Sir John’s Bungalow is located well within the Knuckles Mountains and has astonishingly beautiful views of the mountains and wilderness- these can also be enjoyed from the verandah. It’s a 2hr drive from Kandy –and there is very little other accommodation to be had in the area. It is a 100yr old tea planter’s bungalow that has been recently converted into a charming 5 bedroomed guesthouse. The accommodation is simple but comfortable with a homely feel. It is perfect for those that want to get out and experience the beauty of the Knuckles Mountains where there are many walks.
Royal River Resort is located up a small dirt track in the middle of the jungle some 25mins from the village of Kithulgala which in itself is about 2hrs from Kandy. The hotel itself has been built right over a waterfall on the Ing River so sometimes there can be noise from the river when in full flood. Part of the river has been dammed to create a freshwater pool which is a real joy use and with only 4 rooms, you are likely to have it to yourself. The rooms are very comfortably furnished in colonial style furniture. To many, this is a totally unique and idyllic situation!
The Estate House is set in a 62 acre private working tea and rubber estate. Having been built in 1926, this tea planter’s bungalow is a unique chance to experience a bygone era. It was completely refurbished in 2010 to become a beautiful peaceful boutique hotel. It is located on a hillside at 1,100ft and so has outstanding views of the surrounding hills. Kandy is less than an hour away whilst Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage is 25 mins away.
Rangala House is on the edge of the Knuckles Mountains about 75mins drive from Kandy- being a bit higher than Kandy, it feels a little cooler. Formerly a tea planters bungalow, it has been beautifully converted into a small boutique hotel. There is a large comfortable lounge but the piece de resistance is the amazing 50ft verandah where there are exquisite views of the mountains, paddyfields and tea plantations – most people decide to have their meals here, to take in these views. Down below, in the stunning terraced gardens, is a fantastic pool which also enjoys these views. Would certainly recommend a minimum of a 2 night stay to take in the beautiful scenery and enjoy the fantastic hospitality here.
Randholee Resort and Spa is set on a hill some 15mins drive from Kandy and has fantastic views over the city and mountains. Most of the rooms (and the pool) also enjoy these views from their balcony, whilst the others have views of the lush garden. The hotel rooms are comfortably furnished with mahogany furniture and Kandyan style art and textiles, which really does give it a feel of majesty. The hotel gardens are large and terraced and offer a number of places where you can take in the stunning views – if you wish, you can have a personalised meal there, on your own balcony or by the pool.
This is a very special place to stay and really deserves their Certificate of Excellence 2014 from TripAdvisor. These renowned Sri Lankan eco-lodges in Digana are located right in the middle of the jungle providing the chance to have nature all around you – there is so much wildlife here (serious bird-watchers will love it here), as well as doing very different walks down through the nutmeg and cinnamon plantations Sri Lanka is famous for, down to the local village where you can see everyday life going on, and then perhaps take a dip in the local river. There are a number of eco-lodges here from the more basic Mudhouses to the Superior Lodges (though these are still basic) – of particular note are: Tarzans Tree-House which being on stilts, really does feel as though you are in the trees, and Lake View which has stunning views of the lake and the mountains beyond. The lodge restaurant is charming and the food is totally delicious- you can watch it being cooked over the open fire. If you love nature, the Polwaththa Eco-Lodges in Sri Lanka are perfect.