Kandalama, Dambulla

The Kandalama is a luxurious hotel in a spellbinding setting: truly an architectural tour de force from Sri Lanka's premier architect, Geoffrey Bawa.

The hotel is unobtrusive on the outside but spacious within: a testament to the brilliant design. Blending into the environs; the impact has been minimised to a degree highly unusual in a large hotel. The structure was designed so as not to affect the water flow of this natural basin. It was these and other touches which led to its being deservedly awarded a Green Globe Award for environmental sustainability in 1999, the first in the country.

Inside, an infinity swimming pool calls out across the blue reservoir, and beautiful wood-finished rooms have views of the water, jungle and, in the distance, the magnificent Sigiriya Rock.

Leaving your balcony, with its views and its monkeys, there are two more pools, a beautiful restaurant, stylish bar areas and various facilities for the sporting minded. The top rooms are the Kandalama Suites - though we recommend the deluxe Sigiriya wing jacuzzi rooms as they have beautiful views.

The 162 hotel rooms wind down long peaceful stretches of corridors in-twinned with creepers and furnished with light wicker. The food is first class throughout the various restaurants, and the service friendly and very efficient.

The location, near Dambulla, puts it right at the heart of Sri Lanka's cultural triangle, making it convenient for visits to the magnificent ancient city of Anuradhapura as well as Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya and a host of other intriguing historical sites. The national parks of Minneriya, Kandulla and Wasgomuwa are also easily accessible.