Where to Stay in Kandy: The Best Hotels, Homestays and Hostels
Looking for where to stay in the Kandy? From luxury hotels to family-run guesthouses, our guide to the best places to stay in the Kandy has your accommodation well and truly sorted.
Kandy; City of Kings, Sri Lanka’s second city and the island’s undisputed historical and cultural capital. A place that should hold prominence on any Sri Lankan itinerary, Kandy is best known for the Temple of the Tooth relic; Buddhism’s most important religious shrine, and said to be the location of a portion of Buddha’s tooth.
But the city is so much more than its number one attraction; it's a city of delightful chaos, with its bustling streets, ancient temples, colonial architecture, aristocratic gardens and the glorious Kandy Lake forming the backdrop to a perfect few days amongst Sri Lanka's lush green hills.
As you’d expect from the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, accommodation for all budgets in Kandy is quite easy to come by, but knowing exactly where to stay will make a real difference in how you’ll experience it.
Staying downtown will result in an authentic, albeit chaotic experience, while staying slightly out of town, in the lush hills or quiet northern suburbs, will provide peace and quiet.
Ultimately, where you stay will depend on your needs, wants and budget, and below we’ve provided an overview of the best areas to stay, as well as the best accommodation options in town for all budget types.
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KANDY HOTELS OVERVIEW
BEST LUXURY STAY | W15 Hanthana Estate
MID-RANGE STAY | Heritage Boutique
BUDGET STAY | Helga’s Folly
HOW TO GET AROUND | Walking, tuk-tuk
WHEN TO VISIT | Between January and April
THE BEST AREA TO STAY IN KANDY
While Kandy is not a large city, its geographical quirks mean that it is quite spread out, with no central hub for accommodation - but rather several different areas throughout the town that provide a mix of affordable accommodation, ranging from five-star to budget homestays.
As such, in the past we’ve found it hard to find the perfect area to stay, so after our recent third visit to the city, we wanted to provide an overview below to help in your own decision-making process.
TL:DR - downtown is crazy but close to all the action, however, we’d choose a hotel in the beautiful Kandy Hills every.single.time.
DOWNTOWN KANDY
If you want to get the feel of the real Kandy, we suggest staying in the cacophonic downtown.
We love downtown Kandy as it’s a great mix of colonial architecture, leafy streets and hidden corners, mixed with the chaotic commercial centre filled with colourful markets, old shops and restaurants serving seriously authentic (and spicy) local curries.
It’s lively, gritty, and close to major attractions, including the Temple of the Tooth Relic, Kandy Lake and Kandyan Dance Halls, while the train and bus stations are nearby.
That being said, it can be loud, and you’ll often find yourself seeking calm, so if you prefer a more serene accommodation experience, look to the hills.
RECOMMENDATIONS | Heritage Boutique, The Radh, Kandy, Queen’s Hotel
THE KANDY HILLS
High above the city, the Kandy Hills are where you go to unplug and escape the noise of downtown.
It’s quiet up here, and you can almost forget the chaos down below, so it’s understandable that most of Kandy’s best hotels are located in this area. With views across misty, forest-covered slopes, it’s the ideal spot if you want serenity close enough to the action.
There’s accommodation for everyone up here - from five-star resorts to small, charming guesthouses. We recommend the hills to travellers who appreciate a good view, a cool breeze, and a short tuk-tuk into town when they want it.
Just be warned - it’s often a tough walk uphill back to your accommodation, so use the affordable tuk-tuk’s in town.
RECOMMENDATIONS | W15 Hanthana Estate, Helga’s Folly, 36 Bed & Breakfast
KANDY LAKE
The area around Kandy Lake is a sweet spot for travellers who want to be close to everything without the hustle.
There are several exceptional and affordable homestays within the Lake surroundings, and staying here means you’re a short walk from the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, and many other of the city’s main attractions.
Staying here means you’re close to the city’s historic core but can retreat to the lake's calm when the city pace gets too much, especially with a walk around the stunning Kandy Lake.
RECOMMENDATIONS | Ru Boutique Hotel
NORTHERN KANDY
Further from the action, yet a wonderful area to stay in Kandy nonetheless, Northern Kandy and the banks of the Mahaweli River are home to many excellent, up-market resorts.
Staying here is more about enjoying the daily rhythms of local life, away from the chaotic downtown and constant whirring of buses, however, it is further away from most of the action and can feel a little slow at times (what can we say, we love being in the heart of the action).
RECOMMENDATIONS | Taru Villas Kandy, Mahaweli Reach
WHERE TO STAY IN KANDY | THE BEST LUXURY HOTELS
W15 HANTHANA ESTATE KANDY
Sri Lanka’s cultural capital might be right on your doorstep, but the chaos of Kandy feels worlds away at the peaceful hilltop W15 Hanthana Estate. An elegant relic of the colonial era, this 9-bedroom plantation-style bungalow has been totally restyled in recent years, evoking a sense of timeless luxury for the discerning traveller today.
After being greeted by your personal butler, spend your days relaxing in front of the panoramic vistas (the Estate looks over the rolling tea plantations and stunning Knuckles ranges of the Hanthana region) or enjoying the sun-drenched lawns, exploring Kandy’s main highlights, or reserve the vintage open-top Land Rover Defender for a true adventure to the Hanthana Hills viewpoints and conservation area.
A truly pampered experience in one of Sri Lanka’s most fascinating regions!
THE DETAILS
Where | No. 947, Uduwela Road, Udugama West, Kandy
Cost | $$$
BOOK | W15 Hanthana Estate
THE ELEPHANT STABLES
A luxurious colonial manor house whose plantation gardens were once roamed freely by elephants, the charming Elephant Stables boutique hotel now offers travellers an elephant-sized blend of history, luxury, and elegance instead.
The former home of late Sri Lankan aristocrat, Sir Cudah Ratwatte, the hotel is a chance to delve into Kandy’s rich cultural heritage; the six elegant rooms and suites are adorned with original artwork and unique antique Kandyan furniture and handicrafts, while the sightseeing delights of Sri Lanka’s cultural capital lie just beyond the hotel walls.
On slow afternoons, enjoy the infinity pool overlooking Kandy and the surrounding hills, relax in the quiet of the library, or take a scenic drive around the lake in one of the hotel’s collections of vintage British cars before enjoying a sumptuous feast at the Elephant Stables onsite restaurant.
THE DETAILS
Where | 46, Nittawela Road, Kandy
Cost | $$$
BOOK | Elephant Stables
TARU VILLAS KANDY
Another gorgeous colonial-era mansion transformed into one of Kandy’s best hotels for modern travellers, Taru Villas Kandy offers travellers nine breezy, elegant rooms that each celebrate traditional Kandyan architecture and design.
Beyond its obvious appeal, the true highlight is the hotel restaurant’s culinary offerings; fresh ingredients straight from the hotel garden are transformed into mouthwatering traditional and international dishes by Taru’s talented chefs, making for a memorable gourmet experience.
A true hidden gem just a stone’s throw from the heart of Kandy, it’s a charming and luxurious escape for any modern traveller.
THE DETAILS
Where | Mahayaya Walauwwa, No 262 Katugastota Road, Kandy
Amenities | Restaurant, terrace, garden, outdoor swimming pool, shared lounge, free parking, free airport shuttle
Cost | $$$
BOOK | Taru Villas Kandy
HERITAGE BOUTIQUE
It's wonderful to be in such a grand luxury yet feel so utterly at home.
Right in the heart of Kandy, just a couple of minutes walk from the Temple of the Sacred Tooth relic, Heritage Boutique is so committed to creating a guest experience fit for royalty that even their four stately rooms carry royal titles.
The hotel’s attention to detail and comfort is outstanding, and from the moment you arrive to smiling hospitality you’ll find yourself spoilt in a lovely escape you won’t want to leave.
THE DETAILS
Where | 41 Deva Veediya, Kandy
Amenities | Rooms, room service, restaurant, bar, terrace, free parking, free airport shuttle
Cost | $$$
Tips | Start your mornings with a peaceful walk around Kandy Lake
BOOK | Heritage Boutique
SANTANI WELLNESS KANDY
Built into the calm, lush hills about an hour’s drive from Kandy, Santani is the embodiment of luxurious harmony, and not just because its namesake is the Sanskrit word meaning ‘in harmony with’.
Everything at Santani is guided by the principles of harmony and balance, from the incredibly intelligent hotel design with sustainability and wellness at its core to its offerings of Ayurvedic and spa treatments, yoga and meditation classes or nearby hiking trails, and nutritionally balanced meals designed to nourish and comfort.
This isn’t the place to stay if you’re looking to make the most of your time sightseeing in Kandy, but if you’re feeling weary and worn out from your travels through Sri Lanka, or overwhelmed by the stresses of the modern world, a few days spent stilling your mind at Santani is the remedy you’ve been seeking.
THE DETAILS
Where | Aratenna Estate, Werapitiya Kandy
Cost | $$$
BOOK | Santani Wellness, Kandy
HANTHANA BOUTIQUE VILLA BY AMAYA
It calls itself a haven in the hills, and whether you’re searching for a highly intimate escape amidst lush hills, or you simply want to escape the daily life monotony, Hanthana certainly feels like a proper sanctuary. With bespoke rooms and villas that open out onto mountain views and abundant flowering gardens, it’s a magical setting to unwind in.
Indulge in afternoon tea in the gardens, take a cooking class with the hotel’s award-winning chefs, make use of the swimming pool or fitness centre, or get out into the surrounding hills and trek the Hanthana range, or head into Kandy or Peradeniya for a day of sightseeing.
THE DETAILS
Where | Heerasagala, Kandy
Amenities | Bungalows, family rooms, suites, spa & wellness, bar, in-house restaurant, private nightclub, outdoor swimming pool, free parking
Cost | $$$
BOOK | Hanthana Boutique Villa by Amaya
AARUNYA NATURE RESORT AND SPA
Its name, Aarunya, is the ancient Sanskrit word for ‘first rays of the sun‘, which is fitting considering this award-winning collection of seven private villas perched in the Knuckles Mountain Range is about as sun-drenched and full of rejuvenating natural light as it gets.
Set on a nine-acre spice and tea estate, Aarunya is about slowing down and enjoying nature’s lush embrace. Rise with the sun and birdsong, slow down by the infinity pool, indulge in high tea, hire a bike and explore the surrounds, or dive into the treatments and restorative yoga classes on offer.
Aarunya is located between Kandy and Dambulla, about a 40-minute drive from Kandy train station. Cultural highlights like Sigiriya and Pidurangala are only an hour’s drive from the hotel, which makes it a great option for those looking to explore central Sri Lanka on easy day trips (which can be organised by hotel staff).
THE DETAILS
Where | 100 Aluwathugoda - Malgamandeniya Road Aluwathugoda, Kandy
Amenities | Villas, suites, infinity pools, hot tubs, room service, spa & wellness, fitness centre, bar, garden, free bikes, free parking
BOOK | Aarunya Nature Resort
MADULKELLE TEA AND ECO LODGE
Another option for those looking to retreat from Kandy’s bustling chaos rather than totally immerse in it, Madulkelle Tea and Eco-lodge is a rustic colonial-style lodge standing on its own plantation overlooking the Hulu Ganga Valley.
Madulkelle Lodge’s secluded safari tents combine opulence and a unique glamping experience, with panoramic terraces, timber furnishings and details, modern amenities, an onsite coffee shop and restaurant serving world-class local and international fare, plus a croquet lawn, infinity pool and spa to help wile away your days. While an outdoor terrace makes a wonderful spot for a candlelight dinner, an English-style bar keeps the conversation going long into the night.
Celebrating an exciting life milestone with your loved one? The spacious, private honeymoon suite with misty mountain views is a magical place to begin your lifetime of married bliss!
THE DETAILS
Where | Madulkelle, Kandy
Amenities | Deluxe tents, suites, room service, spa & wellness, restaurant, bar, library, outdoor swimming pool, terrace, free parking, free airport shuttle
Cost | $$$
BOOK | Madulkelle Tea and Eco-lodge
WHERE TO STAY IN KANDY | THE BEST BOUTIQUE + MID-RANGE HOTELS
RU BOUTIQUE
A new-ish kid on the Kandy hotel scene, Ru Boutique Hotel is a meticulously restored Kandyan mansion perfectly perched right on the shores of Kandy Lake.
Despite being right in the heart of all the action in town, Ru manages to protect a sense of tranquillity with its uninterrupted vistas over the lake, Sri Dalada Maligawa (the temple of the tooth relic) and the surrounding hills. The carefully decorated interiors of the 14 spacious rooms blend Sri Lankan heritage and contemporary aesthetics, while the colonial-style restaurant and open-air garden dining spaces offer up flavour sensations from Sri Lankan shores and beyond.
One of the best hotels in Kandy if you want to immerse yourself in local culture yet keep a sense of privacy.
THE DETAILS
Where | No 34J, Sangaraja Mawatha, Kandy
Amenities | Rooms, suites, apartments, room service, on-site restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, shared lounge, free parking, free airport shuttle
Cost | $$
BOOK | Ru Boutique Hotel
KINGS PAVILION LUXURY HOTEL
Off-the-beaten-track luxury on a budget? You better believe it! Once the holiday bungalow of touring international cricket teams, the sprawling and luxurious Kings Pavilion, a 3-acre estate overlooking the misty Hunnasigiriya mountains, has now been transformed into an intimate eco-hotel.
Located just 1.5km out of Kandy’s centre, the hillside hideaway promises gorgeous mountain vistas from its impressive infinity pool and nine elegantly styled and airy rooms.
By day, enjoy the greenery and lush gardens of the property, pamper yourself at the in-house spa, or explore the delights of Sri Lanka’s cultural heart.
By night, dine like royalty on a selection of authentic local dishes, including flavoursome kollu and navaratna (nine gems) curry, made with nine different vegetables, fruit and nuts.
THE DETAILS
Where | Aniwatta, Kandy Galkanda Road, Kandy
Amenities | Rooms, suites, restaurant, bar, room service, spa & wellness, outdoor swimming pool, sun terrace, garden, facilities for disabled guests, free parking, free airport shuttle
Cost | $$
Tips | The area is popular among cyclists so hop on a bike and explore the surroundings in a completely new way!
BOOK | Kings Pavilion Luxury Hotel
RIVORA HEIGHTS
Rivora Heights is a relatively new boutique hotel nestled in the hills overlooking the understated beauty of Kandy Lake.
The spacious, contemporary rooms are flooded with natural light, while the private balcony provides stunning views over the Kandyan hills and lake.
Once past the exterior fringed with green vines, you’ll find hospitable staff, an excellent on-site restaurant and terrace, and a plunge pool to refresh the day’s heat from your body after a day of exploring.
One of the best boutique hotels in Kandy.
THE DETAILS
Where | Rajapihilla Mawatha No 34, Kandy
Amenities | Rooms, room service, restaurant, bar, terrace, outdoor swimming pool, free parking
Cost | $$
Tips | A terrace makes a wonderful spot for a romantic dinner or simply enjoying the sunset over a glass of wine
BOOK | Rivora Heights
THE RADH, KANDY
At The Radh, luxury doesn’t come with a hefty price tag.
Offering the best of elegance and affordability right in the heart of Kandy, The Radh is the ideal choice for seeing all the attractions downtown, including the famed Temple of the Tooth.
The hotel, inspired by traditional Kandyan design, lives and breathes opulence from its decor to its warm hospitality. What’s more, the hotel has eliminated plastic bottles from its offerings, which is always a big plus in our eyes.
For a surprise, be sure to enjoy a meal at the onsite Nihonbashi Japanese restaurant, helmed by renowned Sri Lankan chef, Dharshan Munidasa, where delicious Japanese dishes await.
THE DETAILS
Where | 30 Colombo Street, Kandy
Amenities | Rooms, suites, room service 2 restaurants, spa & wellness, fitness centre, free airport shuttle
Cost | $$
Tips | Cafe Nihonbashi, a restaurant specializing in Japanese cuisine, makes a great dinner option
BOOK | The Radh, Kandy
MAHAWELI REACH
On the banks of the mighty Mahaweli River, Sri Lanka’s longest waterway, you’ll find Mahaweli Reach. Once the ancestral home of a noble Kandyan family - and still managed by its descendants - this luxurious hotel was the first in the hill capital to receive five-star status and its best-in-class feel remains today.
We’ve stayed here on one of our many trips to Kandy, and while the rooms are a little dated, there’s a wonderful sense of old-world charm that elevates your stay beyond one of the new, modern hotels in town.
Expect exceptional comfort, stunning river views, and traditional hospitality just minutes from Kandy city centre.
Oh, and the pool is exceptional, as is the breakfast buffet.
THE DETAILS
Where | 5, P.B.A.Weerakoon Mawatha, Kandy
Cost | $$
Tips | Book a cruise and explore in style the Mahaweli River or indulge in the art of traditional drum-making
BOOK | Mahaweli Reach
QUEEN’S HOTEL
Potentially Kandy’s most iconic building, so often its British Colonial facade photographed, the Queen’s Hotel is a true taste of regal and colonial heritage in Sri Lanka.
With a history of over 160 years, this former governor’s home is now an 80-room hotel in the very heart of Kandy. Rooms and facilities are somewhat dated, however, the opportunity to experience an affordable slice of Sri Lankan history right amid all Kandy has to offer makes up for it.
For those lucky travellers who visit Kandy during the festival of the tooth (Kandy Esala Perahera pageant), the parade weaves alongside the hotel’s east and west wings, making for incredible balcony viewing for guests.
THE DETAILS
Where | No 4, Dalada Veediya, Kandy
Amenities | Rooms, suites, restaurant, bar, outdoor swimming pool, BBQ facilities, free parking, free airport shuttle
Cost | $$
Tips | Just around the corner, you'll stumble upon Udawattekele National Forest Reserve, a lovely spot for a morning walk or hike
BOOK | Queen’s Hotel
RADISSON HOTEL KANDY
The Radisson name is well-known the world over for a reason, and the Radisson Hotel Kandy is no exception to the rule.
Set in the hills overlooking Kandy Lake and the distant mountains of World’s End, the Radisson features comfortable, modern rooms that don’t break the budget.
And when it's time to explore the city, a stroll brings you to the heart of action.
The sun-kissed rooftop and pool provide a wonderful place to relax after a day of exploring (we enjoyed more than a few Gin & Tonics up here), while the restaurant dining options are extensive and excellent.
THE DETAILS
Where | Saranankara road 31, Kandy
Cost | $$
Tips | Enjoy panoramic views of Kandy along with handmade cocktails and delicious finger food in Bommu Rooftop Bar
BOOK | Radisson Hotel Kandy
THE BEST BUDGET HOTELS + HOSTELS IN KANDY
HELGA’S FOLLY
Decorated in a whimsical theme with original Sri Lankan artwork and murals, Helga’s Folly is certainly the most unique place you’ll stay in Kandy, if not the whole of Sri Lanka.
The childhood home of glittering high-society owner, Helga de Silva Blow Perera, this eclectic hotel has been attracting artists, free spirits, and notable celebrities alike for decades, with a guest list that includes Gregory Peck, Mahatma Gandhi, Laurence Olivier, and Kelly Jones, lead singer of the Stereophonics whose stay inspired the stay ‘Madame Helga’.
While a stroll through the garden is like stepping into a 'Midsummer Night's Dream', the eclectic interior steals the show - 35 uniquely themed rooms filled with hundreds of Helga’s most prized possessions and family portraits, vivid colours, temple relics, and floor-to-ceiling artwork, all illuminated by dripping candles.
It’s creative and bizarre and bordering on unhinged, and you’ll definitely either love it or hate a stay here - but that’s all part of its intrigue!
THE DETAILS
Where | 70, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy
Cost | $
BOOK | Helga’s Folly
MOUNT HAVEN
Mount Haven is a lovely, affordable homestay for those looking for generous hospitality on a budget.
With bright and airy rooms overlooking the valley, a delicious breakfast included in the communal dining area, and the beautifully warm hospitality of hosts Dr Nimal and his wife Lanka, you’ll feel right at home from the minute you arrive.
Additionally, Kandy’s bustling heart is just a leisurely walk or short tuk-tuk ride away too!
THE DETAILS
Where | 97/7 Sri Dhammasiddhi Mawatha, Kandy
Cost | $
BOOK | Mount Haven
JAYE’S HOMESTAY
We’re big fans of homestays in Sri Lanka, and Jaye’s is a perfect example of why.
A 10-15 minute uphill walk from the town centre (just think of how fit you’ll be when you return home), JAYE’S homestay is a comfortable, relaxing and super friendly hidden gem.
Expect clean, modern rooms with AC, genuine hospitality, and delicious feasts courtesy of Jaye and his family, and one of the best homestays in Kandy.
THE DETAILS
Where | No 22/8, Reservoir Road, Kandy
Cost | $
BOOK | Jaye’s Homestay
36 BED AND BREAKFAST
Located in the lush hills just above Kandy Lake, 36 Bed & Breakfast is one of Kandy’s most popular and loved affordable accommodations.
Housed in a charmed historic building, this 3-bed B&B offers large rooms with incredible views, air conditioning, and hot water, while the excellent Hoppers at the homestay kitchen is a welcome way to start the day.
The bang for your buck here (or rupee) is quite astonishing, so it’s the first place we recommend for those on a budget.
THE DETAILS
Where | 36, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy
Cost | $
BOOK | 36 Bed & Breakfast
THE BUENA VISTA KANDY
Nestled in the hills above Kandy's centre and just a short tuk-tuk ride from city sights, the Buena Vista Kandy homestay delivers all the essentials for budget travellers.
With comfy rooms, an amazing breakfast, spectacular mountain views and wonderfully friendly hospitality, this hidden gem is perfect for those travelling to Sri Lanka on a shoestring.
THE DETAILS
Where | 53/1 Bahirawakanda, Kandy
Cost | $
Tips | If you want to learn more about Hindu culture, Hindu Cultural Center is just around the corner
BOOK | Buena Vista Kandy
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