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Kandalama, Dambulla Sri Lanka, Cultural Triangle

Kandalama
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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.

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.

Our rating system explained...

  • Bicycles available
  • Birdwatching
  • International 5* Facilities
  • Outdoor Pool

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

Include this hotel as part of your Experience Travel Holiday of a lifetime.

Here are some popular holidays including this hotel or we can create a tailor made holiday, crafted for you.

Sri Lanka and the work of Geoffrey Bawa

An tour of Sri Lanka taking in Sri Lanka's highlights with a focus on the work of its most famous architect Geoffrey Bawa.

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Customer Feedback
Ayubowan! We are having a wonderful time. Thanks so much for organising such an amazing holiday. The balance of activities vs downtime has been perfect, and we are currently basking in the sunshine at the Frangipani Tree. You have four happy, happy clients :) :) :) :)

- Clive, Justine, Andrea & Paul, September 2013

Travel Tip #106
Take the train through the mountains for one of the most spectacular journeys you will likely ever take.

More Sri Lanka Holidays

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Sri Lanka and the work of Geoffrey Bawa
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    • Nature and Wildlife
      • Bundala National Park
      • Flood Plains National Park
      • Gal Oya National Park
      • Horton Plains National Park
      • Kumana National Park (Yala East)
      • Lahugala National Park
      • Lunugamvehera National Park
      • Maduru Oya National Park
      • Minneriya National Park
      • Somawathiya National Park
      • The Knuckles Range
      • The Sinharaja Rainforest
      • Udawalawe National Park
      • Wasgamuwa National Park
      • Wilpattu National Park
      • Yala (Ruhunu) National Park
    • Sri Lanka By Region
      • The Cultural Triangle
      • Colombo, Negombo & Around
      • Kandy and Around
      • The Hill Country
      • The West Coast of Sri Lanka
      • Galle and Around
      • The Deep South
      • Puttalam and the North West
      • The East Coast
      • Jaffna & The North
    • Getting Around
      • Vehicle Travel
      • Helicopter in Sri Lanka
      • Internal Flights
    • Honeymoons in Sri Lanka
    • Sri Lanka Weddings
      • Weddings Abroad
  • Weather & When to go
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