The National Maritime Museum, located within Galle Fort, is Sri Lanka’s premier museum dedicated to maritime history and archaeology. Housed in a 1671 Dutch warehouse, the museum showcases shipwreck artifacts, naval equipment, traditional fishing techniques, and marine biodiversity exhibits. Despite suffering damage during the 2004 tsunami, it was restored with support from the Netherlands and reopened in 2010.

The Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Museum Complex, located in Koggala, Sri Lanka, is dedicated to the life and legacy of Martin Wickramasinghe, one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated literary figures. The museum showcases his ancestral home, personal memorabilia, and a vast collection of folk artifacts that highlight Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore exhibits on traditional crafts, rural technology, religious ceremonies, and folk performances, offering a deep insight into the island’s history and traditions.

The National Museum of Kandy is a historical museum located next to the Temple of the Tooth, housed in part of the former Royal Palace of Kandy. Established in 1942, it showcases over 5,000 artifacts, including traditional Kandyan weapons, jewelry, tools, and manuscripts that reflect Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

The Ceylon Tea Museum, located in the historic Hanthana Tea Factory near Kandy, offers a fascinating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s tea heritage. Originally built in 1925, the museum showcases vintage tea-processing machinery, exhibits on tea pioneers like James Taylor and Thomas Lipton, and interactive displays detailing the evolution of Ceylon tea. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Kandy from the top floor while savoring a fresh cup of tea.

The Ariyapala Mask Museum in Ambalangoda is Sri Lanka’s premier center for traditional mask carving and cultural heritage. It showcases the island’s rich history of mask-making, used in rituals, folk performances, and healing ceremonies. Visitors can explore intricately crafted masks, learn about their symbolic meanings, and witness artisans at work preserving this centuries-old tradition.