Heritance Kandalama

the staff in the kitchen and restaurant was exceptionally good the food extraordinary the "dine in a cave" experience superb Chef Dinesh went out of his way to organise a live cooking under the rock! we will not forget this

Great location and fantastic views over the lake and Sigiriya in the background. We first came here when we were living in Colombo 18 years ago - was our favourite then and good to see it still is one of our family favourite hotels in Sri Lanka. Liked how the hotel has integrated with the natural surroundings and maximising its position with great views - we were fortunate to even see some wild elephants while having breakfast!

Staying at Heritance Kandalama was an unforgettable experience. The service was impeccable—truly, I’ve never felt so pampered. The location is straight out of a postcard, nestled near Sigiriya Rock and surrounded by lush jungle and the serene Kandalama Lake. As for the wildlife, let’s just say the monkeys and birds kept us entertained, practically dropping by for afternoon tea! But the highlight? Watching elephants wander by from the balcony of our room—it was absolutely breathtaking. A perfect blend of luxury, nature, and just the right amount of wild charm.

Many reviewers refer to the Heritance Kandalama as a place of “faded glory,” but I believe that comparison misses the mark. While Phnom Penh may exemplify true faded grandeur, Geoffrey Bawa's stunning brutalist creation remains vibrant and enchanting. Yes, some timber cladding shows wear, and the lack of phone charging outlets is a minor inconvenience, but the building, constructed in the 90s, is largely intact and still breathtaking. My girlfriend and I entered with some trepidation; while I've worked in similar venues, staying at one was a new experience. From arrival to departure, our experience was flawless, largely thanks to the attentive staff and the freedom to explore the harmonious blend of architecture and nature. I initially doubted the claim of a 1km property; however, after discovering a larger pool in the Dambulla wing, I realized how expansive the area truly is. With decent sandals, wandering became a joy, as we encountered playful resident monkeys, including Grey Langurs and Toque Macaques, among other wildlife like wild boar and various birds-including breathtaking brahminy kites and colorful orioles. For average tourists like us, the prices here can be a shock. Rooms start at £200+ per night, and meals cost more than typical Sri Lankan fare. However, when compared to luxury hotels back home, such as the St Pancras Renaissance or the Ritz, the prices feel more reasonable. The all-you-can-eat buffet is about £22 per person, and drinks are relatively affordable, with large beers at around 1200 LKR. Tipping is important, so bring plenty of 100 LKR notes for porters and staff. Although service charges are included in your bill, tipping generously is appreciated and shared among personnel. We stayed on the second floor (actually the lowest entrance level), and our view was enhanced by surprise visits from monkeys during our stay. This thoughtful design allows guests to immerse themselves in the jungle’s magic while enjoying exceptional...

Heritance Kandalama is a Geoffrey Bawa designed architectural masterpiece! I love the way the falling vines (signature look) camouflage the hotel perfectly blending in with the natural landscape. The views from the hotel room balcony were stunning. We enjoyed the visits from the cheeky monkeys from the safety of our room. The room itself was spacious and the bathroom had an incredible rain shower! The spread at buffet breakfast and dinner was amazing - from traditional Sri Lankan cuisine to Indian and Continental cuisine. We loved the live hopper, kottu, roti and pasta stations. The food was delicious. They even made a special meal for our infant! The service at Heritance Kandalama is nothing short of greatness. The staff are so friendly and courteous. Each and every staff member we came across went above and beyond to male sure our stay was comfortable. We will definitely be back!