The Ancient Cities - Sri Lanka - page 451

Heritance Kandalama Hotel RESORT HOTEL
( 555 5000; www.heritancehotels.com ; r from US$166; )
Designed by renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, this is one of Sri Lanka's signature hotels.
The hotel emerges from the forest like a lost city, its walls and roofs covered in vines that
allow it to blend into the natural environment. Light floods into the beautifully appointed
rooms and there's an infinity pool overlooking the Kandalama Wewa.
Seriously consider dropping by for a meal if you're not a guest; the setting and dining
experience are what memories are made of. Wildlife encountered in the hotel grounds in-
cludes monkeys and deer, and birdwatching walks can be organised. It's 11km east of
Dambulla.
Amaya Lake RESORT HOTEL
( 446 8100; www.amayaresorts.com ; villas from US$130; )
The Amaya Lake complex has over a hundred stylish villas set in magnificent landscaped
grounds. The scale of the place will suit those looking for the full resort hotel experience,
as the facilities are superb (including tennis courts, a gorgeous pool and a spa). Expect
evening entertainment and buffet banquets. It's 9km east of Dambula.
Bentota Restaurant SRI LANKAN
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; Anuradhapura Rd;mains from Rs 300; 8am-8pm; )
In the town centre, this ever-reliable local chain offers good short eats, and tasty rice and
curry.
Dambulla Heritage Resthouse Cafe CAFE
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; Kandy Rd;mains Rs 600-1000; )
A lovely cafe-restaurant, all monochrome photographs and period furniture, that's perfect
for everything from a cappuccino and a piece of gateau to delicious meals like pot-roasted
chicken (Rs 595) and lake fish (Rs 550). There's a good wine selection.
Getting There & Around
Dambulla is 72km north of Kandy on the road to Anuradhapura. The junction with the Co-
lombo-Trincomalee road (A6) is in the centre of town.