Kandalama
Tropical modernist eco-landmark. Bawa designed the hotel to be part of the landscape, not imposed on it. Think rough stone walls, timber and teak interiors, open-air lobbies, and wildlife that wanders freely. The overall feel is serious architecture meets jungle retreat.
Book a room in the Sigiriya Wing for the iconic view of Sigiriya Rock right from your balcony
Why It Matters
Designed by Geoffrey Bawa — Sri Lanka's most celebrated architect — and built into a clifftop above Kandalama Lake, this is the world's first LEED-certified hotel. The structure spans 1km end-to-end across seven floors. Its flat roof supports living vegetation that blends the building into the jungle, and resident naturalists monitor 233 bird species on the 211-acre eco forest reserve. There are sculptures of owls, elephants and cobras hidden throughout. This is a building people make pilgrimages to see.
Designed by Geoffrey Bawa and completed in 1995, Heritance Kandalama is one of the most architecturally significant hotels in Asia. The building stretches a full kilometer along a clifftop, following the rock face so closely it looks like it grew there. Monkeys wander the corridors, vines crawl across the facade, and every room looks out over Kandalama Lake and the jungle — with Sigiriya Rock rising in the distance. It was the world's first LEED-certified hotel and the first in Asia to earn Green Globe status.
Where You'll Stay
8 room types available
Deluxe Room
On the 4th and 5th floors of the Sigiriya Wing — the sweet spot for views. The main upgrade over the Luxury Room is the Jacuzzi bath positioned to look over the lake and forest. 30 rooms in this category.
King or Twin · 53 sqm
Luxury Panoramic Room
The biggest step up in standard rooms. Located in the Dambulla Wing with panoramic views of Kandalama Lake, Dambulla Rock and jungle. Nearly double the floor area of the entry Superior rooms. Private balcony.
King or Twin · 53 sqmLuxury Room
Switches wings to the Sigiriya side — which means views of the iconic rock fortress rather than Dambulla. The glass-walled bathroom is a standout feature: floor-to-ceiling glass opens the shower directly to the forest. 30 rooms in this category.
King or Twin · 36 sqmLuxury Suite
Two suites on the 7th floor of the Dambulla Wing — the highest point in the hotel. 270-degree panoramic views of the lake, jungle and Sigiriya Rock. Four-poster king bed, living room, 12-jet Jacuzzi, and the largest balconies in the property.
King · 85 sqm
Panoramic Room
Also in the Dambulla Wing but on the 5th floor — the extra elevation pays off. Sweeping views of Dambulla Rock and the lake. 22 rooms, otherwise similar in amenities to the Superior rooms. Private balcony, minibar, rain shower.
King or Twin · 33 sqmRoyal Suite
The hotel's flagship accommodation. On the 5th floor of the Sigiriya Wing — appropriately named given Sigiriya was an ancient kingdom. Two connected suites with a living and dining area, two private balconies, four-poster beds, Jacuzzi, rain shower and 24-hour butler service. One room, total luxury.
King · 120 sqm
Suite
Available in either the Sigiriya or Dambulla wing. Separate living room, king bed, private balcony with lake views, and a Jacuzzi bathtub. 12 suites in this category — the starting point if you want proper space and a soaking tub.
King · 57 sqmSuperior Room
The entry-level room at Kandalama, and honestly still a strong choice. Located in the Dambulla Wing on the 2nd–4th floors, with private balconies looking out to treetops, garden, or the lake. Teak wood interiors and rattan furniture. Rain shower, minibar, TV. 52 rooms total.
King or Twin · 32 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
5 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
A 40-minute hike to the historic Aligala (Elephant Rock) cave, dating from the 3rd century BC. Combines physical activity with a slice of ancient Sri Lankan history.
The hotel's flagship exclusive experience — a private candlelit dinner staged inside a cave near the property. Named after architect Geoffrey Bawa. Must be booked well in advance.
The hotel has resident naturalists who lead bird watching excursions across the 211-acre eco forest reserve. Best at 6:30am when 233 resident species are most active. One of the genuinely free and exceptional activities on offer.
Leisurely boat rides on the Kandalama Reservoir directly below the hotel. The view back up at the hotel from the lake is dramatic.
Guided visit to the 2,000-year-old Dambulla Cave Temple complex — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist landmarks. About 20 minutes from the hotel.
Guided excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Sigiriya Rock Fortress, visible from the hotel. Approximately 20 minutes' drive.
A guided tour of the hotel's on-site Eco Park, which includes a paper recycling facility, sewage treatment plant, plant nursery, herb garden and beehives. Unusual and genuinely interesting for eco-curious guests.
Hot air balloon rides over the Sri Lankan Cultural Triangle landscape — takes in views of Sigiriya, Dambulla and the surrounding jungle canopy. Arranged through the hotel.
A guided trek up the rock on which the hotel itself is built, giving panoramic views over Dambulla and Sigiriya. A physical but rewarding climb that puts the hotel's dramatic setting in full perspective.
Off-road mountain bike tours through the surrounding jungle landscape. Bikes can also be rented independently from reception for self-guided rides.
A guided trek to the nearby ancient village of Puranagama, offering a look at traditional rural Sri Lankan life in a jungle setting.
The hotel arranges excursions to Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks for the famous Elephant Gathering — one of the largest concentrations of wild Asian elephants in the world, typically July to September.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Meeting and event facilities available for conferences and private events.
Complimentary WiFi throughout the property.
Outdoor playground for children under 12.
Babysitting services available on request.
24-hour gym equipped with treadmills, cycling machines, step machine, rowing machine and free weights. Small but functional.
Outdoor jogging track on the hotel grounds.
On-site library for guests.
The hotel sits within a 211-acre protected eco forest reserve with 11 protected natural streams. Wildlife monitoring via camera traps by resident naturalists. Home to 233 bird species.
Three outdoor pools including a 6th-floor infinity pool that appears to flow directly into Kandalama Lake below. This is the showpiece amenity — the view from poolside at sunrise or sunset is genuinely spectacular.
24-hour room service available to all 152 rooms.
Full laundry and dry cleaning services available.
Outdoor tennis courts available to hotel guests.
Complimentary on-site parking.
Bicycles available to rent from reception for exploring the surrounding area.
Hotel can arrange airport transfers from Bandaranaike International Airport (surcharge applies). Contact hotel directly before arrival.
Sauna available at the Coco Spa.
Steam room available at the Coco Spa.
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