Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Note that rooms do not have air-conditioning and there's a two-night minimum stay. No
children under 12 years are allowed. It's out near the Kandy War Cemetery (p158) and a
Rs 300 three-wheeler ride from central Kandy.
Kandy Samadhicentre
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
( 447 0925;
www.thekandysamadhicentre.com
;
Kukul Oya Rd, Kandy;r US$100-300)
Part boutique ecolodge and part Ayurvedic centre, this could be the most relaxing place to
stay around Kandy. Thirteen pavilions dot a forested hillside, and each room is decorated
with Asian textiles and four-poster beds. Based on room quality alone we think it's over-
priced but judging by the comments in the guestbook we're in the minority.
Food is both organic and vegetarian (dinner US$15), and no alcohol is served. Yoga
(US$25) and massage (US$40) are also available. A three-wheeler to the lodge (50
minutes east of Kandy) is Rs 1800; arrange pick-up when making your booking.
Amaya Hills
RESORT
US$146/156; )
Perched in the hills, 20 minutes' drive southwest of Kandy, this 100-room hotel incorpor-
ates a stunning open lobby, a clifftop swimming pool, and very comfortable rooms with
lots of warm wooden tones and a Kandyan design motif.
East of Kandy
Kandy is an important transport hub, with most travellers going west to Colombo, north to
the Ancient Cities, or south to the rest of the Hill Country. But it's also possible to go east
to Mahiyangana and Badulla, and to Monaragala en route to Arugam Bay and Gal Oya
National Park. Further northeast, Batticaloa can be reached by bus from Kandy.
The Buddha is said to have preached at Mahiyangana; a dagoba marks the spot. There
are two roads to Mahiyangana. The A26 north road goes past the Victoria Golf Club and
the Victoria Reservoir to Madugoda, before twisting downhill through 18 hairpin bends to
the Mahaweli lowlands and the dry-zone plains. It's one of the country's hairiest bus rides.
