Pallekele International Cricket Stadium (Kandy)

Pallekele International Cricket Stadium sits roughly 30 minutes east of Kandy, ringed by forested hills that give it one of the most distinctive backdrops of any Test venue on earth. Opened on 27 November 2009 and purpose-built to replace the aging Asgiriya Stadium, Pallekele holds around 35,000 spectators and became the 104th Test venue in the world when it hosted its first Test match in December 2010. For travelling cricket fans, it combines elite sport with easy access to the Kandy city tour circuit.

What is the history behind Pallekele Stadium?

Sri Lanka Cricket constructed Pallekele specifically for the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, alongside Hambantota's Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium. The Asgiriya Stadium in central Kandy had served as the city's Test home from 1983 to 2007, but its steep terrain limited expansion. Pallekele offered a flat, spacious site with room for a modern ground with full floodlights, corporate facilities, and a larger playing surface.

The venue's first international fixture was a Test match between Sri Lanka and the West Indies, played from 1 to 5 December 2010. A One Day International between New Zealand and Pakistan followed on 8 March 2011, shortly before the stadium entered the spotlight of a full World Cup schedule. Two years later, it hosted matches from the 2012 ICC World Twenty20, cementing its place on the global cricket calendar.

What records have been set at Pallekele?

Despite its relatively young age, Pallekele has already produced several performances that entered the record books:

• Highest World Cup opening partnership: Tillakaratne Dilshan and Upul Tharanga added 282 runs for the first wicket against Zimbabwe on 26 March 2011 — the highest opening stand in the history of the Cricket World Cup.
• First-ball Test wicket at a new venue: Suranga Lakmal dismissed a batsman off the very first delivery at the ground, joining Kapil Dev and Imran Khan as only the third bowler to take a Test wicket from the first ball at a new venue.
• T20I century in all formats: Tillakaratne Dilshan scored a T20 International century against Australia at Pallekele, becoming only the second Sri Lankan to record centuries in all three international formats.
• Highest individual Test score at the ground: Kusal Mendis struck 176 against Australia in 2016.
• Highest T20 International team total: On 7 September 2016, Australia scored 263/3 against Sri Lanka, breaking the world record that Sri Lanka themselves had set (260/6).
• Malinga's landmark night: On 6 September 2019, Lasith Malinga took four wickets in four consecutive balls against New Zealand — his second such feat in international cricket — and also claimed his 100th T20 International wicket in the same match, becoming the first cricketer to reach 100 wickets in all three formats.

Where exactly is Pallekele Stadium located?

The stadium is in Pallekele, a suburb to the northeast of Kandy city. Most visitors travel from Kandy by taxi or tuk-tuk; the journey typically takes 20 to 35 minutes depending on traffic, which can be heavy on match days. The nearest major transport hub is Kandy bus terminal, from which shared vehicles to Pallekele run regularly.

There is no direct rail connection to the stadium. If you are arriving from Colombo, the fastest option is usually a private transfer to Kandy and onward road transport to the ground. Parking within the stadium precinct exists but fills quickly on international match days; arriving early or using public transport is advisable.

How do I get to Pallekele from Colombo or other cities?

When is the best time to attend a match at Pallekele?

Sri Lanka's home international schedule varies year to year, so checking Sri Lanka Cricket's official fixture list before you plan is essential. In terms of weather, the stadium sits at an elevation where conditions are generally cooler than the coast. The region's heaviest rainfall tends to fall during the southwest monsoon (May to September) and the northeast monsoon (November to January), both of which overlap with parts of the international season. Day-night matches with floodlights are common and reduce the heat of midday play.

If no international fixture coincides with your visit, domestic Premier Trophy and Super Provincial matches are held at the ground and offer an equally atmospheric, albeit quieter, experience.

What else can I do near Pallekele Stadium?

A cricket trip to Kandy rarely needs to be sport-only. The city is the cultural capital of Sri Lanka and home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which draws pilgrims and travellers throughout the year. Every July or August, the city stages the Esala Perahera Festival, one of the oldest and grandest Buddhist pageants in Asia.

The hills around Pallekele also reward walkers. The Knuckles Mountain Range begins close to the stadium, and day hikes into the foothills offer views across the Kandy valley. Tea estates are within easy reach — the Kandy region produces distinctive mid-grown teas processed at small estate factories that welcome visitors.

Are there good hotels close to Pallekele Stadium?

Kandy has a wide range of accommodation, from heritage properties overlooking the lake to modern business hotels. Most are concentrated in or around Kandy city, roughly 30 minutes from the stadium. On international match days, hotels fill quickly; booking at least several weeks in advance is strongly recommended. Lakpura works with a curated selection of Kandy properties across different budget levels — see suggestions below.

What facilities does Pallekele Stadium offer?

The ground is fully owned and operated by Sri Lanka Cricket. It has covered stands, open terraces, corporate boxes, and floodlights for day-night matches. Food and beverage outlets operate inside the ground during international fixtures. Alcohol restrictions may apply on certain dates in line with Sri Lanka's public holiday liquor-licensing rules, so it is worth checking ahead if this matters to your plans.

Accessibility facilities exist, though they are limited compared to the newest grounds in England or Australia. Visitors with mobility requirements should contact Sri Lanka Cricket directly for up-to-date guidance on accessible entry and seating.