Overview: Garrison War Cemetery Kandy

The Garrison War Cemetery in Kandy stands as one of Sri Lanka's most poignant and beautifully maintained historical sites. Managed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), this tranquil cemetery is the final resting place of 197 Commonwealth servicemen and women who died during the Second World War, primarily between 1939 and 1945. Situated in the heart of Kandy — Sri Lanka's cultural capital — the cemetery offers visitors a profound moment of reflection amid immaculately kept lawns, uniform white headstones, and tropical gardens that seem to hold a respectful silence all their own.

In This Guide

Kandy itself is a UNESCO World Heritage city, celebrated globally for the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), its scenic lake, and the surrounding misty hills of the Central Province. The Garrison War Cemetery, though less well-known to casual tourists, forms an essential part of the city's layered colonial and wartime history. During World War II, Ceylon — as Sri Lanka was then known — served as a critical Allied strategic base in the Asian theatre. Kandy functioned as the headquarters of Lord Louis Mountbatten's South East Asia Command (SEAC), making the island a focal point for military operations across the region. The losses commemorated here reflect that global conflict in deeply personal terms.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, a descendant tracing family roots, or simply a thoughtful traveller seeking to understand a broader human story, a visit to the Garrison War Cemetery is an experience that lingers long after you leave Kandy.

Historical Context: Kandy served as the headquarters of South East Asia Command (SEAC) under Lord Mountbatten during World War II, making Ceylon a vital Allied hub. The Garrison War Cemetery reflects this significant wartime role, commemorating personnel from across the British Commonwealth who served and died in the region.

Top Attractions at and Around Garrison War Cemetery

The Cemetery Grounds

The cemetery itself is compact but immensely dignified. Rows of Portland stone headstones are arranged in neat lines across a gently sloping lawn, each engraved with the serviceman's name, rank, regiment, date of death, age, and often a personal inscription chosen by their family. The graves represent men and women from Britain, Australia, Canada, India, East Africa, and beyond — a testament to the global reach of the Commonwealth war effort. A central Cross of Sacrifice, the standard CWGC monument, anchors the space with quiet authority.

The Register and Records

Near the entrance, a bronze register box contains the official cemetery register — a book listing every person interred here. Visitors are encouraged to consult it. For those researching family history or military genealogy, this register is invaluable. The CWGC also maintains comprehensive online records, but holding the physical register inside the cemetery itself creates a deeply personal connection to the history.

The Surrounding Neighbourhood

The cemetery is located in a quiet residential and institutional part of Kandy, close to the Kandy General Hospital and within easy walking distance of the city centre. The streets nearby are lined with colonial-era architecture, large trees, and the unhurried pace of everyday Kandyan life — providing a gentle contrast to the more tourist-heavy areas around the lake.

Local Tip: Visit the Garrison War Cemetery early in the morning, ideally between 7am and 9am, when the light filters softly through the surrounding trees and the grounds are at their most peaceful. You are very likely to have the cemetery entirely to yourself at this hour — a genuinely moving experience that the midday crowds around Kandy's main sights rarely allow.

Things to Do at Garrison War Cemetery Kandy

Pay Your Respects and Reflect

The primary and most meaningful activity here is simply walking slowly among the headstones, reading the inscriptions, and taking time to acknowledge the individual lives commemorated. Many headstones carry deeply personal messages from families — words chosen in grief from thousands of miles away. Allow at least 30 to 45 minutes for a considered visit, rather than a brief walk-through.

Photography and Documentation

Photography is permitted and welcomed, both for personal memory and for sharing awareness of the site. The clean white headstones against the green lawn, framed by tropical foliage, create a visually striking and respectful setting. If you are documenting specific graves for genealogical research, take clear photographs of the full headstone inscription and note the row and plot references from the cemetery register.

Genealogical and Historical Research

For travellers with family connections to Commonwealth armed forces in the Second World War, this is an emotionally significant destination. Cross-reference names against CWGC online records before your visit so you can locate specific graves efficiently. The Kandy National Museum, a short distance away, also holds exhibits relating to colonial-era and wartime history that complement a visit here.

Combine with a Kandy Heritage Walk

The Garrison War Cemetery integrates naturally into a broader heritage walk of Kandy. Combine your visit with the Temple of the Tooth Relic, the Kandy Lake, the British Garrison Cemetery on Rajapihilla Mawatha (a separate, older colonial cemetery), the Kandy National Museum, and the Queen's Hotel — one of Sri Lanka's oldest functioning hotels with its own colonial story to tell.

  1. Begin your morning at the Garrison War Cemetery for quiet reflection
  2. Walk to the Kandy Lake for a pleasant lakeside stroll
  3. Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic (plan for queues)
  4. Explore the Kandy National Museum in the afternoon
  5. End the day at the Kandy Viewpoint at Arthur's Seat for sunset panoramas

How to Get There

Location and Address

The Garrison War Cemetery is located in Kandy, Central Province, Sri Lanka. It sits near the Kandy General Hospital on a quiet road within the city. The exact street is off Sangaraja Mawatha, accessible from the main Kandy town centre.

From Colombo

Kandy is approximately 115 kilometres from Colombo and is most comfortably reached by train. The Kandy train from Colombo Fort station is one of the most scenic rail journeys in Sri Lanka, taking roughly 2.5 to 3 hours depending on the service. Intercity express and observation trains are available and recommended. From Kandy train station, the cemetery is reachable by tuk-tuk (three-wheeler) in about 10 minutes.

From Kandy City Centre

  • Tuk-tuk: The easiest option. Negotiate a fare in advance; expect to pay LKR 150–300 from the town centre or train station.
  • Walking: The cemetery is approximately a 15–20 minute walk from Kandy Lake, following Sangaraja Mawatha past the General Hospital.
  • Private taxi or hired car: If you are on a day trip from Colombo or Sigiriya, ask your driver to include the cemetery as part of a Kandy heritage itinerary.

From Nuwara Eliya or Hill Country

Kandy is well connected to the hill country by both road and the famous hill country train line. From Nuwara Eliya, the journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours by road. From Ella, the train via Nanu Oya is one of Sri Lanka's most celebrated journeys and terminates in Kandy.

Important: The Garrison War Cemetery is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and is generally open to the public during daylight hours. However, there is no permanent staffing on site at all times. If the gate appears locked, look for a contact number on the entrance board or enquire at the nearby Kandy General Hospital. Always behave respectfully — this is an active memorial site, not a tourist attraction in the conventional sense.

Opening Hours and Entry Fees

Opening Hours

The Garrison War Cemetery is generally open daily during daylight hours, approximately from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. As a CWGC site, it does not operate with fixed commercial opening hours, but access is typically available throughout the day. It is advisable to visit between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM to ensure comfortable access and good light for photography.

Entry Fees

Entry to the Garrison War Cemetery is completely free of charge. There is no admission fee for any Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery worldwide, including this one. No tickets, no reservations, and no guided tour is required — though you are welcome to hire a local guide from Kandy town if you wish contextual historical commentary.

Best Time to Visit

Kandy enjoys a relatively moderate climate year-round thanks to its inland elevation of approximately 500 metres above sea level. The city is cooler and more comfortable than coastal Sri Lanka, making it a pleasant destination at most times of year.

  • January to March: Excellent conditions — dry, warm, and clear. Ideal for exploring Kandy's heritage sites comfortably.
  • April to May: The inter-monsoon period brings some showers, but visits remain very pleasant. The Sinhala and Tamil New Year in April adds festive energy to the city.
  • June to September: Kandy's driest and most visited season. July or August sees the famous Esala Perahera festival — one of Asia's greatest pageants — which draws enormous crowds to the city. Book accommodation well in advance.
  • October to December: The northeast monsoon brings heavier rains to Kandy. The cemetery is still accessible, but expect wet weather. Fewer tourists mean a more private, contemplative experience.

For the Garrison War Cemetery specifically, any time of year is suitable given the brief nature of the visit. Cooler morning hours during January through March or June through August offer the most comfortable conditions.

Where to Stay Near Garrison War Cemetery Kandy

Budget Options (USD 15–40 per night)

Kandy has a wide range of budget guesthouses and hostels, particularly in the Kandy Lake View area and along Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha. Guesthouses here often offer home-cooked Sri Lankan meals, friendly hosts with local knowledge, and easy access to all heritage sites including the war cemetery.

Mid-Range Options (USD 40–100 per night)

Several excellent mid-range hotels are located within walking distance of Kandy's main attractions. Properties around the lake offer scenic views and comfortable facilities. The Earl's Regency, Thilanka Hotel, and similar mid-range options provide reliable quality with proximity to heritage sites.

Luxury Options (USD 100–250+ per night)

Kandy's premier luxury property is the Mahaweli Reach Hotel, set along the river. The historic Queens Hotel adjacent to Kandy Lake is a colonial landmark offering a unique atmospheric stay. Several boutique eco-lodges on the hills surrounding Kandy offer spectacular views and a quieter base for exploring the city.

Budget Guide for Visiting Garrison War Cemetery and Kandy

Sample Daily Budget (per person, USD)

  • Budget traveller: USD 25–45 per day (guesthouse, local meals, tuk-tuks, free entry sites)
  • Mid-range traveller: USD 60–100 per day (comfortable hotel, restaurant meals, private transfers)
  • Comfortable/luxury traveller: USD 120–200+ per day (boutique hotel, guided tours, fine dining)

Key Costs to Know

  • Garrison War Cemetery entry: Free
  • Temple of the Tooth Relic entry: Approximately USD 10–12 per adult (foreigners)
  • Tuk-tuk within Kandy city: LKR 150–400 per ride (USD 0.50–1.50)
  • Local rice and curry meal: LKR 300–600 (USD 1–2)
  • Restaurant meal (mid-range): LKR 1,500–3,500 (USD 5–12)
  • Train Colombo to Kandy (2nd class): LKR 200–400 (USD 0.70–1.50)
  • Private car Colombo to Kandy: USD 40–70 one way

What to Bring

  • Comfortable, respectful clothing (shoulders and knees covered is appropriate at memorial sites)
  • Sunscreen and a hat for midday visits
  • A small bottle of water
  • Camera or smartphone for documentation
  • A notebook if conducting genealogical research
  • Cash in Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) — ATMs are readily available in Kandy town

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Garrison War Cemetery in Kandy and who is buried there?

The Garrison War Cemetery in Kandy is a Commonwealth War Graves Commission site commemorating 197 servicemen and women who died during the Second World War. Those buried here came from across the British Commonwealth, including Britain, Australia, India, Canada, and East Africa, reflecting Kandy's role as the Allied South East Asia Command headquarters during WWII.

Is there an entry fee to visit the Garrison War Cemetery Kandy?

No, entry to the Garrison War Cemetery in Kandy is completely free of charge. All Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemeteries worldwide, including this one, are open to the public at no cost. No booking or ticket is required for a visit.

What are the opening hours of the Garrison War Cemetery in Kandy?

The cemetery is generally accessible during daylight hours, approximately 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. As a CWGC site it does not have strict commercial hours, but visiting between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM ensures the most comfortable access and best conditions for photography and research.

How do I get to the Garrison War Cemetery from Kandy town centre?

The cemetery is about a 15–20 minute walk from Kandy Lake, located near the Kandy General Hospital off Sangaraja Mawatha. Alternatively, a tuk-tuk from the town centre or Kandy train station takes around 10 minutes and costs LKR 150–300. Most local tuk-tuk drivers know the site.

Can I visit the Garrison War Cemetery as part of a day trip from Colombo?

Yes, Kandy is an easy and highly rewarding day trip from Colombo, approximately 115 kilometres away. The scenic train from Colombo Fort takes about 2.5–3 hours. Combine the Garrison War Cemetery with the Temple of the Tooth Relic, Kandy Lake, and the National Museum for a full heritage day itinerary.