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Regent Lodge, Kandy

This is what the Sunday Leader Review has to say about the Regent Lodge of Kandy.

BOOK 3 DIFFERENT ROOM TYPES THROUGH AIRBNB – PRICES FROM $90 PER NIGHT

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“Regent Lodge” is built into the side of a jungle hillside overlooking the Mahaweli river. Set  in a posh, but rural, residential area within 10 minutes drive from the action and attractions of the Kandy city centre. Its seclusion is a virtue; from the outside you don’t even know it’s there.

Entrance is through the Lodge gates into a large, high-roofed hall open to a view of tropical wilderness cascading down the valley side to the river. This is the Reception, and where guests can relax with a drink on the balcony. It is uncluttered – with a few old pieces such as an HMV wind-up gramophone – and with a stimulating, zestful atmosphere.

Look down the well at one of the halls and you see the dining area on the next level. A patio that is the setting for some remarkable meals. Staircases lead to the Lodge’s seven bedrooms. One off the patio, the other on a different third level down to the garden below. Lucky Senanayake designed this fantasy that not only functions as an intimate place to stay. But is also an adventure in architecture, proving that a guest house does not have to be dreary or conventional.

The rooms are of simple, white walls with blue cement floors and tiny bathrooms (which have hot water). In Room 19, on the ground floor, the rock face of its foundations form one wall. All the rooms have large windows  with plenty of light, and shade from rattan blinds, and an entrance to the garden  or a balcony. Beds are supremely comfortable with two mattresses, one of coir, one of foam… on wooden frames.”

Regarding the meals, the Sunday Leader Review remarks:

“The table d’hote lunch or dinner is not cheap. It consists of five courses created from fresh local ingredients and presented in a way that is instantly appreciated by gourmets. Not bland pap but artistically arranged dishes. So full of flavour that even someone hooked on rice and curry would be impressed by the taste.”

 

 

Tea Garden Holiday Inn, Ella

The Tea Garden Holday Inn is located on the hill behind an array of shops with a spa in Ella Town. As such it is centrally located with the major restaurants only 2 minutes walks way.

BOOK 2 DIFFERENT ROOM TYPES THROUGH AIRBNB – PRICES FROM $45 PER NIGHT

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On offer are family rooms with one double bed and two singles, and twin rooms with two single beds. Mosquito nets are provided throughout the property.

Being Ella, none of the rooms have air conditioning, but this is quite normal. Ella is located in the Highands and experiences a pleasant temperature throughout the year, and does not suffer the heat that you normally associate with Sri Lanka. In the event that the temperatures do rise, there are stand up fans available in each room.

In general the rooms are spacious, have cable TV and a mini-fridge.

Bathrooms come with the usual fixture and fittings of toilet, douche, mirror and wash basin. There is hot water for the shower too. The bathroom of the family bedroom has an unusual arrangement though. In the bedroom itself, there is a small tiled roof which gives it a Mediterranean feel. The door from the bedroom leads to the privaet attached bathroom. Contrary to most bathrooms which are generally open plan, this bathroom has its toilet and wash basin on one side and then behind this, there is the shower facility.

Outside seating areas are offered so that you can take advantage of the amazing views.

The common area consists of a lounge with a black comfortable three piece sofa set, the restaurant with many tables and a games area which has a pool table.

Wifi is available throughout the property and there is ample parking space. Ella train station is only 5 minutes tuktuk ride away.

Breakfast is included in the price, and you can always buy snacks or meals at the restaurant throughout the day.

This guest house is a good option for a family with teenagers or young adults who want to take advantage of the nightlife in Ella. There is live music in one restaurant, and modern music in another.

 

 

Kandy Panorama Resort, Kandy

Set atop a mountain, Kandy Panorama Resort features all-round views of the scenic Dumbara Valley. It features an open-air restaurant overlooking the Knuckles Mountain Range.

BOOK 6 DIFFERENT ROOM TYPES THROUGH AIRBNB – PRICES FROM $51 PER NIGHT

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Type 2. BOOK NOW ICON SINGLE ROOMBREAKFAST ICONfridge icon Mountain View AC ICON CALENDER ICON

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Type 4. BOOK NOW ICON DOUBLE BEDBREAKFAST ICONfridge icon Mountain View AC ICON CALENDER ICON

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Homely rooms that sleep from 1 to 4 guests open out to a private balcony with views of Hunnasgiriya village and surrounding mountain ranges. They come with cable TV, fridge and a private bathroom with toiletries.

Choose from air conditioned rooms or rooms with ceiling fans. Free parking and free internet access is available in public areas. Breakfast is included in the rate.

Your hosts are Haritha and Thanuja, they will look after your every need including any assistance you need with transport and tours.

Leisurely afternoons can be spent trekking in the nearby forest or going on a wildlife tour.

Fronting the resort is Mahaweli River, which stretches through the valley for 21 km. Resort Kandy Panorama is a 14-minute drive from Kandy City and a 3.5-hour drive from Colombo International Airport.

Children under 12 receive 50% discount in the restaurant.Extra Bed fee $10.

Drivers accommodation and food can be arranged, subject to availability for 5000 rupees per night.

Note the road to the hotel is not suitable to some vehicles and the hotel can be difficult to find to drivers who dont know this area.

Rovenma Hill Residence, Kandy

The Rovenma Hill Residence of Kandy offers double AC and non Ac rooms, twin non AC rooms and triple AC rooms. The rooms come with comfortable beds and most have some wonderful views.

BOOK 4 DIFFERENT ROOM TYPES THROUGH AIRBNB – PRICES FROM $36 PER NIGHT

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The guesthouse is perched on a hill with some wonderful views of the valley below.

You are in the safe hands of Kamal Mendis and his son, Bhanuka, who has studied in Australia.

Some rooms have cable TV, others local TV and others no TV at all.

All rooms come with attached private bathrooms consisting of a toilet, douche, wash basin, mirror and a hot water shower facility.

Driver’s accommodation is also free, as is the wifi.

Their high season rates are from 16th July to 31st August and from 16th December to 31st January.

This hotel is about 1 km on a windy road to the west of Kandy Town. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to get to town and the major attraction of the Temple of The Tooth Relic by Kandy Lake.

The Greendale, Watawala, Hatton

Home AwayThe Greendale is situated in the lovely village of Watawala which is 7km from Hatton and is on virtually the half way point between Adams Peak and Nuwara Eliya.

BOOK 3 DIFFERENT ROOM TYPES SECURELY THROUGH HOMEAWAY – PRICES FROM $36 PER NIGHT

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Double, triple or family rooms available with fireplace and wardrobe and attached bathrooms with hot water.
Hot breakfast is included in the price and free wifi is offered.

The Bungalow is surrounded by a lush tea Plantation & a Pine forest, while the great Mahaweli River originates just 10km north of this location and trickles downwards towards Kandy just a stones throw away from the tea estate.The Kandy-Badulla Rail road track is clearly visible form the bungalow giving you a very exciting view of passing trains for a stretch of about 5 km along it’s mountainous path.

Traditional dinner is available from just 750 rupees per person.

Free driver’s accommodation is available, subject to availability, but does not include meals.

ATTACTIONS IN THE AREA

  • NUWERA ELIYA :  30 TO 40 MINUTES ALONG THE NEWLY BUILT HATTON-NUWERAELIYA HIGHWAY
  • AMBEWALA DAIRY FARM : LESS THAN 1 HOUR
  • ADAMS PEAK (SRI PADA MOUNTAIN) : 75 MINUTES
  • NORTON BRIDGE DAM,SEVEN VIRGINS MOUNTAIN PEAKS AND AIRPLANE WHEEL OF CRASHED MARTIN AIR FLIGHT : 10km
  • DEVON & SAINT CLAIR WATER FALLS :15 km
  • UPPER KOTMALE DAM & RESERVOIR : 20km
  • MAUSSAKALEY, CASTELREIGH RESERVOIRS : 20 MINUTES
  • WORLDS END/HORTON PLAINS : 1 ½ HOURS
  • KANDY :  52km