Kandy and Around
Kandy is Sri Lanka's second city and the capital of the so-called 'Hill Country'. Steeped in ancient history and legend, the city is known to have one of the most favourable locations and climates in Asia. Sat majestically at the foothills of the mountains, the town is diverse, creative and a must see for many visitors to Sri Lanka.
Kandy is the great Sinhalese cultural capital and a unique Asian city, perched in the hills around the stunning Kandy Lake. Beautiful temples and a bustling energetic atmosphere. The Botanical Gardens are wonderful and few other world cities have a rainforest reserve right in their midst (The Udawattekele – or ‘The forbidden Forest of the Kings of Kandy’). In August, Kandy hosts the Esala Perahera – Sri Lanka’s greatest most colourful and magnificent festival; early booking is essential. Stay at Villa Rosa for boutique quality, incredible views and hugely knowledgeable hosts or The Kandy House for unique and unequalled Sri Lankan luxury and style. Helga’s Folly is a special hotel, a Sri Lankan institution and a hotel like no other. If you do not stay there, you must visit for drinks at least. Theva Residency is a modern boutique property with excellent views, whilst the simple and excellent value Kandy Cottage borders the Udawattekele forest and is only a ten minute stroll into the centre of town. Other good large hotels include theMahaweli Reach Hotel and the Amaya Hills. For those on a budget, the centrally located Thilanka Hotel is a good alternative.
The tea-clad hills surrounding the city also offer a number of enticing accommodation options which are remote enough to be considered genuine mountain escapes, yet close enough to Kandy to make casual visits to the city possible. Ellerton is one of our favourites, whilst Rangala House is ideal for anyone looking to combine playing golf at the Victoria course with a visit to Kandy. The Ashburnham Estate is located about 1 hour north of Kandy and is fully functioning estate.
Finally, for something completely different, the adventurous might want to consider a foray into the glorious Knuckles Mountains and stay at two of our most remote and wild options, the fascinating Abode Homestay Project or the private Illuks.
Contact us to discuss this and further options in more detail. A full list of all our preferred accommodation in Kandy and the wider 'Hill Country' region click here.
Hotels in and around Kandy
Abode, Knuckles Mt. Range
Community based tourism - life amongst the indigenous mountain people of the Knuckles Range
The Boulder Garden , Sinharaja
A hotel like no other - cut into a rocky outcrop outside the Sinharja Rainforest....
Plantation Hotel, Kitulgala
Quality and good value hotel overlooking the Kelani River in Kithulgala
Thilanka Hotel, Kandy
The Thilanka Hotel is a pleasant three star hotel just out of the centre of town with a great vantage point overlooking the lake and town
The Rainforest Edge, Sinharaja
Comfortable eco lodge on the border of the Sinharaja Rainforest
Thotalangala Bungalow, Haputale
With one of the best views in the country and a famous previous occupant, Thotalangala is one of the finest heritage bungalows to be found.
Illuks, Knuckles Mt. Range
Sublime, private hideaway with incredible garden and spectacular mountain surroundings
Kandy House, Kandy
The 'Walauwe' - a classical Sri Lankan manor house converted into one of the most beautiful hotels on the island.
Mahaweli Reach, Kandy
Large five star hotel, with a prime location overlooking the Mahaweli River in the centre of Kandy.
The River Resort, Kitulgala
Small, eco-friendly hotel overhanging a river hidden in the forest near lush Kithulgala
