Overview

Sri Lanka has a few hotels of discreet design that merge with rather than intrude on the stunning locations they occupy. One such is the five-star Kandalama Hotel, near Dambulla, which is conveniently situated in the middle of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Spread along the edge of an escarpment and facing the Kandalama tank, you will become enveloped in the architecture of the hotel, as well as its luxury and the hospitality of the staff. Nature is given pride of place. Not surprisingly, this is the first hotel in the world to be awarded the prestigious LEEDS Green Building Certification.
 
The hotel has a host of indoor facilities, including a large lounge, 2 atmospheric bars, a pleasant coffee-shop, 3 restaurants of distinction, as well as one of the better shopping arcades in the country. In addition, there is an Ayurvedic health centre and a library, together with a good selection of indoor games. Outdoor activities include tennis, canoeing, horse riding, elephant safaris, bird-watching and jungle-trekking. Don’t miss to visit the two nearby UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the 1st century BC Dambulla rock temple and the 5th century AD Sigiriya rock palace or fortress.
 
Throughout your stay the friendly and attentive staff pampers you and panders to your every need to such an extent that it makes you wish you could take up permanent residence at Kandalama. You leave with reluctance, knowing that this is the kind of hotel experience you seldom have in a lifetime.
 
Dining
Over the years Kandalama has gained an excellent culinary reputation. Three times a day the most exquisite gastronomic delights are conjured up to titillate and tantalize the most finicky of palates. Whether you decide to sample the varied and sumptuous buffet or order à-la-carte, the main dining area provides magnificent views that compete with the award-winning cuisine. A comprehensive yet reasonably priced wine list ensures that you can complement the superb food in style. For a truly memorable dining experience, try eating alfresco on the restaurant terrace illuminated by moonlight and flaming torches.  
 
Rooms
The Sigiriya Wing and Dambulla Wing comprise 162 air-conditioned rooms with private balconies and a spectacular view of either the rock of Sigiriya and its environs, or the rock of Dambulla and its environs. The rooms are very tastefully furnished and are light and have a spacious feeling, mostly due to the huge picture windows that give a panoramic view of the stunning scenery. The bathrooms are simply magnificent and the shower cabin encased in glass completes the experience of bathing with Nature as your backdrop.
 
(Content Source : Travel Sri Lanka Magazine)