Kandy

Golden-roofed Buddhist temple holding the tooth relic, in the heart of Kandy.

Good to knowThe resort's butlers can arrange a day trip.

Featured in a collection emphasizing elegant hotels and Sri Lanka's mountain and valley landscapes.

Good to knowWatch the sunrise from the main infinity pool.

A stroll around the lake at the heart of the city.

Good to knowGo in the morning for a peaceful walk.

Huge garden with 4,000+ plant species, 15 minutes from Kandy.

Good to knowThe resort's butlers can arrange a day trip.

Selected for the author's collection of stays associated with Sri Lanka's mountains, valleys, and tea plantations.

Good to knowChoose an Executive Suite or Bungalow Suite.

A small historic B&B above Kandy Lake with spacious rooms, excellent views and outstanding value. The kitchen’s hoppers are a particularly good start to the day.

Aarunya's specialty Sri Lankan restaurant is singled out as a must-do dining experience during a stay.

The author includes this tower among the notable landmarks accessible on an excursion from Aarunya.

Good to knowAsk the resort's butlers to organize your visit.

One of Sri Lanka's biggest Buddha statues, with panoramic city views.

Named as a favourite casual spot in Kandy.

This rooftop bar at the Radisson combines panoramic views of Kandy with handmade cocktails and tasty finger food.

Named as a favourite restaurant in Kandy.

The author recommends this Japanese restaurant at The Radh for dinner. It is helmed by renowned Sri Lankan chef Dharshan Munidasa.

Luxury retreat in the Hanthana hills with farm-to-table dining and an infinity pool.

Good to knowGo for a swim at sunset for views of the Hanthana mountains.

The authors recommend visiting Embekke on the three-temple loop to explore the region’s religious heritage and traditional craftsmanship.

Part of the recommended three-temple loop, this temple offers insight into Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage and craftsmanship.

Kandy’s oldest walawwa, a former royal building, is a recommended stop on a stroll through the old town.

Rooms and villas open onto mountain scenery and flowering gardens at this tranquil hill retreat. Afternoon tea, chef-led cooking classes and a swimming pool provide plenty of ways to unwind.

The author recommends guided hikes through the lush mountain range surrounding W15 Hanthana.

An eccentric historic hotel filled with vivid murals, family portraits, curiosities and candlelit interiors. Its individually themed rooms and theatrical gardens make it a memorable choice for travellers who embrace unconventional surroundings.

A four-room hotel in central Kandy offering grand surroundings, thoughtful comforts and warm hospitality. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is only a few minutes away on foot.

Good to knowStart the morning with a peaceful walk around Kandy Lake.

Suggested as a nearby stop for guests at The Buena Vista Kandy who want to learn more about Hindu culture.

A friendly family-run stay with clean, modern air-conditioned rooms and excellent home-cooked meals. The author recommends it as a comfortable and relaxing budget option.

Good to knowExpect a 10–15-minute uphill walk from the town centre.

The authors stayed here for three nights and recommend its simple, spacious rooms and convenient location close to town.

This colourful Hindu temple is among the authors’ recommended sights on a walk through Kandy’s old town.

An intimate hillside eco-hotel with airy rooms, lush gardens and an infinity pool overlooking the mountains. Try the local kollu and navaratna curry at dinner.

Good to knowExplore the surrounding area by bicycle.

The author highlights this UNESCO-listed mountain and forest landscape as a natural attraction to explore on a day trip from Aarunya.

Good to knowAsk the resort's butlers to arrange a day trip.

This temple completes the authors’ recommended three-temple loop, showcasing Sri Lanka’s Buddhist history and craftsmanship.

Secluded safari tents on a tea plantation offer panoramic terraces and a luxurious glamping experience above the Hulu Ganga Valley. An infinity pool, spa and excellent dining make this a relaxing alternative to staying downtown.

Good to knowConsider the private honeymoon suite for a romantic celebration.

The authors enjoyed this riverside hotel’s old-world charm, traditional hospitality and comfortable surroundings, despite somewhat dated rooms. The swimming pool and breakfast buffet are particular standouts.

Good to knowBook a river cruise or try traditional drum-making during your stay.

An affordable homestay with airy valley-view rooms and exceptionally welcoming hosts. A delicious breakfast served in the communal dining area is included.

This stylish, well-located hotel stands out for its sophisticated design and rooftop pool.

The botanical gardens are recommended as a must-do outing during a stay at W15 Hanthana.

A historic former governor’s residence offering an affordable stay in the heart of Kandy. Its colonial character and location compensate for dated rooms and facilities.

Good to knowDuring Esala Perahera, the east and west wings offer balcony views of the parade.

Modern, comfortable rooms overlook Kandy Lake and distant mountains within walking distance of the centre. The authors particularly enjoyed relaxing with gin and tonics beside the rooftop pool.

Good to knowVisit Bommu Rooftop Bar for panoramic views and cocktails.

The authors highlight this historic, beautiful mosque as a worthwhile stop while exploring Kandy’s old town.

Featured in the author's selection of scenic stays among Sri Lanka's mountains, valleys, and tea gardens.

This hillside boutique hotel offers bright contemporary rooms and private balconies overlooking Kandy Lake and the surrounding hills. Welcoming staff, a good restaurant and a plunge pool round out the stay.

Good to knowEnjoy sunset with a glass of wine on the terrace.

The authors recommend exploring these sprawling gardens as part of a few days discovering Kandy.

A restored Kandyan mansion beside the lake pairs spacious, heritage-inspired rooms with contemporary comforts. Lake and temple views give it a peaceful feel despite its central location.

A secluded hillside retreat built around sustainable design and wellbeing, with Ayurvedic treatments, yoga, meditation and nourishing meals. The author recommends it for unwinding rather than intensive city sightseeing.

Good to knowAllow roughly an hour’s drive to Kandy.

The authors recommend starting with this impressive Temple of the Sacred Tooth and royal complex, which they consider Kandy’s leading attraction.

An elegant converted mansion with nine rooms celebrating traditional Kandyan design. The restaurant is a particular highlight, using garden-grown ingredients in local and international dishes.

Included in the author's selection of hotels for a nature-focused Sri Lankan escape.

A hillside homestay offering comfortable rooms, mountain views and warm hospitality at budget-friendly prices. The breakfast is another highlight, with city sights a short tuk-tuk ride away.

This intimate colonial manor combines Kandyan antiques and original artwork with an infinity pool overlooking the city and hills. A library and collection of vintage British cars add to its historic charm.

The author lists this nearby hiking trail as a must-do activity when staying at Dendrobium House.

Good to knowThe trail is 7 km from Dendrobium House.

A centrally located hotel combining traditional Kandyan design, attentive hospitality and comparatively affordable luxury. The author also appreciates its elimination of plastic bottles and its Japanese restaurant.

Good to knowTry Cafe Nihonbashi for dinner.

Listed as an Ulapane stay in the author's mountains, valleys, and tea plantations collection.

The author recommends this forest reserve near Queen’s Hotel as a pleasant place for a walk or hike.

Good to knowVisit for a morning walk.

The author recommends a hiking adventure up Uragala Mountain accompanied by Dendrobium House’s naturalist.

Named as a favourite for wood-fired pizza.

Featured as a Gampola accommodation option in the author's scenic highland hotel collection.