The Best Boutique Hotels to Book in Kandy, Sri Lanka

Take in wide-ranging views from the pool at the Elephant Stables
Take in wide-ranging views from the pool at the Elephant Stables | Courtesy of The Elephant Stables / Booking.com

Sri Lanka Hub Writer

Kandy is the second-largest city in Sri Lanka. Home to the famous Temple of the Tooth, it’s a must visit when you’re on the island. A stay is best enjoyed in one of the many boutique hotels in Kandy, with some in the city centre, and others a bit further up the mountains. Whichever you prefer, you’ll find a great place to stay in our hand-picked list.

1. The Elephant Stables

Hotel

Several shaded, cushioned loungers by the tree-lined outdoor pool at the Elephant Stables, lit up at dusk
Courtesy of the Elephant Stables

The Elephant Stables is a gorgeous little hotel perched on the hillside, with a fantastic view of the valley below. Only 10 minutes from the centre of Kandy, the boutique hotel welcomes families and travellers of all styles. The gardens are home to a family of tortoises that kids love to discover in between the bushes. The food is lovely and the hospitality is top notch. This old house used to belong to a Kandy aristocrat who kept elephants in his fields, hence the name.

2. Theva Residency

Hotel

Four wooden loungers by the outdoor infinity pool, all with long-ranging mountain views at Theva Residency
Courtesy of Theva Residency

The Theva Residency has the best views in the area. Built on the hillside and designed to maximise the vistas, guests will be amazed at how much they can see of the mountains around them. Plunge into the infinity pool overlooking the valley or play some board games in the chill-out room. Watch the sunset over the hills and plan the next day around the city of Kandy.

3. Galavilla Boutique Hotel & Spa

Boutique Hotel, Spa Hotel

Several people gather in a shaded seating area in the verdant gardens of Galavilla Boutique Hotel & Spa at night
Courtesy of Galavilla Boutique Hotel & Spa

Galavilla is a beautiful resort and spa in the mountains of Kandy – boutique hotels come with incredible scenery in this part of the world. Take a dip in the pool surrounded by jungle or get a much-needed massage at the spa. Choose from one of 10 themed rooms, all decorated with gorgeous colour schemes and comfortable amenities.

5. Ayaana Boutique Hotel

Hotel

Two adjacent single beds, plus a double bed behind them, in a suite with a desk and desk chair at Ayaana Boutique
Courtesy of Ayaana Boutique

Ayaana Boutique Hotel is a stunning place to stay on the outskirts of Kandy city, in Polgolla village. It’s a great starting point for all of the central highlands. All the food at Ayaana is halal – and of course, delicious with it.

Still looking for a stunning hotel in Kandy? Check out our curated guide to the best hotels to book in Kandy, Sri Lanka. For even more options, discover the best homestays in Sri Lanka.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
Edit article