Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s hill capital, Kandy is one of the best places to experience the rich culture and natural beauty of this island nation. As you plan your trip to Sri Lanka, finding the perfect place to stay in Kandy can elevate your experience from memorable to truly extraordinary.
From luxurious 4-star hotels to charming boutique accommodations, Kandy offers a diverse range of options to suit every traveler’s taste and budget. Whether you’re looking for a hotel with a perfect location near the sacred places of the town centre or a tranquil retreat overlooking the lush landscapes, Kandy’s hospitality scene has something for everyone.
Our Pick of the Best Hotels in Kandy 🔥
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: The Cloud Resort
- ✨ 5-Star: The Grand Kandyan
- 🏨 4-Star: Amaya Hills Kandy
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Bed Station 210
- 💸 Cheap: Nathashiya Holiday Inn
- 🏢 Apartment: Kandy City Inn
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Dumbara Peak Residence
- 🏩 For Couples: Athulaya Villas
Where to Stay in Kandy, Best Areas ☀️
- 🏛️ For Cultural Heritage and History: City Center
- 🏔️ For Nature Lovers and Hiking: Hanthana Mountain Range
- 🌳 For Urban Forest Experience: Udawattekele Sanctuary
- 🍵 For Tea Plantations and Scenic Landscapes: Galaha
- 🚂 For Historical Railway Experience: Kadugannawa
- 🏡 For Quiet Retreats: Peripheral Areas
1. Kandy City Center – Heart of Kandy’s Culture and History 🏛️
🏙️ Vibrant Hub: When you visit Kandy, the City Center is where you’ll find the pulse of this vibrant city. It’s the perfect blend of cultural heritage, history, and modern amenities. The first place I recommend visiting is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. This UNESCO World Heritage site houses a tooth of the Buddha and is a must-see for its spiritual significance and stunning architecture.
🌄 Serene Stroll: Next, take a leisurely stroll around Kandy Lake. This man-made lake, created by the last Sinhalese king in 1807, offers a serene escape right in the middle of the city. The path around the lake is perfect for a relaxing walk, and you can often spot locals fishing or enjoying a quiet moment.
📍 Must-See Spots:
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- Kandy Lake
- Kandy City Centre Mall
- Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue
- Kandy View Point
🛍️ Shop & Relax: For those who love shopping, the Kandy City Centre Mall is a modern shopping complex where you can find everything from local crafts to international brands. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs or enjoy a coffee break at one of the cafes.
🍽️ Dining Delights: When it comes to dining, Kandy City Center doesn’t disappoint. We love The Empire Cafe for its delicious fusion dishes and cozy atmosphere. If you’re craving Indian food, Balaji Dosai serves up some of the best dosas in town. For a more upscale experience, try Theva Cuisine, which offers stunning views and a diverse menu.
🍴 Top Eats:
- The Empire Cafe – Try the Sri Lankan curry and potato wedges.
- Balaji Dosai – Don’t miss the paper dosa and cheese dosa.
- Theva Cuisine – Known for its cashew curry and seafood platter.
🚖 Easy Transport: Tuk-tuks are plentiful and a fun way to navigate the narrow streets. For longer distances, local buses are an affordable option, and taxis are readily available for a more comfortable ride.
Where to stay in City Center? 🏨
⭐ Best hotels
- Radisson Hotel Kandy Located in the heart of Kandy, this 4-star hotel offers modern amenities including a rooftop pool, fitness center, and a rooftop lounge with great views of the city and surrounding mountains. OZO Kandy is perfect for travelers looking for a convenient and comfortable stay, with easy access to Kandy’s main attractions like the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
- Mahaweli Reach Hotel Situated along the banks of the Mahaweli River, this luxurious 5-star hotel features a large pool, luxury Ayurveda spa, and fitness facilities. Mahaweli Reach Hotel offers spacious rooms with private balconies overlooking tropical greenery.
- Grand Serendib Hotel This luxurious 5-star hotel in Kandy features an pool and a restaurant offering a variety of Sri Lankan cuisine. Located near Kandy, Grand Serendib Hotel provides a perfect blend of modern amenities and traditional Sri Lankan hospitality.
🏨 Best cheap/moderate hotels
- Lakewood Residence Offering stunning lake views and an outdoor swimming pool, this 4-star hotel is known for its good location and value for money.
- Yoho Yo Hotel This budget-friendly 3-star hotel in Kandy provides comfortable rooms and easy access to the city’s main attractions.
- Cafe Aroma Inn Located in the city center, this charming boutique hotel provides cozy rooms and a popular restaurant in Kandy. Cafe Aroma Inn is ideal for travelers who want to stay in the heart of Kandy and enjoy the local cuisine and vibrant atmosphere.
🛏️ Best hostels
- McLeod Inn Situated in the hills above Kandy, this family-run guesthouse provides a peaceful retreat with beautiful views of the city. McLeod Inn offers a homely atmosphere and is perfect for those looking for a quiet and relaxing stay outside of the city center.
- Highest View This hotel provides stunning panoramic views of Kandy and the surrounding hills.
- Mount Palace Located in the hills of Kandy, this hotel provides a tranquil escape with breathtaking views.
2. Hanthana Mountain Range – Best Place to Stay for Nature Lovers 🏔️
🌿 Natural Wonder: The Hanthana Mountain Range is a breathtaking natural attraction located southwest of Kandy city. Declared as an environmental protection area in 2010, this range offers a perfect escape for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
🏞️ Scenic Beauty: With seven peaks, including the highest Uura Kanda at 3,800 feet, Hanthana presents a stunning landscape of lush greenery, diverse ecosystems, and panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and tea plantations.
🥾 Hiking Paradise: As an avid hiker, I can tell you that Hanthana is a dream come true. The range offers various trails suitable for different skill levels, from gentle walks to challenging treks. The well-maintained paths wind through cloud forests, tea estates, and vibrant flora, making every step an adventure.
🦋 Wildlife Galore: During my hikes, I’ve encountered a fascinating array of wildlife. Birdwatchers will be thrilled to spot rare species like the yellow-fronted barbet and Sri Lanka white-eye. Keep your eyes peeled for playful monkeys swinging through the trees and colorful butterflies fluttering about.
Top Attractions in Hanthana:
- Seven Peaks hiking trail
- Hanthana Tea Museum
- University of Peradeniya (adjacent to the range)
- Panoramic viewpoints
- Tea plantations
🍵 Tea Experience: Don’t miss the chance to visit the Ceylon Tea Museum at the foothills. It’s a great way to learn about Sri Lanka’s tea history and indulge in some tea tasting. Trust me, sipping fresh local tea while overlooking the misty mountains is an experience you won’t forget.
Accommodation near The Hanthana Mountain Range 🏨
⭐ Best hotels
- Mountbatten Bungalow This hotel, located just outside of Kandy, offers a blend of colonial charm and modern amenities. The hotel features beautifully decorated rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and great views.
- Amaya Hills Kandy Nestled atop a mountain, this 4-star hotel provides ultimate comfort with luxury amenities, including an expansive swimming pool and a well-equipped gymnasium.
- Fox Kandy by Fox Resorts Perched atop a cliff in the Hantana mountain range, this resort offers modern conveniences in a breathtaking setting, just a short drive from Kandy. Fox Kandy features an infinity pool, a luxurious spa, and a fine-dining restaurant.
🏨 Best cheap/moderate hotels
- Le Leopard d'Argent This lodge hotel, managed by an excellent chef, offers a unique blend of natural surroundings and French cuisine.
- The Kandyan Villa Located close to Kandy, this villa offers a peaceful retreat with family rooms and a beautiful garden.
- Eagle Regency Boutique Hotel This hotel in Kandy features elegant rooms and a pool, providing a luxurious stay with amazing views of the surrounding hills.
🛏️ Best hostels
- Hanthana Jungle View Holiday Home Nestled in the hills above Kandy, this holiday home offers a tranquil escape with panoramic jungle views. Hanthana Jungle View Holiday Home is ideal for nature lovers seeking a peaceful retreat close to Kandy.
- Kandyan View Holiday Bungalow Offering free pickup from Kandy city, this bungalow provides a comfortable stay with awesome views.
- Homestay Garden Rest Kandy This homestay offers a cozy and affordable stay in Kandy, with easy access to the city’s main attractions.
3. Udawattekele Sanctuary – Tranquil Forest Reserve in the City 🌳
🌿 Urban Oasis: Nestled in the heart of Kandy, Udawattekele Sanctuary is a 104-hectare forest reserve that offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city. Once known as “Uda Wasala Watta” or “the garden above the royal palace,” this lush green space has a rich history dating back to the Kandyan kingdom.
🦜 Biodiversity Hotspot: As an avid nature lover, I was amazed by the sanctuary’s incredible biodiversity. With over 80 bird species, including endemics like the Layard’s parakeet and yellow-fronted barbet, it’s a birdwatcher’s paradise. Keep your eyes peeled for the rare three-toed kingfisher near the pond!
🐒 Wildlife Encounters: During my visit, I spotted several mammals, including the endemic toque macaque monkeys swinging through the trees. The sanctuary is also home to Indian muntjac deer, porcupines, and if you’re lucky, you might glimpse a slender loris or golden palm civet.
🌳 Flora Galore: The forest boasts an impressive variety of plant life, with over 460 plant species recorded. I was particularly struck by the giant lianas and the diverse array of ferns and orchids. It’s like walking through a living botanical garden!
Top Attractions in Udawattekele:
- Seven Peaks hiking trail
- Ancient forest monasteries
- Senkandagala-lena cave
- Royal Pond
- Nature Education Centre
🥾 Hiking Haven: The sanctuary offers several well-maintained trails suitable for all fitness levels. I recommend starting early to catch the morning mist and wildlife activity. The hike to the viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramas of Kandy city and the surrounding hills.
🧘 Spiritual Retreat: As I explored deeper into the forest, I discovered three Buddhist meditation hermitages. The serene atmosphere makes it easy to understand why monks chose this spot for contemplation.
Insider Tip: Visit the Nature Education Centre near the southeastern entrance to learn more about the sanctuary’s ecology and history. It’s a great starting point for your exploration.
Best Kandy hotels near Udawattekele Sanctuary 🏨
⭐ Best hotels
- Bed Station 210 This budget-friendly city hotel provides clean, comfortable rooms and is perfect for travelers looking for value for money. It provides easy access to the city’s main attractions, including the Sri Dalada Maligawa.
- Ceyloni Inn Situated in the heart of Kandy, this hotel provides modern amenities and a cozy atmosphere.
- Kandy City Inn This centrally located hotel provides comfortable rooms and is ideal for travelers looking for a convenient stay in the city. Kandy City Inn is close to the Kandy train station and major attractions like the National Museum of Kandy.
🏨 Best cheap/moderate hotels
- Dumbara Peak Residence Located in the center of Kandy, this residence offers air-conditioned rooms and a shared lounge, making it a great choice for families. Dumbara Peak Residence is known for its excellent location and proximity to the Kandy City Center Shopping Mall and Sri Dalada Maligawa.
- The Beauty Hills Residence Nestled in the hills above Kandy, this residence offers great views and a peaceful retreat. The Beauty Hills Residence is perfect for those looking to stay outside of Kandy while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
- Nathashiya Holiday Inn This budget-friendly inn offers comfortable accommodation and is located close to Kandy town. It is ideal for travelers looking for a convenient and affordable place, with easy access to the city’s main attractions.
🛏️ Best hostels
- The Grand Kandyan This luxurious 5-star hotel in Kandy features an outdoor pool, a spa, and multiple dining options. The Grand Kandyan offers mesmerising views of the hills of Kandy and is known for its excellent service and amenities.
- Queen's Hotel This centrally located heritage hotel provides easy access to the Sri Dalada Maligawa and the hustle and bustle of Kandy. Featuring an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant serving traditional Sri Lankan dishes, it provides a perfect blend of history and modern amenities.
- The Trees Nestled in the hills above Kandy, this hotel provides a tranquil escape with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The Trees Kandy is perfect for those looking to stay close to Kandy while enjoying the natural beauty and serene atmosphere.
4. Galaha – Best Place to Stay in Kandy for Serene Tea Country Experience 🍵
🍃 Tea Paradise: Nestled about 20 kilometers south of Kandy, Galaha is a picturesque town that offers the quintessential Sri Lankan tea country experience. At an elevation of around 700 meters, this area boasts a cool climate and lush, rolling hills covered in emerald tea plantations.
🌿 Historical Significance: As I explored Galaha, I was fascinated to learn that it’s one of the first tea-planted areas in Sri Lanka. The town’s rich history is palpable, with remnants of colonial-era architecture and time-honored tea-making traditions still very much alive.
🥾 Hiking Haven: For outdoor enthusiasts like myself, Galaha is a dream come true. The surrounding mountains offer numerous hiking trails, including parts of the famous Pekoe Trail. I particularly enjoyed the trek from Hantana to Galaha, which offered breathtaking views of the tea-covered landscapes.
🍵 Tea Experiences: No visit to Galaha is complete without immersing yourself in the world of Ceylon tea. I highly recommend visiting the nearby Ceylon Tea Museum or taking a tour of a working tea estate. Watching the tea pluckers at work and learning about the intricate process of tea production was truly eye-opening.
Top Attractions in Galaha:
- Orange Field Tea Factory
- Hanthana Mountain Range
- Gurugal Oya Dam
- Nilambe Buddhist Meditation Centre
- James Taylor Tea Estate
- Belwood Saundarya Nikethanaya
🧘 Spiritual Retreat: For those seeking inner peace, the Nilambe Buddhist Meditation Centre offers a serene environment for reflection and mindfulness practices. I found the experience both calming and enlightening.
Insider Tip: Visit during the tea-plucking season (typically March to May) for the most vibrant landscapes and to see the tea estates in full operation.
5. Kadugannawa – Historical Railway Town with Panoramic Views 🚂
🚂 Railway Heritage: As a train enthusiast, I was thrilled to discover Kadugannawa, a charming town steeped in railway history. The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the National Railway Museum, which opened in 2014 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s railway service. It’s a treasure trove of old engines, locomotives, rail cars, and equipment that tell the story of the country’s rail history.
🏞️ Scenic Beauty: Perched at the Kadugannawa Pass, this town offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views I’ve seen in Sri Lanka. The vistas of the Kegalle valley and the Maha Oya river are simply stunning. I recommend stopping at the car park near the famous Kadugannawa tunnel for the best views.
🕰️ Historical Significance: The town’s history is fascinating. The Kadugannawa Pass was once the main access route to Kandy for invaders approaching from Colombo. The British, who were the first to occupy Kandy permanently, built the Colombo-Kandy road through this pass in the 1820s.
🚇 Legendary Tunnel: One of the most intriguing aspects of Kadugannawa is its tunnel. Legend has it that the British constructed this tunnel to fulfill an old Sinhalese prophecy that foreigners could only rule Kandy if they pierced the mountains. Whether true or not, it adds a mystical charm to the town’s history.
Top Attractions in Kadugannawa:
- National Railway Museum
- Kadugannawa Pass and Tunnel
- Dawson Tower
- Kadugannawa Ambalama (historic wayside rest)
- Scenic viewpoints
🏛️ Colonial Remnants: Don’t miss the Dawson Tower, a memorial column erected at the highest point of the pass. It honors W. F. Davidson, the British engineer who designed the road but died before its completion.
🚉 Railway Experience: For a truly immersive experience, I recommend taking the train to Kadugannawa from Kandy. The journey itself is picturesque, and arriving at the historic Kadugannawa station feels like stepping back in time.
Where to stay in Kadugannawa? 🏨
- The Cloud Resort Located in Kadugannawa, this hotel provides stunning panoramic views of the hills of Kandy and features an outdoor swimming pool. The Cloud Resort provides modern amenities and a serene atmosphere, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Kandy town.
- Athulaya Villas Nestled in the hills above Kandy, Athulaya Villas offers luxurious accommodations with breathtaking views and an outdoor pool, making it an ideal choice for a tranquil retreat. This hotel provides easy access to the city of Kandy and is perfect for travelers seeking a blend of comfort and natural beauty.
6. Peripheral Areas – Best Neighborhoods for Quiet Countryside Escapes 🏡
🌳 Rural Retreat: As a travel journalist who loves to get off the beaten path, I can confidently say that the peripheral areas around Kandy offer some of the most serene and authentic Sri Lankan experiences. These quiet countryside neighborhoods provide a perfect escape from the bustling city center.
🏞️ Natural Beauty: The outskirts of Kandy are a tapestry of lush green hills, misty mountains, and picturesque tea plantations. During my stay, I was constantly in awe of the breathtaking landscapes that seemed to unfold around every corner. The Hanthana Mountain Range and the verdant tea estates of Galaha are particularly stunning.
Top Attractions in Peripheral Areas:
- Tea plantation tours
- Hiking trails in the Knuckles Mountain Range
- Waterfalls like Huluganga Falls
- Traditional village visits
- Bird watching in Udawattekele Sanctuary
🍵 Tea Experience: One of the highlights of staying in the peripheral areas is the opportunity to immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s tea culture. I highly recommend taking a tour of a working tea estate to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy a freshly brewed cup with gorgeous views.
🥾 Outdoor Activities: For nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, the peripheral areas offer fantastic opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and waterfall chasing. I particularly enjoyed trekking in the Knuckles Mountain Range, which offers trails for all skill levels and breathtaking vistas.
FAQs about trips to Kandy ❔
Which area to stay in Kandy?
The best area to stay in Kandy is the City Center, as it offers easy access to major attractions like the Temple of the Tooth, Kandy Lake, and a variety of restaurants and shops. This area is well-connected with public transportation, making it convenient for exploring the city.
How many days to stay in Kandy?
Two to three days is generally enough to explore the main attractions in Kandy, including the Temple of the Tooth, Kandy Lake, and the Royal Botanical Gardens. This duration allows for a relaxed pace and the opportunity to take a day trip to nearby sites like Sigiriya.
Where to sleep in Kandy?
For a central and convenient stay, consider hotels in the City Center such as The Radh Hotel, Cafe Aroma Inn, and Hotel Casamara. These options provide easy access to key attractions and dining options.
What are the best hotels in Kandy for couples?
For couples seeking a romantic getaway, top hotel choices include The Kandy House, known for its luxurious and intimate setting, and Santani Wellness Resort & Spa, which offers a serene and relaxing environment. Other excellent options are Aarunya Nature Resort and Spa and Elephant Stables Kandy, both offering unique experiences and stunning views.
