoy a Pallekele leg. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, on the shore of Kandy Lake, holds a tooth of the Buddha and draws pilgrims from all over the country. The evening puja, with drums and offerings, is the best time to visit.
Around the temple, the lake walk takes about an hour, the central market sells fruit, spices and batik, and the British Garrison Cemetery and Kandy War Cemetery are quiet reminders of colonial history. The Kandyan dance shows, held most evenings near the lake, run for about an hour.
Kandy's centre is compact and walkable, though hilly, so a day off from the cricket can be spent entirely on foot.
- →Temple of the Tooth: modest dress, shoulders and knees covered.
- →Kandy Lake: a flat circuit of about 3.5 km.
- →Kandyan dance: about an hour, early evening.
Peradeniya and the edges of the city
The Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya, about 20 minutes south-west of Kandy, are among the finest in Asia. The gardens cover roughly 60 hectares in a loop of the Mahaweli River, with an avenue of royal palms, a giant Javan fig tree, an orchid house and a spice garden. Allow two to three hours.
Around the city, the Udawattakele forest reserve has shaded walks just above the temple, and the Bahirawakanda Buddha statue gives a view over Kandy. The Embekke, Gadaladeniya and Lankatilaka temples, south-west of the city, have fine wood carving and are a good half-day by tuk-tuk.
- →Peradeniya gardens: two to three hours, best in the morning.
- →Udawattakele: an hour's forest walk above the temple.
- →Embekke and Lankatilaka: a half-day temple loop.
The Knuckles Range and the Hanthana hills
The hills near Pallekele International Cricket Stadium are worth a full rest day. The Knuckles Range, a UNESCO-listed mountain forest about an hour north-east of Kandy, has trails through cloud forest, villages and waterfalls, and is best walked with a local guide.
Closer to the city, the Hanthana hills have tea estates, a tea museum and short walks with views over Kandy and the Mahaweli valley. The Victoria reservoir near Digana, close to the ground, is a quiet stop for an hour by the water.
Lankan Stays & Trails arranges guided walks in the Knuckles and the Hanthana hills for rest days between games at Pallekele.
- →Knuckles Range: a full day with a guide.
- →Hanthana tea museum: about 30 minutes from Kandy.
- →Victoria reservoir: a short stop near the ground.
Beyond Kandy, if the series allows
If a series leaves three or more days free after Pallekele, the hill country is close. The train from Kandy climbs through the tea estates to Nuwara Eliya and Ella in about six to seven hours, and the road via Ramboda Falls reaches Nuwara Eliya in about three hours.
Sigiriya and Dambulla are roughly two to two and a half hours north of Kandy, which suits a Pallekele leg followed by games at Dambulla or a trip to the Cultural Triangle.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do near Pallekele cricket stadium?
Near Pallekele you can visit Kandy's Temple of the Tooth, walk round Kandy Lake, see a Kandyan dance show, explore the Peradeniya Botanic Gardens and walk in the Knuckles Range or the Hanthana hills. Kandy, the main base, is roughly 30 to 40 minutes from the ground by road.
How far is Pallekele stadium from Kandy city?
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is roughly 15 km east of Kandy, about 30 to 40 minutes by road. On match days, allow up to an hour, because the roads near the ground get busy before play and after the last ball. Tuk-tuks, taxis and private drivers make the trip.
Where should cricket fans stay for a match at Pallekele?
Most fans stay in Kandy, which has the most hotels and restaurants and is roughly 30 to 40 minutes from the ground. Hill hotels on the Digana side are closer and quieter. Book early for a series, because Kandy fills up, especially in July and August.
Can you visit the Temple of the Tooth after a match at Pallekele?
After a day game you can usually reach the Temple of the Tooth in time for the evening puja, held at about 6.30 pm, if you leave promptly. Cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes and hats, and keep quiet inside. After a night game, visit the next morning instead.
Is it worth going to the Peradeniya gardens on a cricket trip?
The Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya are worth two or three hours on a rest day. They are roughly 20 minutes from Kandy, cover about 60 hectares and have royal palms, orchids, spices and a giant Javan fig. Go early in the morning, when it is coolest.
Does it rain at Pallekele?
Rain is possible at Pallekele in most months, because Kandy sits in the hills between the two monsoon zones. Afternoon showers are common, and the wettest months are roughly October to December. Mid-year games often see passing showers rather than washouts. Bring a light rain jacket.
How do you get from Kandy to Pallekele stadium?
The easiest way is a tuk-tuk, taxi or private driver from Kandy, taking roughly 30 to 40 minutes. Ride-hailing apps work in Kandy. Agree a return pickup point and time before the game, because finding transport at the end of a busy match can take a while.