Heritance Kandalama
A masterpiece of architecture seamlessly integrated with nature, offering stunning reservoir views and unique wildlife encounters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Serene atmosphere, wildlife active
Heritance Kandalama
Best Time
Serene atmosphere, wildlife active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A masterpiece of architecture seamlessly integrated with nature, offering stunning reservoir views and unique wildlife encounters.
"A very special place that combines comfort, authenticity, and respect for nature."
🐒 Secure Your Snacks!
Monkeys are common! Keep balcony doors shut and food stored away to avoid unwanted guests.
🌿 Embrace the Nature
The hotel is built into the rock face. Enjoy the jungle sounds and views – it's part of the charm!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Jungle-Integrated Architecture
Throughout the hotel
Experience Geoffrey Bawa's iconic design, blending seamlessly with the natural jungle landscape. A true architectural marvel.
Infinity Pools with Reservoir Views
Pool areas
Relax by the stunning pools overlooking the Kandalama Reservoir, surrounded by lush greenery. Pure tranquility.
Wildlife Encounters
Hotel grounds
Observe monkeys and diverse birdlife right from your room or the hotel's common areas. A unique nature immersion.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wildlife Encounters
Book in Advance for Best Rates
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐒 Secure Your Snacks!
Monkeys are common! Keep balcony doors shut and food stored away to avoid unwanted guests.
🌿 Embrace the Nature
The hotel is built into the rock face. Enjoy the jungle sounds and views – it's part of the charm!
🚗 Consider a Tuk-Tuk
For local exploration, tuk-tuks are convenient and affordable. Negotiate fares beforehand.
🍹 Try Local Flavors
Sample the delicious Sri Lankan cuisine and unique cocktails offered at the hotel's restaurant.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐒 Secure Your Snacks!
Monkeys are common! Keep balcony doors shut and food stored away to avoid unwanted guests.
🌿 Embrace the Nature
The hotel is built into the rock face. Enjoy the jungle sounds and views – it's part of the charm!
🚗 Consider a Tuk-Tuk
For local exploration, tuk-tuks are convenient and affordable. Negotiate fares beforehand.
🍹 Try Local Flavors
Sample the delicious Sri Lankan cuisine and unique cocktails offered at the hotel's restaurant.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The architecture and natural surroundings offer incredible photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Heritance Kandalama is widely praised for its stunning architecture, breathtaking natural setting, and exceptional service. Guests rave about the attentive staff, delicious food, and the unique experience of being surrounded by wildlife. The hotel is a popular choice for weddings and special occasions, offering a magical and memorable stay.
"Stunning location and architecture that respects the surroundings while still giving a very comfortable stay.
It's not your state-of-the-art modern feel - as the hotel is slightly dated. But that's not what we came here to experience - the hotel has a sense of ingenious design to immerse oneself in the surroundings and calmness. It is comfortable and tranquil and offers a generous selection of decent food options. Coming here is to unwind and feel at peace.
The staff is very welcoming, kind and friendly."
Shalini Weerasooriya
"We had a lovely two night stay at Heritance Kandalama. The food,rooms,pools were exceptional. Room was spacious and well maintained. Food was amazing, we got buffet for all the meals with a good variety of food.
The staff were so attentive all the time. Special thanks goes to Ms. Sagarika who assisted the customers with her beautiful smile fulfilling customer requirements. Highly appreciate her wonderful service which is a great service to the hotel.
Overall our stay at this wonderful place is highly recommended for anyone looking for a enjoyable experience l."
Chamikara Amarasekara
"Had a really good stay at Heritance Kandalama. Lalith and Janaka took care of me throughout the stay and always made sure my gluten free meals were sorted. They also made sure I got my morning and evening teas every day which I really appreciated.
A big thank you to Chef Udara for the amazing food. Everything was cooked with so much care and tasted great.
Overall it was a very comfortable and memorable experience. Grateful to the whole team."
Assel Wanigasekara
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Heritance Kandalama from Colombo is by private taxi or hired car, which takes approximately 3-4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train or bus to Dambulla and then a short tuk-tuk ride to the hotel. Many travelers opt for pre-booked transfers for convenience.
Yes, Heritance Kandalama is well-signposted once you are in the vicinity of Dambulla. GPS navigation is also reliable for finding the hotel.
Tuk-tuks are readily available for short trips to nearby attractions like Sigiriya Rock. For longer excursions, consider hiring a car with a driver through the hotel or a local tour operator.
Absolutely. Most guests arrange airport transfers through the hotel directly or via booking platforms. This is highly recommended for a seamless arrival experience.
Sigiriya Rock is about a 20-30 minute drive from Heritance Kandalama, making it a very accessible day trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to book your stay at Heritance Kandalama in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred room and potentially better 'heritance kandalama rates'. You can check 'heritance kandalama booking com' or 'heritance kandalama agoda' for availability and pricing.
Standard check-in time is usually around 2:00 PM, and check-out is typically by 12:00 PM. It's always best to confirm these times directly with the hotel when making your 'heritance kandalama booking'.
No, there are no entrance fees for the hotel itself. The cost is for your accommodation. Any activities or tours booked through the hotel will have separate charges.
Yes, 'heritance kandalama offers' often include full board or half board packages. It's advisable to check the 'heritance kandalama official website' or contact the hotel directly for the most current 'heritance kandalama rates' and package details.
Cancellation policies can vary depending on the booking platform and the specific rate chosen. Always review the terms and conditions before finalizing your 'heritance kandalama reservation'.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Heritance Kandalama offers a range of activities including swimming in its three outdoor pools, spa treatments, bird watching, and enjoying the unique architecture. The hotel can also arrange excursions to nearby cultural and natural sites like Sigiriya Rock and Minneriya National Park.
Yes, Heritance Kandalama is generally suitable for families. The spacious rooms and the unique environment can be exciting for children, though supervision is advised around wildlife and pools.
The hotel features a fusion restaurant offering a variety of local and international dishes. Guests often praise the delicious food, with chefs willing to share tips.
Yes, Heritance Kandalama boasts a spa offering various treatments designed for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Wi-Fi is generally available throughout the hotel, though speeds can vary. It's usually sufficient for general browsing and communication.
📸 📸 Photography
The infinity pools overlooking the reservoir, the unique Bawa architecture integrated with nature, and the lush jungle surroundings offer stunning photographic opportunities. Don't miss the views from your room's balcony.
Yes, with patience, you can capture photos of the monkeys and various bird species that frequent the hotel grounds. Early mornings and late afternoons are often best for wildlife sightings.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, provides the most beautiful light for capturing the hotel's architecture and the surrounding landscape.
Drone usage is typically restricted in most hotel properties and sensitive natural areas. It's best to check with the hotel management directly regarding their drone policy.
If you are a guest at a wedding, it's polite to be discreet with your photography unless otherwise permitted by the couple or hotel. Professional photography for events is usually handled by hired professionals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking rooms with balconies that offer views, allowing kids to safely observe the jungle life. The hotel can also assist in arranging family-friendly excursions to nearby attractions like the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, which offers a sense of discovery and history.
💍 Couples & Honeymooners
Enjoy private moments by the infinity pools, indulge in spa treatments together, or simply relax on your balcony, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. The hotel's attentive staff goes above and beyond to make special occasions memorable, ensuring a truly unforgettable experience for newlyweds and couples alike.
🌿 Nature & Architecture Enthusiasts
Spend your days exploring the hotel's unique corridors, admiring the views from various vantage points, and observing the diverse flora and fauna. The proximity to cultural sites like Sigiriya further enhances the appeal for those interested in Sri Lanka's rich heritage and natural beauty.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Genius of Geoffrey Bawa
The design philosophy emphasizes a connection to nature, with rooms and public spaces offering breathtaking views of the Kandalama Reservoir and the lush jungle. The hotel's commitment to sustainability is also a key aspect of its design, minimizing its impact on the delicate ecosystem. This thoughtful integration makes staying at Heritance Kandalama a truly special experience, far removed from conventional hotel stays.
Wildlife Encounters and Responsible Tourism
However, it's crucial to approach these encounters responsibly. Guests are advised to keep doors and windows closed to prevent the monkeys from entering rooms and to avoid feeding them. This not only ensures the safety and comfort of both guests and animals but also helps maintain the natural behavior of the wildlife. The hotel's commitment to sustainability extends to its wildlife interactions, promoting a harmonious coexistence between its guests and the natural inhabitants of the area.
Culinary Delights and Cocktail Creations
Beyond the main meals, the hotel also offers delightful beverage options. The passionfruit and grape cocktail, in particular, has been noted as a refreshing choice, perfect for enjoying the tropical ambiance. Whether you're seeking authentic Sri Lankan dishes or innovative international fare, the culinary team at Heritance Kandalama aims to provide a memorable gastronomic journey.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit