Photograph · AI-enhanced
Cinnamon Citadel is a riverside resort on the banks of the Mahaweli River in Kandy, about 2.4 kilometres in a straight line from the Temple of the Tooth. Previously known as Chaaya Citadel, it sits on the quiet edge of Kandy, with most rooms, the pool terrace and the restaurants looking across the Mahaweli to forested hills. It is close enough to the town for an easy evening at the temple, yet far enough out to feel like a resort rather than a city hotel.
All rooms are air-conditioned and have a balcony or terrace, Wi-Fi, a flat-screen television, a minibar, a safe, a hair dryer, an iron and tea and coffee making facilities. They are sold in three categories, and the names below are the ones you will see when you choose a room.
Each of the three categories sleeps up to three adults, and up to two children can share with their parents. Children under 12 share their parents’ room, and guests aged 12 and over count as adults. The hotel also has a small number of river-view suites of almost 70 square metres, which are not among our booking options; ask us if you would like one. Check-in is from 2pm and check-out is by noon.
Panorama is the hotel's main buffet restaurant, set to look out over the river and the hills, with Sri Lankan dishes alongside Thai, Chinese, French, Italian and Indian cooking at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Chutneys brings Cinnamon's well-known Indian restaurant, first opened at Cinnamon Grand in Colombo, to the hill capital: North and South Indian dishes, biryanis and traditional thalis in a riverside room, served from lunchtime until late evening. The Lounge Bar, also beside the river, serves coffee, cocktails and light bites from mid-morning until midnight.
The outdoor swimming pool sits on a broad terrace above the river, with sun loungers and a riverside pavilion, and there is a fitness centre with cardio machines and free weights, open from early morning until 10pm. The hotel runs boat rides on the Mahaweli, and can arrange a Kandy city tour, a guided trek in the Udawatta Kele forest, a visit to a tea plantation and a craftsman tour to Udunuwara to watch hand-shaped quartz lenses being made. Air-rifle shooting is also on offer at the resort.
The Temple of the Tooth and Kandy Lake are about 2.4 kilometres away in a straight line, a short drive into town. The Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya are about 5 kilometres away, and the hotel organises day trips to the Knuckles mountain range, with waterfalls such as Bambarakiri Ella and Sera Ella, and to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, about 26 kilometres to the west. Kandy is busiest during the Esala Perahera in July or August, when it is worth booking well ahead.
Yes. Kandy railway station is about 2 kilometres away in a straight line, so a tuk-tuk or a pre-arranged pick-up will have you at the hotel in a few minutes. Kandy has direct trains from Colombo Fort, and some of the scenic hill-country trains towards Ella call here too.
The hotel is about 83 kilometres in a straight line from Bandaranaike International Airport, and the road climbs through the hills to Kandy, so allow a good part of the day for the drive. The simplest way to arrive is a private transfer from Colombo airport to Cinnamon Citadel, which takes you all the way to the door.
It suits couples and families who want a resort with a pool and space to unwind between days of sightseeing in and around Kandy, and anyone who would rather wake up to a river than to a busy street. Two or three nights is enough for the temple, Peradeniya and a day out in the hills. For more choice in the area see our places to stay in Kandy, including Kandy Myst by Cinnamon, or the other Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts around the island.
We had a wonderful experience at Cinnamon Citadel Hotel. From the moment we arrived, we received a warm and genuine welcome from the team, which made us feel comfortable and valued throughout our stay. The hospitality was excellen…
Excellent service and a wonderful experience! A special thanks to Manager Kasun and the entire Food & Beverage team for their outstanding service and hospitality. A big thank you as well to the entrance security, concierge, front…
Great food and Ambience! Especially Pasta made by Ms.Ruvani was very nice! Overall good experience with staff and food
Ratings and reviews provided by TripAdvisor for Cinnamon Citadel Kandy.
Bookable activities, tours, and tickets within a 25 km radius.
from LKR 3,750
from LKR 37,500
from LKR 8,250
from LKR 27,000
from LKR 8,250
from LKR 21,750
from LKR 30,000
from LKR 42,000
Pre-book a private vehicle for arrival, departure, or onward travel.
