Castle Hill Guest House, Kandy

Castle Hill Guest House is an old mansion set in a beautiful garden in Rajapilla Mawatha, overlooking the Kandy town area. Located a short drive from the hill capital of Kandy, the property resonates with the atmosphere of a bygone era, offering budget travellers a comfortable and characterful base from which to explore one of Sri Lanka's most celebrated cities.

The guesthouse provides four en-suite bedrooms, all adequately furnished and equipped with room amenities. Two of the rooms contain four beds and can comfortably sleep up to six guests, while the remaining two rooms have three beds each and can accommodate a maximum of four guests.

Facilities and Dining

Meal times at Castle Hill Guest House are notably flexible. Dinner orders can be agreed upon at the time of breakfast, allowing guests to plan their evening meal and menu at their own pace. Drinks are available upon request. The communal spaces include a rambling lounge with a TV area, a small library, a piano, and several sitting areas, along with two dining tables. Laundry facilities can also be arranged upon request.

Gardens and Setting

The property is set amidst sloping gardens filled with flowers and plants, overlooking the grandeur of the Kandyan landscape. The garden setting lends the guesthouse a tranquil, unhurried ambience that reflects the spirit of an early living settlement.

Exploring Kandy

The town centre is approximately ten minutes away from the guesthouse, making it easy to explore the ancient hill capital at leisure. Kandy retains a rich cultural heritage and still carries the majesty of a bygone era. At its heart stands the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a revered site with decorative walls covered with artwork, a golden roof, and fine woodwork. Religious services are held daily at dawn, mid-day, and in the evening, and guests are welcome to participate.

An evening walk around the Kandy Lake is a relaxing way to wind down, and boat rides are available on the lake. A visit to the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens is also well worth including in any itinerary.

Getting There

Transport options from Colombo to Kandy include public buses and trains. The Intercity Express train runs twice a day in each direction and takes approximately two and a half hours one way. Travelling by road, the drive from Colombo to Kandy takes approximately two and a half to three hours.