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 edifices. 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 that the terrace of your pick of the best places to stay in Kandy — cup of tea or sundowner in hand.

The Best Places to Stay in Kandy

For Intimate Indulgence

• Clingendael has just five suites set within a colonial-era mansion on the Victoria Golf Course. Teak furnishings and sumptuous fabrics add to the sense of timeless charm. With landscaped gardens, a refreshing swimming pool and cracking cuisine, this is a very romantic luxury choice.
• The Kandy House, built in 1804, was later transformed into Kandy's first boutique hotel. Nestled in six acres of gardens, the house boasts eight indulgent guest rooms, each fusing traditional and contemporary elements. An elegant hideaway with a reputation for fantastic food.
• Ashburnham Tea Estate, set on a working tea plantation, offers six rooms in a 1930s tea planters' bungalow. Pick this place for the charming atmosphere, and the chance to delve into the region's fascinating tea industry. Cosy, comfortable and friendly, with guided tea tours, a tennis court and hiking opportunities galore.
• Stone House Lodge, dating back to the 1940s, has the advantage of being close to many of Kandy's main sights. The five guest rooms feature four-poster beds, and there's a laid-back feel to the house's communal areas, gardens and plunge pool. Enjoy cookery classes, or book the whole place for a holiday with friends.

For a Wellness Escape

• Santani Wellness Resort & Spa is a stunning contemporary wellness centre tucked within 48 acres of lush grounds in the hills above Kandy. An exceptional destination spa, the hotel offers traditional Ayurvedic treatments, yoga classes, tailored cuisine for each guest and more. Adults only and very restorative.
• Rukgala Retreat, overlooking blissful Victoria Lake, has eight stylish guest rooms with clean lines and crsip white linens atop big four-posters. There's a strong wellness focus, with a spa, yoga shala and refreshing pool, as well as opportunities for paddle boarding, kayaking and hiking in the Knuckles Mountains. Flavoursome cuisine is largely vegan or vegetarian, and the vibe is friendly and adventurous.

For Great Value

• Villa Rosa has light, airy guest rooms in a welcoming house on a Kandy hillside. Expect beamed ceilings, draped four-poster beds and modern bathrooms with sink-into tubs. The restaurant, pool and gardens will delight guests of all ages. Also very reasonably priced.
• Helga’s Folly is undoubtedly one of Sri Lanka's most unusual hotels. Built in the 1930s and run in part by fabulous host Helga, the red-painted building brims with murals, quirky antiques and curios. Think jazz and swing evenings, Sri Lankan fare and tales of a bygone era shared over drinks in the fading light. Very well-priced.
• Victoria Golf & Country Resort is made up of simple chalets, cottages and a villa. Right on the edge of the acclaimed Victoria Golf Course, the hotel will delight keen golfers. It's also a great value choice for families or groups, with a striking pool and vast gardens.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR VILLA

• If you'd prefer a self-catering stay, we'd suggest visiting our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly to Bandaranaike International Airport, around 3 hours from Kandy by road or rail. The roads into the hills are winding and progress can be slow, whilst the views from the train are stunning.
• We'd recommend driving only if you have previous experience navigating bustling Asian roads. If you would like to hire a car, visit our online partner Rentalcars.
• Temperatures hovering around 25-30°C for much of the year. The heat reaches its peak in March and April, and the rains are expected in October and November. Travel between June and September or December to early March for cooler, drier weather.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Expand your search to include the best places to stay in Colombo.
• Alternatively check out our pick of all the best places to stay in Sri Lanka.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Kandy