Collection of the best holiday accommodation in Kandy
Kandy’s position on the edge of the central highlands means that it has long been considered the ‘Gateway to the Hill Country’, an enviable location which led to it being chosen as Sri Lanka’s royal capital in 1592, and afterward maintained as an important base for the British in the 19th century. Now a busy city, hotels in Kandy range from contemporary and heritage properties in the centre of town to cosy tea bungalows and upmarket escapes nestled in the surrounding mountains.
Amaya Hills
Heerassagala, Kandy
Amaya Hills, one of Kandy’s best-appointed hotels, lies on a rocky outcrop, 15 minutes drive above the hill-country capital. This hotel has a traditional Sri Lankan feel and benefits from stirring views, standing amid steep, wooded hills about 15 minutes above the town, a peaceful land of beautiful sunsets and wispy morning mists.
Ashburnham Estate
Elkaduwa, Kandy
Ashburnham Estate is an old planter’s bungalow that has been caringly renovated by its British owners. It lies on a 98-acre working tea plantation in the village of Elkaduwa, about an hour from Kandy in the Knuckles mountains. Six comfortable ensuite bedrooms are sold by the room – a great choice for walkers and nature lovers.
5
Athulya Villas
Panabokke, Kandy
Athulya Villas is a 19C Kandyan walawua (ancestral home) perched on a hillock in the village of Panabokke and has scenic mountain views and acres of lush gardens.
Bamboo
Victoria, Kandy
Bamboo is a modern three-bedroom villa with magnificent views of Victoria golf course, Victoria Lake and the Knuckles Mountain Range. Bamboo is constructed on split levels with high timber roofs, spacious and vibrant interiors, and wide verandahs. It has an informal feel which is ideal for families with older children.
Bougainvillea Retreat
Victoria, Kandy
Bougainvillea is a peaceful holiday retreat in tropical gardens within Victoria Golf & Country Resort. Accommodation is in well-appointed bedrooms set within the main house and separate cottages opening on to lush green gardens and mountain views.
4
Cinnamon Citadel
Kandy
Cinnamon Citadel offers some of the most luxurious accommodation in Kandy. Now part of the highly-reputable Cinnamon brand, it provides tranquil riverside surroundings a 15-minute drive from the bustle of Kandy centre. Days begin to birdsong and perhaps a warm mist rolling away from the river.
4.5
Clingendael
Victoria, Kandy
Clingendael, a magnificent boutique manor house situated within Victoria Golf & Country Resort, exudes a stately grandeur yet is also infused with the latest in modern technology and contemporary art on the walls. Clingendael's terraced gardens, cascading waterways, verandahs and tranquil setting is ideal for relaxation.
5
Clove Villa
Kandy
Clove Villa is a Sri Lankan owned private villa 15 minutes from Kandy town which offers a personalised service and comfortable accommodation in seven good-quality bedrooms. Designed with high timber roofs and tall glass windows, Clove Villa spreads across three floors.
4
Coffee Bungalow
Kandy
The Coffee Bungalow is a refined 19C colonial manor nestled in the serene hills to the south of Kandy lake within easy reach of all the chief attractions.
