National Museum building in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Discover archaeological finds, artefacts, inscriptions and the story of Sri Lankan civilisation.

CategoryCultural and Heritage
Featured places5
Generally bestYear-round
Famous destinations

Where to go — our favourite places for this experience, ready to fit into a route that suits your dates and pace.

  1. 01

    Colombo National Museum

    Colombo National Museum houses collections of Sri Lankan archaeology, art and royal regalia in a colonial-era building beside its gardens.

    National Museum building in Colombo, Sri Lanka
    National Museum of Colombo
  2. 02

    Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum

    Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum displays objects recovered from the ancient city's archaeological sites, including sculpture and architectural fragments.

    Front view of Anuradhapura Archaeological museum
    Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum
  3. 03

    Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum

    Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum introduces the ancient city's monuments through excavated objects, sculpture and displays.

  4. 04

    Sigiriya Museum

    Sigiriya Museum presents the archaeology and landscape of the rock fortress and its surrounding water gardens.

  5. 05

    Galle National Museum

    Galle National Museum occupies a Dutch-period building within the fort and displays objects associated with the region's cultural history.

    The National Museum of Galle (Galle National Museum) is located in the oldest remaining Dutch building in Galle fort (on Church St). It is a single storey colonnaded Dutch building built in 1656 as the commissariat store for the Dutch garrison at the fort. It subsequently served as a billiards room for the adjoining New Oriental Hotel (now the Amangalla Hotel).
    Galle National Museum

Good to know

Dress modestly at temples and sacred sites — cover shoulders and knees, and remove shoes and hats where asked. Opening times and entry fees change, so we confirm them when we plan your trip.

From the first idea to the final detail, we design Sri Lankan journeys you'll remember forever.