Responsive image

The Kandy House

Our rating

9/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Peaceful location just outside Kandy
- Superb views of surrounding hills
- Yoga sessions and bike hire

Speak to someone who's been there

Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our specialists on 0203 291 2907

Enquire

Overview

A historic manor house set in a picturesque and secluded tropical garden a short distance from Kandy, the Kandy House dates back to the early 19th century when an aristocratic Sri Lankan family resided here. Today, however, it functions as a modern boutique hotel with contemporary furnishings and decor throughout. It blends traditional Dutch colonial antiques and historic architecture with contemporary furnishings and stylish decor. Its location just a few miles outside of Kandy makes it an ideal place to stay for those who want to do some sightseeing, but also want to stay somewhere a bit more peaceful away from all the hustle and bustle.

Each of the hotel’s nine air-conditioned rooms are uniquely decorated and named after different butterfly species common to Sri Lanka. There are two classes of accommodation: the five Deluxe Rooms offer plenty of space and amenities, whilst the four larger Ultra Rooms each have a private veranda and dedicated butler service, as well as more space. All rooms have an en-suite bathroom with complimentary bespoke toiletries and a mosquito net. Note that TVs aren’t available in any of the rooms. All nine rooms can be booked on an exclusive basis, though only a maximum of 20 guests can be accommodated at any one time. Families are welcome, although the minimum child age is 12 years. For families with older children, the double Black Rajah Room connects conveniently to the twin Monkey Puzzle Room, accommodating up to four.

The city of Kandy is replete with things to see and do. Known as the cultural capital and religious heart of Sri Lanka, it’s home to one of the most renowned shrines in Buddhism, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Nestled high up in the country’s mountainous centre, the city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998 thanks to its abundance of historically and culturally important buildings. Guests staying at The Kandy House need only travel some 20 minutes to reach the city.

One of the hotel’s highlights is undoubtedly its good-sized infinity pool, which offers captivating views of rice paddy fields and the surrounding hilly countryside. There’s plenty of other things to keep guests entertained during the day, with DVDs, board games and books available, as well as bicycles for those wanting to explore the nearby area a bit more. Those wanting to relax and unwind can arrange to have a massage or take part in a group yoga session in the Ambalama - Ambalamas are designated rest areas for weary travellers and pilgrims.

The restaurant offers a delectable range of Sri Lankan and western dishes, with a sumptuous feast of ten Sri Lankan curries served at least twice a week. Alternatively, it’s possible to dine by the pool or on private terraces. All food is freshly prepared with ingredients locally sourced.

Nearby Alternatives

Suggested Itineraries for The Kandy House

What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 534 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

  • We had the most amazing time. It exceeded all my hopes of what the trip would be. The guides, the hotels - everything was of such a wonderful quality. Thank you for organizing everything. I will absolutely recommend Tourdust and use you again.

    MissingClaudia L reviewing Luxury Desert Holiday on 11 January 2024

+
See more reviews

Decisions...

Stop searching and speak to someone who knows.

Enquire Now