Kandalama,
Dambulla
Sri Lanka, Cultural Triangle
Info : Kandalama
The Kandalama is a luxurious hotel in a spellbinding setting: truly an architectural tour de force from Sri Lankas premier architect, Geoffrey Bawa.
The hotel is unobtrusive on the outside but large and spacious within: testament to the brilliant design. Blending into the environs; the impact has been minimised to 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, a wonderful infinity pool calls out across the blue reservoir and beautiful wood-finished rooms have views of 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 wonderful 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 Lankas 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.
A fantastic option for guests is the spectacular Hot Air Balloon flights that leave from the grounds below the hotel every morning between October and May.
Rating
Luxury - Luxury hotels would have a superb level of service, very comfortable and usually spacious bedrooms, excellent food, great design and character. For us, when we visited, these places all had the 'wow factor'. A luxury hotel should satisfy the criteria of the most discerning clients.
Features
- Bicycles available
- Birdwatching
- International 5* Facilities
- Outdoor Pool
Photos of Kandalama
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Customer Feedback
I just want to say thank you so much for all your help - it has been a real pleasure having you to arrange our holiday - you have been very friendly, patient, knowledgeable and extremely efficient always replying immediately to any questions and phone calls - I felt you really understood what we wanted which was great.
Customer Protection
The air holiday packages shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 9324. Please see our booking conditions for more information.
Guest Comments for Kandalama
Whilst it was sold to us as a "different" hotel it was still everything we didn't want. Tours / coach parties with canteen style dining.
Hipkiss, February 2013
Kanadalama was stunning, fantastic food and service - exceeded expectations.
Honor, February 2012
Wonderful location and architecture – great to be able to stay in one of Bawa’s renowned modern creations. Food good, both in self-service and a-la-carte restaurant.
Brindley, June 2011
Kandalama - we enjoyed a lot, though I could see why some don't. The floor to ceiling glass in the bathroom took a little getting used to, but the room and bathroom were wonderfully spacious. We could see Sigiriya from our bed. We were a little worried by the international buffet, but enjoyed their Sri Lankan selection, and the other food we tried, so actually very happy. And great views from the restaurant.
David, August 2010