Overview

The Manor House, Kandy,  is a grand boutique hotel  that will appeal to guests who like ancient and modern, in this case a touch of aristocratic antiquity with contemporary comforts like air-conditioning, in-room television, free wireless internet access, and frilly curtains. Although the approach is suburban with some monstrous box houses on the way and little open space, the gleaming gates of the Manor House swing open to reveal a glimpse into history. Originally a traditional stately home, it was built in 1884 and known as Nugawela Aluth Walauwa. Its restoration to a spick and span hostelry is due to the enthusiasm of a young, USA-based Sri Lankan, Bhooshi De Silva, who fell in love with the decaying property. The result is a combination of contemporary fittings and flourishes that soften this venerable building forged by 19th century pride. The twin towers surmounting the two wings of the building are an impressive reminder of the building’s original importance.
 
Welcomed in a traditional Buddhist fashion, each guest is invited to light the burning oil lamps. Relax with a cool fresh juice on the verandah and then prepare to be amazed by the magnificently restored copper ceiling of the sitting room. The public rooms glow with the richness of the mahogany floors and the magnificent stairway which ascends in stately twists and turns through the open centre of the building. An unusual copper ceiling canopies the ground floor area, which then leads through graceful archways into a formal dining room, where you may choose a small intimate table or sit with a large group at a banqueting table.
 
The house has a total area of 14,000 square feet so it is not surprising to find six bedrooms and four suites as well as vast public areas.
 
Rooms
The rooms are named after local flowers with drawings of the flower hanging on the bedroom walls; each has a different colour scheme derived from the flower after which it is named. The doors of each room are heavy teak, the frames topped with ornate fanlights over which hang dainty curtains. All have bathrooms with showers and basic necessities.
 
Special
The estate is a wonderful place to relax, unwind and enjoy the local fresh air and wildlife. Breakfast can be served in the garden, overlooking the swimming pool. There are pavilions for sauna and ayurveda therapy in the garden, and a beauty parlour inside the house. At the back is a billiard room with a new table the size of a small swimming pool.
 
Potential excursions in Kandy include a visit to the Temple of the Tooth where a sacred tooth relic of the Lord Buddha is enshrined; Peradeniya Botanical gardens, with its orchid collection and formally laid-out trees; nature walks in Udawatte Kelle Forest Reserve; and Kandy's rich ancient arts and crafts including drum making, Dumbara mat waving, and crafting Kandyan jewelry, and traditional Kandyan dance and drumming. The magnificent Victoria Golf and Country Club is about 35 minutes away.