Kandy House

Kandy

In the heart of Sri Lanka, in the midst of green hills and enchanting nature, we find the magnificent city of Kandy, classified a UNESCO world heritage in 1988.

All visitors passing by the city cannot help but succumb to the charm of its numerous Buddhist monasteries which make it the religious capital of the country. The most outstanding site however, is called the Dalaa Maligawa, better known as the Temple of the Tooth. Although its name seems strange at first, this temple is very dear to the hearts of Sri Lankans who for most part are Buddhists, because it contains a relic of the tooth of Buddha.

For ten days every summer, the Esala Perahera celebration takes place, a festival entirely dedicated to this relic. It’s a perfect time for tourists to discover one of the country’s oldest traditions.

During the festival, the city is decorated and its streets fill with musicians beating on their drums and dancers who accompany the magnificent processions of elephants, themselves decorated with superb fabrics. The venerated relic kept in a golden case is placed on an elephant’s back for the procession.

An hotel full of charm in the heart of the sublime city of Kandy

The Kandy House is undoubtedly one of the best addresses in the city, and is distinguished by its exceptional site between jungle and tropical garden and the friendliness and warmth of its personnel.

Located near the center of the city, this large traditional house once belonged to a family of aristocrats. It was totally renovated in order to offer guests a luxurious and modern setting.

The hotel’s nine rooms, of which one is a suite, offer an ideal setting for a very intimate vacation. The rooms all have exotic names like Sunbeam or Monkey Puzzle and are both functional and comfortable. They are all decorated with simplicity and taste so that guests feel at ease. Special attention has been paid to the choice of chic and period furniture so as to preserve the charm and atmosphere of the building.

Double or twin beds are available equipped with large mosquito nets and covered with superb brightly colored bedspreads. There is no television or air conditioning, just a magnificent ceiling fan which cools off the room and adds a touch of colonial charm. The bathrooms have showers and in some rooms, incredible bathtubs made of cast iron!

To take full advantage of the superb surrounding nature, most rooms have a veranda with a chaise lounge and a hammock, ideal for afternoon naps under the palm trees.

The Black Rajah, the hotel’s only suite, in addition to being particularly spacious, is equipped with a massage area and an octagonal two person bathtub. At the edge of the magnificent swimming pool, guests can spend relaxing sunny afternoons or take advantage of the yoga pavilion.

Gastronomy is far from overlooked, and the chef proposes a highly refined cuisine using local ingredients purchased daily in the city’s market. The menu differs every day, enabling guests to discover a wide range of traditional dishes.

The Kandy House is another example of the island’s renaissance architecture…a manor transformed into a boutique hotel, decorated with antiques and equipped with arched verandas. – New York Times Magazine