An idyllic setting for a fabulous piece of architecture has firmly cemented the Heritance Kandalama as the flagship hotel of this very special accommodation provider.
Every small touch has been lovingly thought out by designer Geoffrey Bawa whose vision was to create a symbiotic relationship between the built structure and environment so that guests would feel part of the jungle canopy and connected deeply to nature.
Room 507 was Bawa’s favourite and it’s easy to see why as its old-fashioned elegance is only surpassed by the view of the famous UNESCO protected Sigiriya Rock and the frequent visits of monkeys onto the green clad balcony waiting for food handouts.
Commissioned in 1991 by Aitken Spence, it took Bawa a record 22 months to open the jungle palace which seamlessly blends in with the cliff face environment.
Located in central Sri Lanka, it was the first Green Globe 21-certified hotel in Asia and had LEED certification, allowing water to flow beneath its columns, where the resident monkeys, deer and wild boar pass under freely.
Bawa’s room with a view is stunning and made all the better by a huge jacuzzi in the bathroom perched by the balcony and a great place to watch the monkeys in safety. The hotel is so proud of his contribution, that a talk showing architectural eccentricities is a must for guests.
The hotel is so well camouflaged that it’s hard to spot from a distance. But on arrival and after a traditional Sri Lankan welcome, it’s great to see the little touches of Bawa, starting with the wooden reception created using a beam from a Colombo bank which Bawa recycled and created a special sleeve for its rough edges.
Walking through the cliff exposed corridors and into the main area is wonderful with the natural ventilation from the Kachchan winds being a welcome relief from the heat.
Winding corridors ensure excellent views and Bawa extensively used natural elements like natural rock and jungle foliage in the hotel where natural rainwater is collected and channelled into the nearby Kandalama lake.
Bawa loved the hotel so much, he had a favourite spot to sit and ponder and today, a desk and chair is left for others to experience that view.
Even the three swimming pools are special, with one cut into the cliffs and another on the edge to allow for the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Early morning bird watching walks with the resident wildlife expert are a must.
Set in 211 acres of protected forest, the 152 rooms and 15 suites are all individually designed with teak furniture and all the mod cons expected of a luxury hotel.
The hotel’s restaurants serve the finest buffets and à la carte, with dinners accompanied by classic music, adding to the finesse.
Special experiences of dining in a cave with beautifully prepared and served foods to a special Bawa inspired menu eaten where the great man drew his architectural plans are a must and accompanied by traditional music and dancing, as is the dine with a chef’s meal prepared specially for the guest.
Being so close to the Sigiriya Rock is a bonus as it’s best climbed early morning. With 1,200 steep steps to negotiate, it can be tricky but it’s worth the effort especially to see the cave paintings, huge lion paws half way and the panoramic views from the top.
Another spectacular experience is a trip to the Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks, which span 249 square kilometres and with a vast reservoir which was originally built by King Mahasen more than 1,500 years ago and is now a thriving sanctuary for wild elephants.
And it’s an amazing sight to see “the gathering” of elephants assembling, feeding, bathing and socialising in the parks, with a chance to see up to 200 in one place.
A 25 minute walk from the hotel is the ancient village of Puranagama, offering a rare glimpse of traditional life in a once thriving place, which in the 1930s had 100 homes, relocated when a dam was built in 1952. A replica setting has been created to show guests the way of life and foods eaten, clothes worn and entertainment performed. There’s also a lovely joint project with the local community to help provide work and protect the heritage.
The hotel also provides good views of a giant golden Buddha outside the entrance to a 340 metre high ancient rock temple at Dambulla, where the inside has fabulous 15 metre long Buddha’s and a huge life sized statue, showing off the history of this very special area.
The Details
Heritance Kandalama, PO Box 11, Dambulla, Sri Lanka.
Tel: + 9466 555 5000
Website: www.heritancehotels.com
Email: hkinfor@heritancehotels.com
Heritance Kandalama is built overlooking the eighth wonder of the world – the rock fortress of Sigiriya. It sits at the heart of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka and is a 20-minute drive to five UNESCO World Heritage sites and a 3½ hour drive from the airport. An airport shuttle is available as is free parking at the hotel.
Type of Hotel: 5-Star Hotel
Number of Rooms: 152 rooms and 15 suites, including complimentary Wi-Fi.
Price Band: For latest offers for overseas and Sri Lankan visitors, please visit the hotel’s website.
Insider Tip: Take a dip in the infinity pool at night and listen to the wildlife saying goodnight.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10/10
Author Bio:
Rebecca Hay is an experienced travel writer and member of The British Guild of Travel Writers. Follow her adventures with her family on Twitter and Instagram @emojiadventurer and on Facebook via EmojiAdventurers2.
Photographs courtesy of Heritance Kandalama
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