Heritance Kandalama
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Heritance Kandalama

Heritance Kandalama 11 Kandalama Lake Front, Dambulla 21106 Sri Lanka
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Avg. $359 /night, 3/18 - 3/19
$729
per night
$544
per night
$359
per night

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About

#6 of 49 hotels in Dambulla
4.7 of 5 bubbles
Location
4.4 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
4.2 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.5 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
4.4 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Heritance Kandalama is shaped like the outspread wings of a bird, following the line of the cliff from which it seems to emerge. The hotel is a staggering 1km from end to end, and rises up seven floors, yet appears to be a perfectly natural extension of the mountainside. The flat roof and timber pillars support a screen of vegetation that attracts local wildlife. The abundance of real-life animals around the hotel is complemented by wonderful large-scale sculptures within it. A metal owl is suspended outside the main restaurant; wooden elephants inhabit the lounge; a stone cobra uncoils along the terrace overlooking the infinity pool. However, while focusing on highlighting its enchanting natural surroundings, our luxury resort in Sri Lanka gives priority to providing its guests with the finest comforts and service.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Pool
Bar / lounge
Hiking
Evening entertainment
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Secured parking
Wifi
Fitness / spa changing rooms
Hot bath
Pool / beach towels
Infinity pool
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Kid-friendly buffet
Kids' meals
Special diet menus
Taxi service
Business Centre with Internet Access
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Spa
Couples massage
Facial treatments
Foot massage
Full body massage
Head massage
Massage
Rooftop terrace
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Concierge
Currency exchange
Butler service
Doorperson
24-hour front desk
Private check-in / check-out
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Ironing service
Room features
Allergy-free room
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Interconnected rooms available
Private balcony
Minibar
Refrigerator
Flatscreen TV
Room service
Safe
Seating area
VIP room facilities
Room types
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
5.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Classic
Languages Spoken
English

Location

Heritance Kandalama 11 Kandalama Lake Front, Dambulla 21106 Sri Lanka
4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles5,691 reviews
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Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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Nestled in a picturesque setting, Heritance Kandalama offers a serene atmosphere that many guests find tranquil, complemented by live music and sophisticated decor. While some visitors question the value, pointing to pricey services and unremarkable cuisine, the hotel's service receives unanimous acclaim for its warm and professional staff. The amenities, including various dining options, an infinity pool, and wildlife experiences, are often praised, and the hotel's adherence to cleanliness is consistently noted. However, opinions on the rooms are mixed, with some guests suggesting updates are needed to enhance comfort and aesthetics.
Location
Picturesque
Atmosphere
Tranquil
Rooms
Dated
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Meticulous
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Outstanding

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Detailed Reviews
Ian S wrote a review Aug 2024
Melbourne, Australia
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My wife and I have just spent three nights at the Heritance Kandalama. It was a wonderful introduction to Sri Lanka. Great staff, excellent facilities and a stunning location close to many of the major tourist attractions. The view from our room on the fifth floor was remarkable, looking across the jungle and Lake Kandalama to mountain ranges, Sigiriya rock and Pidurangala rock.
On arrival we were personally greeted by Lakmi of guest services who on hearing of my wife’s food allergies arranged a meeting with the chef and the sous-chef Meeriam. Meeriam and the restaurant manager Rasika checked with us regularly throughout our stay to advise on suitable foods. All our choices from the buffet and a la cart menu proved to be delicious.
The Heritance Kandalama is a premium five star eco-hotel designed by the great SriLankan Architect Geoffrey Bawa. We took the free Bawa tour of the facilities hosted by long-serving employee Nalinda to learn more about the ecological principles Bawa employed in the hotel’s design and construction. Other highlights of our stay were a boat ride on the lake and a jungle trek led by Jayahnta to the top of the ridge, against which the hotel nestles, to enjoy fabulous views across the surrounding countryside. We also took an early morning drive to climb Pidurangala rock for further stunning views of Sigiriya and beyond. A feat that our old bones could not have achieved without the support of our guide and driver, Bandara, from the hotel’s travel section.

The rooms are an expression of Bawa’s attention to detail in layout and furniture. Ours was kept immaculate by Damith and Jagath from room services.

Five star hotels are pricey but you get what you pay for. We booked direct, well in advance through the hotel’s website and took advantage of a multi-day discount. Oh, did I mention cocktails by the infinity pool overlooking the lake, and the flautist who plays each evening perched upon a rock above the pool, or that we saw an elephant making its way to a late afternoon drink from the lake on two of our three days. Lots of bird life and cheeky monkeys too.

In our experience the only other hotel that rivals it for staff attentiveness and jungle charisma is the Padma Resort north of Ubud, Indonesia. Can’t wait to return to the Heritance Kandalama hotel. Hope it happens soon.
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Date of stay: August 2024
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
4.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Aitken Spence Hotel Management, Other at Heritance Kandalama
Responded 31 Aug 2024
Dear Valued Guest ….Thank you so much for sharing such a detailed and heartfelt review of your stay with us at Heritance Kandalama. We're truly delighted that your introduction to Sri Lanka was so memorable and that our team's efforts, combined with the unique charm of our hotel, made your experience special. It’s fantastic to hear that the stunning views from your room, the tranquil boat ride, and the adventurous trek to the ridge left a lasting impression on you both. Lakmi, Meeriam, Rasika, and the entire culinary team will be overjoyed to know that their care and attention to your wife’s dietary needs made your dining experiences both safe and enjoyable. Our team's dedication to ensuring each guest feels truly cared for is something we take great pride in, and it’s wonderful to know this was evident during your stay. We’re also pleased that you enjoyed learning about Bawa’s architectural vision through our guided tour with Nalinda, and that the thoughtful design of your room added to your comfort. The experiences you mentioned, from the serene melodies by the pool to the unexpected encounter with an elephant, truly reflect the distinctive appeal of our location—a harmonious blend of luxury, nature, and cultural heritage. Bandara, Damith, Jagath, and Jayantha will be thrilled to hear that their service played a part in making your stay exceptional. We’re honored by your kind comparison to other esteemed properties, and it’s gratifying to know that our jungle setting, and dedicated team created such a memorable experience for you. It would be our absolute pleasure to welcome you back for another unforgettable stay. Please know how much we appreciate your thoughtful words and the time you took to share them. Warm Regards, General Manager
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Chandima88 wrote a review Nov 2024
Colombo, Sri Lanka
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Heritance Kandalama is an architectural marvel that seamlessly blends luxury with nature. Designed by the renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, this eco-friendly hotel is a haven for travelers seeking a unique, tranquil experience in Sri Lanka's cultural triangle.

The standout feature of Heritance Kandalama is its design. Built into a cliff and surrounded by lush greenery, the hotel feels like an extension of the natural environment. The minimalist architecture emphasizes harmony with the surroundings, featuring open spaces, earthy tones, and expansive glass walls that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding forest, Kandalama Lake, and Sigiriya Rock in the distance.

The rooms are spacious, tastefully furnished, and designed to make guests feel at one with nature. Large windows and balconies allow you to wake up to the sight of mist-covered trees and hear the sounds of birds and wildlife. The bathrooms, equipped with modern amenities, often feature scenic views, adding to the charm. We loved jacuzzi.

Heritance Kandalama offers a variety of dining options, with restaurants serving international and Sri Lankan cuisine. The standout is the buffet, which features an impressive array of dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Dining with views of the lake or under the stars is a memorable experience.

For adventure seekers, the hotel organizes activities such as birdwatching, cycling, and excursions to nearby attractions like Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Cave Temple, and Minneriya National Park. I highly recommend the birdwatching in the morning and the staff was well trained and very professional.

The staff at Heritance Kandalama is professional, attentive, and genuinely warm. From personalized greetings to thoughtful gestures, the team ensures that every guest feels welcome and cared for.

Heritance Kandalama offers a perfect blend of luxury, sustainability, and natural beauty. It’s not just a hotel; it’s an experience that leaves a lasting impression. Whether you're a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or someone seeking peace and relaxation, this property caters to all.
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Date of stay: October 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Aitken Spence Hotel Management, Other at Heritance Kandalama
Responded 16 Nov 2024
Dear Chandima…..Thank you for your wonderfully detailed and thoughtful review. We are truly honored by your kind words and grateful that you appreciated the architectural marvel of Heritance Kandalama, beautifully designed by Geoffrey Bawa. It’s rewarding to know that you found the hotel’s seamless integration with nature, its minimalist design, and breathtaking views of the forest, Kandalama Lake, and Sigiriya Rock to be so special. We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the spacious rooms, the jacuzzi, and the modern amenities, all of which aim to offer a tranquil and immersive experience with nature. It’s also great to know you savored the diverse dining options and found the buffet to be a memorable experience with fresh, local ingredients. Your recommendation of the birdwatching experience, alongside the professionalism and warmth of our team, truly highlights the core of what we strive for – a unique blend of luxury, nature, and personalized service. We are so grateful for your feedback and hope to welcome you back soon to Heritance Kandalama for another unforgettable experience. Warm Regards, General Manager
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A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveller reviews.
bronwynhelicopter wrote a review Jan 2024
Sydney, Australia
5.0 of 5 bubbles
The best accommodation I've ever stayed at. Worth going to Sri Lanka for this hotel experience alone. Stunning modernist architecture by Geoffrey Bawa (his last hotel, completed in 1994) snuggled into a rocky, jungle hillside overlooking a beautiful lake with numerous swimming pools and elegant sitting rooms. Excellent service. Our single night's accommodation (AUD370 for a room) included buffet dinner and breakfast, both very generous and delicious. A senior staff member found me admiring the architecture and took us on a tour of the kitchen, apparently the largest in south Asia, with hundreds of chefs/ kitchen hands and pristinely clean. There was gentle music by a piper playing in the garden as the sun set, mesmerising.
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Date of stay: December 2023
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: Aggressive monkeys frequent the balconies to the rooyoumeaning can't really go out there...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Aitken Spence Hotel Management, Other at Heritance Kandalama
Responded 28 Jan 2024
Dear Valued Guest, We're absolutely thrilled to hear that your experience at our hotel surpassed expectations and left such a lasting impression! It's an honor to be regarded as the best accommodation you've ever stayed at, and we're delighted to have been a highlight of your visit to Sri Lanka. Deshamanya Geoffrey Bawa's architecture truly makes our hotel a unique gem, and we're glad you appreciated its beauty nestled into the rocky, jungle hillside overlooking the picturesque Kandalama lake. It's wonderful to hear that you enjoyed our numerous swimming pools, elegant sitting rooms, and the mesmerizing sunset accompanied by gentle flute music. We're also pleased that you found our service excellent and that your dining experiences were generous and delicious. Thank you for your glowing review, and we hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable stay in the future. Warm regards, General Manager
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X4138TXlorrainem wrote a review Jul 2024
Belfast, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We stayed in the Heritance Kandalama as a group of 6. The hotel is beautiful and a truly unique experience. With stunning views out over the lake and a wealth of wildlife to keep you company it was a wonderful location to use as a base to see the local sights including Sigiriya rock, Dambulla caves and Minneriya National Park. The rooms were comfortable, had all amenities you could ask for and often had monkeys watching us as much as we were watching them on our balcony. We had rooms at the end of the hotel beside one of the main pools which was super convenient for an afternoon dip. The food in the buffet for both dinner and breakfast had great choice and was lovely. If you are staying here it's worth the half board option since you are a bit of a distance from other restaurant options. I also recommend the fantastic spa for a massage to ease the aches and pains of travel.

A great experience and I'm so glad we had the opportunity to stay.
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Date of stay: July 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Aitken Spence Hotel Management, Other at Heritance Kandalama
Responded 1 Aug 2024
Dear Lorrain,,,Thank you so much for your beautiful review! Reading your narrative gives us immense pleasure, knowing you enjoyed the stunning views, the lake, and the abundance of wildlife that make Heritance Kandalama truly unique. We are delighted that you had a wonderful experience and found our location ideal for exploring local sights. It must have been thrilling to watch the playful monkeys on your balcony, darting curious looks back at you. Our property indeed offers a wealth of opportunities to explore within and serves as a perfect hub for accessing various touristic sites. We are also glad to hear you enjoyed the wide range of cuisine and found the pool facilities convenient and the spa treatment refreshing. Your valuable recommendations for fellow travelers and your kind endorsement of our property mean a lot to us. We hope you will visit us once again to enjoy another unique and memorable stay. Warm regards, General Manager
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chanaka A wrote a review Sept 2023
Colombo, Sri Lanka
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I was with two of my friends (French Tour Operators) on a familiarization tour on a short stay there for one night.
We were welcomed by a well trained and courteous staff in the front office and made the arrangements to offer us rooms on arrival though it was around 9 hours in the morning which is very much appreciated.

Thought the rooms look little tired as the hotel itself is about 30 years old, all the luxury amenities were lavishly provided together with the glamorous ambiance of the interior design and overlooking the lake and the nature right around.

Together with me, my two friends admired a lot about the meals provided in the main restaurant as the quality of food is extraordinary.
Even though they have traveled a lot right around the world, they clearly stated that this hotel is one of the best places where they have ever tasted quality food. I too agree with them and certainly there is no two words about it !

The personals in each department are very professional and helpful. During our stay, they never came up with any negative responses towards our requirements.

Only little (isolated) negative thing I noticed is, on arrival, a boy came with three cold towels and offered them only to the French. While having other on the tray, he asked me whether I also need the same and went away. It was a bit embarrassing situation to me and my friends too.
However this was noticed by a young female staff nearby and she immediately rushed to me and offered a cold towel.
(I think the boy should be a trainee and he may have though that I do not need a cold towel too as we all have kindly refused the welcome drink)
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Date of stay: August 2023
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled on business
Room Tip: Always the windows and doors should be kept looked as monkeys may get into the rooms. Also do not...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Aitken Spence Hotel Management, Other at Heritance Kandalama
Responded 14 Sept 2023
Dear Chanaka, Thank you for your generous review! We're elated that you noticed the efforts we put into providing top-notch service. Your recognition encourages us to continuously improve and maintain the high standards you've come to expect.
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mezrg wrote a review Aug 2022
Colombo, Sri Lanka
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Heritance Kandalama is undoubtedly one of the best hotels in the world. It was designed by the world renowned Sri Lankan Architect Jeffrey Bhawa. The location is amazing. Built in the middle of lush greenery carved into a rock face of a mountain, you don't realize that you have reached the destination until the last 50 meters when glimpse of the structure starts to appear.

Once you enter the location, you journey in to the gorgeous scenery and the beauty of the architecture of the hotel. The courteous staff helps you round the long structure where each and every step you take provides a new scenery around you. The infinity pool and the pool carved into the rock surface provides an amazing experience itself. The rooms open up to the wilderness overlooking the Kandalama lake providing an amazingly romantic view. You get visited by the local monkeys to the balcony occasionally. The washrooms are modern and has the bath tub overlooking the scenery with utmost privacy.

The food is out of this world. The serving includes an array of dishes spanning from a variety of local dishes, Western dishes and Eastern dishes. The hotel also has a 5* grade Sushi chef for those who enjoy Japanese cuisine. Headed by a renowned executive Chef with local and international exposure, they produce food to please any persons taste buds.

The room and the surrounding area is very much relaxing with nothing but the sounds the nature produces. That and the smell of the nature arouses the Romeo and Juliet of any lovers who'd occupy the place for a relaxed and romantic getaway.

You also don't have to go far away for some nice off roading adventure to the wilderness filled with Elephants and amazing scenery. The area is full of mountains suitable for hiking and there also are tracks for those who'd be interested in cycling. Cycling around the riverbank surely is an adventure on it's own. The off road ride to witness the livelihood of the elephants is phenomenal.

Overall, this hotel is a must have experience for those who actually travel to experience what world class hotels have offer. Amazing, unforgettable and a must in your lifetime experience. I wish the hotel and its staff all the very best in to the future. Thank you for an amazing stay.
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Date of stay: July 2022
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Room Tip: Romance, Relaxation and Adventure in one location
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Najoud M wrote a review Sept 2024
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Our stay at the Heritance Kandalama Hotel in Dambulla was nothing short of spectacular. The hotel is an architectural marvel, seamlessly blending into the natural landscape. Our room (number 508) offered a breathtaking view of the Kandalama Reservoir and the Sigiriya Rock. Waking up to that view each morning felt like a dream—it was truly heavenly.

The room itself was spacious and spotless, and the bathroom shared the same stunning view, making it a unique experience. The buffet was the best we had during our tour in Sri Lanka. Both breakfast and dinner featured a surprising variety of fresh, natural foods, which exceeded our expectations.

The hotel is filled with beautiful art pieces, and every corridor and floor showcases the richness of its architectural design. The main swimming pool also offered a mesmerizing view, and the poolside service was excellent.

We would like to give a special mention to the Front Office Manager, Mr.Chathuranga, who was a true gentleman and made our stay a memorable one. Mr. Shanthi also went above and beyond to ensure our comfort. The front office staff, along with these two gentlemen, served us with genuine warmth and hospitality.

Overall, Heritance Kandalama is a place of tranquility, beauty, and impeccable service. We highly recommend it and can’t wait to visit again.
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Date of stay: September 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Aitken Spence Hotel Management, Other at Heritance Kandalama
Responded 28 Sept 2024
Dear Najoud……Thank you for your wonderful and heartwarming review. We’re absolutely delighted that your stay at Heritance Kandalama felt like "heaven on earth." It’s heartening to know that you appreciated the unique architecture of the hotel and the seamless way it blends into the stunning natural surroundings. Our rooms truly do offer breathtaking views whether it be the Kandalama Reservoir, Sigiriya Rock, mountains or the luscious jungle. We’re thrilled that waking up to those sights made your stay feel like a dream. We’re glad to hear the spaciousness and cleanliness of your room, along with the spectacular bathroom views, contributed to a unique experience. It's also wonderful that our buffet, featuring fresh and natural foods, was the highlight of your culinary tour in Sri Lanka. The hotel's design and art pieces, along with the mesmerizing pool views, are certainly part of the charm, and we're grateful for your kind words about the exceptional service. A special thanks for recognizing Mr. Chathuranga and Mr. Shanthi. They, along with our front office team, will be overjoyed to know they made your stay even more memorable. We couldn’t agree more that the location, nestled in majestic nature, provides endless visual delight from every angle. We truly appreciate your recommendation and can’t wait to welcome you back for another tranquil and beautiful experience. Warm Regards, General Manager.
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annski wrote a review Nov 2024
Melbourne, Australia
5.0 of 5 bubbles
The whole experience of a 2 night stay here was excellent, wonderful rooms, monkeys watching you whilst showering !! the glass window is full length and forms part of the shower, private from onlookers except monkeys. Food wonderful, surroundings spectacular. It is in the middle of a national park, and several kilometers from a town. The last 6 kms the road is not sealed and is quite narrow. Allow for this if going in and out for trips. Infinity pool and its surroundings are lovely.
The cooking class is with a chef, who spends his time explaining muach of cuisine and spices. It is a luxury cooking class. The five courses are then your dinner.
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Date of stay: October 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Aitken Spence Hotel Management, Other at Heritance Kandalama
Responded 18 Nov 2024
Dear Annski…We’re so grateful for your kind feedback and thrilled to hear that your two-night stay was an excellent experience. The unique combination of luxurious rooms, nature, and wildlife seems to have made a memorable impact, especially with the playful monkeys providing their own entertainment! It's wonderful that you enjoyed the delightful food, stunning surroundings, and the special nature of being immersed in a dense jungle teeming with varied wildlife. We’re glad to hear you found the cooking class with our chef so engaging, learning about local cuisine and spices is a true highlight. We also appreciate your understanding of the road conditions leading to the property. The rugged terrain is very much part of the design, reflecting the authentic village ambiance and the natural environment that makes this area so unique. It’s a genuine part of the experience, offering a deeper connection with the surroundings. The infinity pool and its serene environment also seem to have added to your overall experience, and we’re delighted you had the chance to unwind in such a beautiful setting. It would be wonderful to welcome you back for another memorable stay at Heritance Kandalama. Warm Regards, General Manager
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stefstinie wrote a review Mar 2024
Menen, Belgium
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
The welcome was warm, we received a nice drink and a beautiful flower.
We quickly found our place in this rather large hotel.
The rooms were very spacious, now and then monkeys came to lurk on our balcony.
we were lucky every time that we could dine outside. nice and quiet
breakfast and dinner were buffet style with show cooking as well. delicious dishes.
One morning we wanted to leave very early to climb the sigiryia rock, but because an elephant blocked the road, our guide could not pick us up on time.
We went to have a look, but what a bull.
While waiting at the reception we were asked several times if we wanted coffee or tea.
At nightfall someone would come and take a seat on the rock by the pool to play the flute.
Lakmi always made some time for a chat.
Heritance is a large hotel, the housekeeping was Top notch, Water was always refilled and we were surprised with nicely folded towels.
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Aitken Spence Hotel Management, Other at Heritance Kandalama
Responded 6 Apr 2024
Dear Valued Guest Thank you for sharing your experience at Heritance Kandalama! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the warm welcome upon arrival, spacious rooms, and the occasional visits from monkeys on your balcony. It's fantastic that you were able to dine outside and enjoy the peaceful ambiance. We apologize for the inconvenience caused by the elephant blocking the road, but we're glad to hear that our staff took care of you while you waited. It's wonderful that you appreciated the attentive housekeeping service and the special touches throughout your stay. We hope to welcome you back for another memorable experience soon! Best Regards General Manager
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Asoka Edussooriya wrote a review Nov 2024
Panadura, Sri Lanka
+1
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Heritance Kandalama offers an exceptional experience surrounded by nature and stunning views, making it a beautiful getaway. The staff here are incredibly friendly and helpful, which seems to be a hallmark of this place. They go above and beyond to make guests feel welcome and attended to at every moment. The location itself is breathtaking, with lush surroundings and views that seem to blend the architecture seamlessly into the natural landscape. The boat ride offered by the hotel is an absolute must-do, providing a unique perspective on the area and a peaceful escape.

The food at the Main Restaurant was another highlight. Every meal was delicious, with an impressive variety and a great balance of local and international dishes. It truly added to the luxury experience, and it’s clear the culinary team puts a lot of effort into their craft.

On the downside, there were a couple of areas that could be improved. There was a 35-minute delay in the check-in process, which was a bit frustrating after a long journey. Additionally, the TV positioning in the 317 Suite room felt awkward, making it difficult to watch from the bed comfortably.

Overall, Heritance Kandalama is a fantastic destination with a few minor setbacks, but the beautiful setting, friendly staff, excellent food, and relaxing boat ride more than make up for it.
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Date of stay: November 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Aitken Spence Hotel Management, Other at Heritance Kandalama
Responded 4 Nov 2024
Dear Asoka… Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We’re thrilled to hear that you found Heritance Kandalama to be an exceptional getaway surrounded by nature and breathtaking views. It’s wonderful to know that our friendly and attentive staff made you feel welcomed throughout your stay, as we strive to ensure each guest feels valued. We’re delighted that you enjoyed the seamless blend of our architecture with the lush surroundings and that the boat ride provided a unique and peaceful perspective of the area. Your kind words about our culinary team are much appreciated; we take great pride in offering a diverse selection of delicious local and international dishes at our Main Restaurant. We sincerely apologize for the delay you experienced during check-in, as well as the discomfort with the TV positioning in the Suite room. Your insights are important to us and will be taken seriously. We will make it our priority to address these concerns to further enhance our services. Thank you again for your thoughtful review. We hope to welcome you back soon for another memorable stay. Warm Regards, General Manager.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Answer from Shenal Iranga
Negombo, Sri Lanka106 contributions51 helpful votes
Yes. Thats good.
Answer from Tania
Anguilla14 contributions3 helpful votes
I think she would very much enjoy the beautiful views and watching the monkeys playing outside the balcony of her room. Book the Sigiriya wing and request a room close to the main area. I'm pretty sure they have an elevator but probably best to check with the hotel directly regarding how accessible areas are for guests with limited mobility.
Answer from Ezhilini M
Toronto, Canada49 contributions1 helpful vote
Yes they have
Maldives2 helpful votes
Hi Rachel, Kindly note that we are currently re-strategizing all our plans due to the negative effects of COVID-19. We will keep the public informed in advance once the time period for the hotel to undergo any renovations or refurbishments is finalized. Yours Sincerely, Management, Heritance Kandalama.
Dorothy L wrote a tip Yesterday
BRIDGNORTH6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"About 1 hour 50 minutes from Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa. Jungle setting, so not ideal for taking a stroll out."
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Peter G wrote a tip 14 Mar
43 contributions29 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Book early as it sells out due to large tour groups. Take the half board option, and try to secure a room in the Sigiriya wing."
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gjoz wrote a tip 14 Mar
Sydney, Australia49 contributions39 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Room 413 is great but cannot see Sigiriya rock."
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Jitka K wrote a tip 10 Mar
14 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
"Clean hotel. Would stay a few days only as there is nothing much to do, and generally an older clientele "
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Conrad D wrote a tip Feb 2025
9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Excellent place of unique experience "
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Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Dambulla area.
PRICE RANGE
$340 - $679 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
kandalama hotel sri lanka, hotel heritance kandalama, heritance kandalama dambulla, kandalama hotel dambulla
LOCATION
Sri LankaCentral ProvinceDambulla
NUMBER OF ROOMS
152
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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HERITANCE KANDALAMA | UPDATED 2025 Hotel Reviews & Price Comparison (Dambulla, Sri Lanka) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Heritance Kandalama
Which popular attractions are close to Heritance Kandalama?
Nearby attractions include Dambulla Cave Temple (6.6 km), Golden Temple of Dambulla (6.6 km), and Popham's Arboretum (5.4 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Heritance Kandalama?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include a pool, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
Which room amenities are available at Heritance Kandalama?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at Heritance Kandalama?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at Heritance Kandalama?
Yes, free parking and secured parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Heritance Kandalama?
Conveniently located restaurants include Cafe Into The Wild, Rithu Restaurant, and Sakura Cooking Classes and Restaurant..
Are there opportunities to exercise at Heritance Kandalama?
Yes, guests have access to a pool, a fitness centre, and locker rooms available in the fitness centre during their stay.
Are any cleaning services offered at Heritance Kandalama?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Does Heritance Kandalama offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers a business centre, meeting rooms, and a banquet room.
Are there any historical sites close to Heritance Kandalama?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Tukbro (9.8 km), Sigiriya Srilanka (10.5 km), and Sigiriya (9.7 km).
Does Heritance Kandalama have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the mountain view available here.
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