British Garrison Cemetery
A serene historical burial ground in Kandy, offering a peaceful escape and a glimpse into colonial-era lives.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Peaceful and quiet atmosphere
British Garrison Cemetery
Best Time
Peaceful and quiet atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene historical burial ground in Kandy, offering a peaceful escape and a glimpse into colonial-era lives.
"A world of calm and quiet, where you can walk around reading tombstones and discovering past lives."
Engage with the Caretaker
Chat with the caretaker for fascinating stories about the graves and history. :speech_balloon:
Respectful Attire
Dress modestly out of respect for this historical burial ground. :pray:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Colonial Era Tombs
Throughout the cemetery
Explore 195 graves of British and European individuals, many lost to tropical diseases.
Caretaker's Insights
Near the entrance
Learn the poignant stories behind the interred from the dedicated local caretakers.
Forest Sanctuary Border
Eastern edge
The cemetery is bordered by the lush Udawatta Kele Forest Sanctuary, adding to its tranquil atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Tranquil Escape
Meet the Guardian
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Engage with the Caretaker
Chat with the caretaker for fascinating stories about the graves and history. :speech_balloon:
Respectful Attire
Dress modestly out of respect for this historical burial ground. :pray:
Quiet Reflection
Embrace the calm; it's a perfect spot for quiet contemplation. :thought_balloon:
Photography Opportunities
Capture the serene beauty and historical markers. :camera:
Tips
from all over the internet
Engage with the Caretaker
Chat with the caretaker for fascinating stories about the graves and history. :speech_balloon:
Respectful Attire
Dress modestly out of respect for this historical burial ground. :pray:
Quiet Reflection
Embrace the calm; it's a perfect spot for quiet contemplation. :thought_balloon:
Photography Opportunities
Capture the serene beauty and historical markers. :camera:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the British Garrison Cemetery a surprisingly peaceful and serene escape from Kandy's bustle, offering a quiet space for historical reflection. The knowledgeable caretakers are frequently praised for enhancing the experience with personal stories. While generally well-maintained, occasional reports of access issues have surfaced.
"Located just a short walk away from The Temple of the Sacred Tooth, entering the British Garrison Cemetery is like entering another world. I don’t mean leaving the world of the living, but a world of calm and quiet. More likely than not, you will be the only visitor and you can walk around the grounds reading the tombstones and discovering what life might have been like for the 195 people buried there.
During your time at the cemetery you will in all likelihood meet the young caretaker of the cemetery Harsha. He is very knowledgeable about everything that is there in the cemetery and can guide you through the tombstones sharing information about each.
The British Garrison Cemetery in Kandy is maintained by The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC)."
Neel Mitra
"British Garrison Cemetery
British Garrison Cemetery (also known as the Kandy Garrison Cemetery) is a British cemetery in Kandy, Sri Lanka, for British nationals who died in Ceylon. It was established in 1817 just after British captured the Kandy and closed in 1873 due to a ban on burials within the municipal limits, although special provision was given to allow the burial of relatives of those interred in the cemetery, with last person buried there being Annie Fritz in 1951. The cemetery contains 195 graves of men, women and children. The most common causes of death were tropical diseases such as malaria and cholera.
The cemetery was restored in 1998 using financial contributions from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and is currently maintained by a group called 'The Friends of the British Garrison Cemetery in Kandy'. The cemetery is located within the land of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, the cemetery is maintained by the British while the Diyawadana Nilame and the Chief Prelates maintain the land."
Sanka Indranath
"It is a old cemetery was opened in 1822 and closed in 1870. Anybody can visit their between 8am to 6pm.its behind the kandy national museum.The caretaker Mr.Charles is a very kind person and he knows every stories behind the tombs.There are some tombs of the memorable people from the colonial era."
Sara Sach
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The cemetery is conveniently located behind the Kandy National Museum and a short walk from the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. You can easily reach it by tuk-tuk or on foot if you're exploring the main Kandy attractions.
While there isn't dedicated parking directly at the cemetery, you can usually find parking options near the Kandy National Museum or along the main roads in the vicinity.
Absolutely! Many Kandy city tours include the British Garrison Cemetery as it's close to other major landmarks like the Temple of the Tooth.
Kandy is accessible by train from Colombo, offering scenic views. Buses are also a frequent and affordable option from major cities like Colombo and Dambulla.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the British Garrison Cemetery is typically free, making it an accessible historical site for all visitors.
The cemetery is generally open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM, allowing ample time for visits during daylight hours.
No, there is no admission fee to visit the British Garrison Cemetery. It's a free historical site.
Yes, the cemetery is open on weekends, so you can plan your visit accordingly.
The cemetery has some uneven terrain and stairs near the entrance, so it might be challenging for those with significant mobility issues.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore 195 graves of British and European individuals, learn about their lives from the caretaker, and enjoy the peaceful, natural surroundings.
A visit typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much time you spend reading the tombstones and speaking with the caretaker.
It's often very quiet, and you might be the only visitor, especially if you go during off-peak hours.
It served as the burial ground for British nationals who died in Ceylon, many from tropical diseases, offering a glimpse into colonial life and mortality.
Restroom facilities are generally not available directly within the cemetery grounds. It's advisable to use facilities at nearby attractions like the Kandy National Museum.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed, and it's a great spot for capturing historical markers and serene landscapes.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer beautiful soft light, ideal for capturing the atmosphere and details of the tombstones.
While generally permitted, it's always good practice to be respectful and avoid intrusive photography, especially if other visitors are present.
You can capture detailed shots of the gravestones, the lush greenery, and the overall peaceful ambiance of the cemetery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep the visit brief and respectful. It's a good opportunity to discuss history and the importance of remembering. Ensure children understand the solemn nature of the site and encourage quiet exploration. The proximity to the Kandy National Museum also makes it a convenient addition to a family-friendly itinerary.
🚶 Solo Travelers & History Buffs
Engaging with the caretaker is a must for gaining unique historical context that you won't find in guidebooks. This site provides a tangible link to the past, offering a different perspective on Sri Lanka's colonial narrative. It's a perfect spot for quiet reflection and photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Colonial Life
The cemetery was officially closed in 1873 due to a ban on burials within municipal limits. However, a special clause allowed for the interment of relatives of those already buried there, extending its use until the last burial in 1951. This historical continuity adds another layer to its significance, reflecting family ties and enduring connections even in death.
Restored in 1998 with contributions from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the cemetery is now maintained by 'The Friends of the British Garrison Cemetery in Kandy.' Its location, bordering the Udawatta Kele Forest Sanctuary and near the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, places it within a significant cultural and natural landscape, offering a unique juxtaposition of history and nature.
The Role of the Caretaker
These caretakers provide a personal connection to the past, transforming a simple walk through a cemetery into an engaging historical narrative. Their insights offer a deeper understanding of the human element behind the historical records, making the experience more profound and memorable. Engaging with them is highly recommended for a truly immersive visit.
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