The Kandalama,
Dambulla
Sri Lanka, Cultural Triangle
Info : The Kandalama
The Kandalama is a luxury hotel in a spellbinding setting truly an architectural tour de force from Sri Lankas premier architect, Geoffrey Bawa.
The hotel is unobtrusive on the outside but large and deeply spacious within testament to the brilliant design. Blending into the environs; the impact has been minimised to degree highly unusual in a large hotel. The structure was designed so as not to affect the water flow of this natural basin. It was these and other touches which led to its being deservedly awarded a Green Globe Award for environmental sustainability in 1999, the first in the country.
Inside, a wonderful infinity pool calls out across the blue reservoir and beautiful wood-finished rooms have views of water, jungle and, in the distance, the magnificent Sigiriya Rock.
Leaving your balcony, with its views and its monkeys, there are two more pools, a beautiful restaurant, stylish bar areas and various facilities for the sporting minded. The top rooms are the Kandalama Suites - though we recommend the deluxe Sigiriya wing jacuzzi rooms as they have wonderful views.
The 162 hotel rooms wind down long peaceful stretches of corridors in-twinned with creepers and furnished with light wicker. The food is first class throughout the various restaurants, and the service friendly and very efficient.
The location, near Dambulla, puts it right at the heart of Sri Lankas cultural triangle, making it convenient for visits to the magnificent ancient city of Anuradhapura as well as Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya and a host of other intriguing historical sites. The national parks of Minneriya, Kandulla and Wasgomuwa are also easily accessible.
A fantastic option for guests is the spectacular Hot Air Balloon flights that leave from the grounds below the hotel every morning between October and May.
Experience Travel offer competitive rates at all properties, expert knowledge and the ability to tailor the tour to suit your budget and personality. Enquire here
Rating
Deluxe - Deluxe hotels would have a superb level of service, very comfortable and usually spacious bedrooms, excellent food, great design and character. For us, when we visited, these places all had the 'wow factor'. A deluxe hotel should satisfy the criteria of the most discerning clients.
Features
- Bicycles available
- Birdwatching
- International 5* Facilities
- Outdoor Pool
Photos of The Kandalama
Popular Holiday Itineraries including The Kandalama
You can book this hotel on its own, with flights or as part of an Experience Travel Holiday Itinerary.
Here are some of our popular holiday tours or we can create bespoke itineraries specifically tailored to you...
Colombo Test and Tour - Deluxe
Watch every day of the 2nd Test at Colombo's atmospheric test arena, retiring every evening to one of Colombo's finest hotels, before taking a relaxed tour of the best of Sri Lanka.
Deluxe Sri Lanka Holiday
The relaxed pace allows you to enjoy the wonderful sights of Sri Lanka in the best hotels. Fr. £3640pp
Guest Comments for The Kandalama
Kanadalama was stunning, fantastic food and service - exceeded expectations.
Honor, Feb 2012
Wonderful location and architecture – great to be able to stay in one of Bawa’s renowned modern creations. Food good, both in self-service and a-la-carte restaurant.
Brindley, 2011
Kandalama - we enjoyed a lot, though I could see why some don't. The floor to ceiling glass in the bathroom took a little getting used to, but the room and bathroom were wonderfully spacious. We could see Sigiriya from our bed. We were a little worried by the international buffet, but enjoyed their Sri Lankan selection, and the other food we tried, so actually very happy. And great views from the restaurant.
David, Aug 2010