A unique, ancestral manor house providing seclusion and serenity in a lush, tropical garden setting close to Kandy. In 1804, the last Chief Minister of the Kandyan kingdom built the palatial villa touching local, moorish and dutch styles in the beautiful countryside near the former capital. 200 years later, it was converted into a designer boutique hotel in Kandy, retaining the charisma of this captivating historical house while taking it to the luxury standard for 21st century guests.
The restoration sensitively blends amenities with elegant antique furniture, and fresh touches of colour set off the traditional architecture In the gardens, a stunning infinity pool has been landscaped into the hillside overlooking the rice paddy fields, and an ambalama perches above the greenery to enjoy a massage or treatment. Delicious fusion and Sri Lankan cuisine can be enjoyed on your private terrace or the veranda restaurant.The Butterfly Bar or terraced garden is ideal for your pre-dinner drinks. Explore a broad selection of Sri Lanka’s primary attractions in and around Kandy, the Cultural Triangle and Tea Country, making the hotel a good base to experience the country’s heritage. The house can also be booked as a whole for important celebrations with friends, or just for the peace of mind of a group having total privacy.
Accommodation
The Kandy House features unique rooms, each named after butterflies which thrive in Sri Lanka, are styled individually incorporating local fabrics, elegant furniture of various generations and modernised amenities.
Red Spot Duke
Spacious double room, opening onto a wide veranda, complete with butler services, a luxurious bathroom with bath, separate twin showers, WC, and twin vanities, four-poster king-size bed, a private corridor for dining, large cupboards and additional antique furniture.
Peacock Royal
Spacious double room, opening onto a wide veranda, complete with butler services, a luxurious bathroom with bath, separate twin showers, WC, and twin vanities, four-poster king-size bed, a private corridor for dining, large cupboards and additional antique furniture.
Indian Admiral
A spacious double room on the upper floor with views of luscious green paddy fields and the infinity pool, complete with butler services, a luxurious bathroom with an old fashioned cast- iron bathtub as well as a separate shower, WC, and twin vanities, a four-poster king-size bed and a private balcony for dining, sofa, large cupboard and additional antique furniture.
Black Rajah
A distinctive double room with arched doors opening onto an outdoor veranda, with an octagonal stone bath feature and butler services, a separate shower, WC, and twin vanities, four-poser king-size bed, an outdoor veranda for dining, sofa, large cupboard and additional antique furniture with a double swing-hammock in a “secret” garden nearby. Can be booked with adjoining deluxe double bedroom, Monkey Puzzle.
Sunbeam
A double bedroom on the upper floor with a view over the stunning jungle-fringed infinity pool with butler services, a luxurious bathroom with a cast- iron bathtub as well as separate shower, WC, and twin vanities, four-poster king-size bed, cupboard and additional antique furniture.
Cornelian
Double room on the upper floor with with views to the jungle, complete with a luxurious bathroom with a bath as well as separate shower, WC, and twin vanities, a four-poster queen-size bed and access to a veranda.
Monkey Puzzle
Twin room with arched doors leading to a small outdoor veranda. Luxurious bathroom with a shower, WC, and twin vanities. The room adjoins the Black Rajah room and is ideal for families travelling with teenage children.
Pioneer
A twin room overlooking a private garden with a swing hammock and dining area, complete with luxurious bathroom with a shower, WC, and twin vanities, cupboards, a sofa and other antique furniture.
Lime Butterfly
On the upper floor with access from the inner courtyard. The room features a four-poster queen-size bed with mosquito net, cupboard and other antique furniture. A luxurious bathroom with an old-fashioned cast-iron bathtub as well as a separate shower, WC and double-basins.
Dining
Fresh fusion best describes the fare at The Kandy House, stirring up traditional Sri Lankan delicacies and ingredients with modern international dishes and flavours. At least twice a week, the highly acclaimed feast of ten traditional Sri Lankan curries is served. Enjoy meals by the pool, on your private terrace or in the verandah restaurant. Chefs only use the freshest of ingredients from the local markets, bought daily to convert into inspired cuisine.
The resident masseur has 25 year’s experience as an Ayurvedic therapist. He uses energy healing alongside his full body and head massages, leaving you energised, though calmer and able to attain sounder sleep. There are board games, books and spaces to enjoy quiet time. Lift your head to spot numerous birds and butterflies in their natural habitat, or pick up some art materials if you are inspired, or learn the popular South Asian game carrom.
Location & Activities
Nestled in the middle of the hills, Kandy, the second largest city in Sri Lanka, is a melting pot of art, craft, culture, and nature. Explore Kandy city by basing yourself at The Kandy House.
Temple Neighbour
A short picturesque walk takes you through the village, paddy fields, and smiling faces to the local Degaldoruwa Temple.Built by a ruling king in the 18th century, the main shrine room is carved between two solid rocks, adorned by intricate murals deemed the best in that era
Botanical Gardens
You do not have to be a nature lover to enjoy the lush Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Brimming with exotic flowers, medicinal plants, and giant trees. Often referred to as the “Kew Gardens” of South Asia, you have option of a guided tour with a veteran botanist.
Temple of the Tooth
The sacred tooth of the Buddha is housed in the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. Since being brought to the Island, it has become the symbolic representation of the living Buddha in the country and customs, ceremonies and rituals built around it.
The Old Capital
Take time to visit the cultural and historically-significant landmarks dotted across the city. Trinity College Chapel, the British Garrison Cemetry, and the historical museum play out Kandy’s past, while the central market, contemporary cafes, batik shops outline its busy present.
Outdoor Activities
A golf course designed to international standards sits majestically by the Victoria reservoir and beautiful verdant backdrop of the Knuckles mountains.In less than an hour from the hotel, you can tee-off and enjoy all there amenities of the Country Club Enjoy some exhilarating trekking along parts of The Knuckles Range with a picnic and panoramic views. Or stroll through the wooded avenues closer to Kandy at the Udawattakelle Sanctuary.
Map and travel information
Sri Lankan Airlines fly direct to Colombo from London Heathrow in 10 hours and 30 minutes. Transfer by road to Kandy in approximately 3 and a half hours.
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Visit
Monday – Friday: 9am – 5:30pm
Saturday: 10am – 4:00pm
1 Market Place Mews, Gardiner Place,
Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 2AH