International Buddhist Centre

This modern Buddhist study centre houses a meditation hall, library, and teaching spaces where international students learn Buddhist philosophy alongside Sri Lankan monks. The centre operates as both an educational institution and active monastery, offering insights into contemporary Buddhist scholarship and practise rather than historical artifacts. It sits below the headline sights but earns its place on a longer visit to Kandy, especially paired with nearby National Museum of Kandy. Entry is free and 1-2 hours gives you a thorough visit.

Walk through quiet study halls where monks in orange robes study Buddhist texts alongside international students. In the main meditation hall, sit on floor cushions during guided meditation sessions while incense burns and soft chanting echoes through the modern architecture.

Observe contemporary Buddhist education and participate in meditation sessions with international practitioners. It is not the first thing you should see in Kandy, but with two or more days it fills a gap the major sights leave. It pairs naturally with National Museum of Kandy and Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic - together they fill a solid half-day. Mornings are quieter if you want to take your time.

See where it ranks among the things to do in Kandy. The Kandy guide covers transport, costs and when to go.

We plan trips to Kandy and the rest of Sri Lanka. Tell us your dates and we will put a route together. Our routes are on the tours page.