Kandy House

Top choice in The Hill Country


Thanks to masses of exotic tropical flora, the air you breathe at this divine hotel, once home to a Kandyan chief, literally tastes perfumed. Now fully restored, its nine rooms are furnished with colonial antiques, and service is courtesy of a butler who is assigned on arrival. An infinity pool segues to emerald-green rice paddies and eating here is a real highlight.

Note that no children under 12 years are allowed.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby The Hill Country attractions

1. Degal Doruwa Raja Maha Vihara

0.17 MILES

Hidden away in Kandy's leafy outskirts is the little-visited, but fascinating, Degal Doruwa Raja Maha Vihara cave temple, constructed (with the help of…

2. Playground

1.85 MILES

At the southeast corner of Kandy Lake, this playground is ideal for restless kids.

3. Malwatte Maha Vihara

2.28 MILES

One of the principal viharas (Buddhist complexes) in Kandy, the Malwatte Maha Vihara is located across the lake from the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

4. Kandy Garrison Cemetery

2.3 MILES

This well-maintained cemetery contains 163 graves from colonial times. Perhaps the most striking aspect of a visit here is learning just how young most…

5. Kandy Lake

2.31 MILES

Dominating the town is Kandy Lake. A leisurely stroll around it, with a few stops on the lakeside seats, is a pleasant way to spend a few hours, although…

6. National Museum

2.33 MILES

This museum once housed Kandyan royal concubines and now features royal regalia and reminders of pre-European Sinhalese life. One of the most impressive…

7. World Buddhism Museum

2.35 MILES

Housed inside the former High Court buildings, the World Buddhism Museum contains lots of photographs, models and displays illustrating Buddhism around…

8. Sri Dalada Museum

2.37 MILES

This museum occupies the upper two floors of the Alut Maligawa building and contains a stunning array of gifts donated by several presidents and Buddhist…