Nestled against a backdrop of lush, tea-clad hills, Kandy’s lively bustle feels slightly surreal. Now Sri Lanka’s second largest city, Kandy was the proud capital of the last Sinhalese Kingdom until the early 19th century. A brilliant springboard for delving into the island’s turbulent past or exploring the many wonders of the tea country, Kandy has become immensely popular with visitors. Accommodation options abound, with our Gurus’ list of the best places to stay in Kandy ranging from quirky guest houses to gorgeous heritage hotels.
Kandy Lake lies in the heart of the city, surrounded by age-old trees and historic landmarks. Having held out against the Portuguese and the Dutch, the Kingdom of Kandy finally fell to British forces with the capture of the king in 1815, and the quelling of the Uva Rebellion in 1817. Delve further into this history with guided tours of the city centre, where you’ll find the Old Royal Palace, the Kandy National Museum, the International Buddhist Museum and other striking buildings. Perhaps most famous is the imposing Sri Dalada Maligawa — also known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth — in which rests the tooth of Lord Buddha.
This is one of the most significant places in the Buddhist world, and the annual Esela Perahera is the jewel in Kandy’s cultural calendar. A dazzling multi-day pageant of traditional music and dance, in which the tooth relic is paraded through streets lined with white-clad pilgrims, this really is something very special. If you’re visiting at another time of year, fill your bags with fresh produce and souvenirs from Kandy’s thrumming markets, or play a round on the beautiful Victoria Golf Course. The Peradeniya Botanical Gardens are also spectacular. Come afternoon, there’s no better place to be than on the terrace of your pick of the best places to stay in Kandy — cup of tea or sundowner in hand.
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Kandy (Sri Lanka)
A collection of simple, contemporary chalets, cottages & villas on the edge of the award-winning Victoria Golf Course. Groups of friends & families can pile in to airy spaces with private terraces & lush garden views. A swimming pool & restaurant complete the picture. Great value
Kandy (Sri Lanka)
Basil Fawlty meets Kubla Khan in Helga Blow’s decadent chic home. A red 1930s building surrounded by jungle. Dark muralled rooms full of historical paintings, photographs and antiques. Home cooked food and a well stocked bar. A truly eccentric stay that should be on everyone's 'to visit' list.
Kandy (Sri Lanka)
Villa Rosa is one of Kandy’s hidden gems. A green oasis of calm perched 600m above sea level. Colonial styled rooms feature beamed ceilings, dark antique furniture, elegant four poster beds and warm hues. Feast on exemplary traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. The ideal spot to completely unwind.
Kandy (Sri Lanka)
With just six bedrooms & stunning rural views, this 1930s tea planters' bungalow offers a beautiful rural retreat. Interiors are cosy and comfortable, with four-poster beds, sink-into armchairs & crackling fireplaces. Superb Sri Lankan fare adds to the experience. A gorgeous tea country escape.
Kandy (Sri Lanka)
A delightful 1940s residence in Kandy, jam-packed with period furnishings and set within peaceful surroundings. Five cosy rooms feature capacious four posters, plus there is an inviting pool & leafy gardens. Cooking classes or meals cooked by the head chef are a real treat!
Kandy (Senarathwela, Digana)
Indulge in restorative rejuvenation at Rukgala Retreat - or "shelter on the rock", situated in a beautiful and still pretty unknown part of Sri Lanka, 45 minutes from Kandy. A boutique hotel meets retreat space making the ideal sanctuary for yoga teachers, students and those just keen to escape.
Kandy (Aniwatta)
A chic, contemporary hotel with spacious suites framing gorgeous garden views. The fusion of traditional artwork with clean lines and modern furnishings creates appealingly indulgent interiors. Big bathtubs and four-posters add to the romantic appeal; as do the infinity pool and restaurant. Lovely.
Kandy (Sri Lanka)
Kandy's first luxury boutique hotel, housed in an 1804 walauwa on 6-acres of lush gardens. Interiors have been beautifully restored, marrying traditional materials and features with contemporary minimalism and style. The food is haute-Sri Lankan cuisine crafted from local ingredients. Unbeatable.
Kandy (Sri Lanka)
An intimate, colonial-era hideaway located on the world-famous Victoria Golf Course. Decorated with beautiful teak furniture and sumptuous fabrics, this 5-bedroom haven has a luxe, traditional feel. Cuisine is classic Sri Lankan with Asian & European gourmet offerings, plus cocktails with a kick!
Kandy (Sri Lanka)
A contemporary wellness centre situated in the picturesque hills above Kandy. The clean, minimalist architecture is not only very pleasant on the eye but also helps create a zen atmosphere. With healthy cuisine and blissful wellness packages created for each guest, this is a truly special place.
Kandy (Sri Lanka)
A restored tea planter's bungalow set in the hills to the south of Kandy. Airy, white-painted spaces feature cream textiles, big beds & mountain views framed by classic columns & generous verandahs. An infinity pool, tennis court, lawn games & gourmet fare add to the restful atmosphere. Wonderful.
