Country Garden Resort, Kandy, Sri Lanka

Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka and a World Heritage Site, sits in a valley encircled by rings of mountains, 115 km from the seaport of Colombo. Country Garden Resort places its guests at the heart of this storied city, where medieval heritage, lush highland scenery and a vibrant living culture come together in a remarkably compact setting.

At the center of Kandy lies Kiri Muhuda — meaning sea of milk in Sinhala — a man-made lake that holds the distinction of being the only decorative lake in Sri Lanka. Every other man-made reservoir across the island was built primarily for irrigation, and secondarily for general use and wildlife conservation. The lovely lake, created in the medieval era, is encircled by a short white-washed parapet called Valakulu Bamma, or Embankment of Clouds, with a pedestrian pavement and motor road running alongside it. A small island sits at the centre of the lake.

Sacred and Natural Landmarks Nearby

Just a few steps from the southwestern corner of the lake is the garden of the Temple of the Tooth. Rising above the temple's red tile roofs and golden canopy is Udawattakele Bird Sanctuary, its densely wooded green hills forming a dramatic backdrop to the city. Within the courtyard of the Temple of the Tooth are both a Tourist Office and a Cultural Triangle Office, making it a practical as well as spiritual focal point for visitors.

Kandy is also home to a multitude of medieval Buddhist temples. The Great Kandy Esala Perahera Pageant, held annually, is a grand celebration paying homage to the Tooth Relic of Buddha, processing around the city in a spectacular display of fire play dancers, drummer dancers, pipers, and caparisoned elephants — a methodical riot of fire, light and sound.

A Gateway to the Central Highlands

Beyond its cultural riches, Kandy serves as the transportation hub of the Central Province and the gateway to the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. The Good Shed bus station and the railway station sit close together at the southwest corner of the city center, making onward travel straightforward.

Accommodation in Kandy

The city offers a wide range of accommodation options, from international-standard five-star hotels to budget guesthouses, spread across the city center and the surrounding suburbs of Kandy. Country Garden Resort is one such option for travellers seeking a comfortable base from which to explore this remarkable highland city.