Arthur’s Seat is a viewpoint rarely visited by Sri Lankans which lies right at the heart of Kandy. The viewpoint lies 1790 feet (545 meters) above sea level overlooking the city of Kandy 800 meters on Rajapihilla Mawatha. It provides a spectacular panoramic view across Kandy Lake, Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Royal Palace of Kandy and the city centre whether it is day or night.
According to legend, this area belonged to a planter called Arthur during the British colonial era and there has been a seat made of stone at this location in front of his Bungalow where Arthur had spent his time gorging on the spectacular view of Kandy.
Later this became a tourist attraction drawing many foreign tourists. In 2015, it was estimated that 1,500 tourists per day visited the location during the peak season (November to May), with 500 tourists per day in the off-season. Therefore in 2016, a viewing platform was built at this location with funding from the World Bank. Unfortunately, it was reported that the original stone slab was destroyed in the process and today a seat made of cement in the form of a rock has replaced it.
Also See
- Attractions of Sri Lanka
- Heritage of Sri Lanka
- Waterfalls of Sri Lanka
- Nature and Wildlife of Sri Lanka
- Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity
Map of the Arthur’s Seat Viewing Deck in Kandy
The map above also shows other places of interest within a approximately 20 km radius of the current site. Click on any of the markers and the info box to take you to information of these sites
Zoom out the map to see more surrounding locations using the mouse scroll wheel or map controls.
Driving Directions to Arthur’s Seat Viewing Deck in Kandy
Kandy can be reached from Colombo on the old Colombo – Kandy road (option 1) which is scenic but heavy in traffic, especially on Fridays and Sundays. However, the new Central Expressway (option 2) has opened up a new route which is longer but less cumbersome.
Route 1 from Colombo to Kandy | Route 2 from Colombo to Kandy |
Through : Katunayake Expressway – Central Expressway – Kurunegala Distance :150 km Travel time: 3.20 hours Driving Directions : see on Google map | Through : Katunayake Expressway – Central Expressway – Kurunegala Distance :150 km Travel Time: 3.20 hours Driving Directions : see on Google map |
Route From Nuwara Eliya to Kandy | |
Through : Walapane – Raja Mawatha Distance :100 km Travel Time : 3.0 hours Driving Directions : see on Google map |
Route from Kandy to Arthur’s Seat Viewing Deck |
Through : Rajapihilla Mawatha Distance : 800 m Travel time : 5 mins Driving directions : see on Google map |
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