Helga's Folly: An Eccentric Hill Retreat in Kandy

High above the busy, historical city of Kandy, a sprawling red building overlooks the wonders the city has to offer. Known as Helga's Folly, this singular hotel has long been favoured by travellers drawn to its eccentric colours, flamboyant murals and enduring old-world charm. It is the kind of place that is as much an experience as it is an accommodation.

Helga's Folly sits approximately ten minutes from the ancient hill capital, its brightly designed exteriors and interiors visible as a bold statement against the surrounding greenery. For those arriving by air, the hotel is roughly a three-hour drive from the International Airport in Katunayake. Kandy itself is well served by public transport — buses and trains make the city a convenient hub for onward travel.

Accommodation

Every bedroom at Helga's Folly is equipped with air-conditioning and fans, and each opens onto a balcony through French doors. No two rooms are alike: some feature antique furniture, four-poster beds and richly layered interior décor, giving each space its own distinct personality. All rooms include attached bathrooms.

Dining

The kitchen at Helga's Folly takes a thoughtful approach to food, tailoring menus to guests' preferences and changing the offerings daily. Eastern vegetarian dishes form the heart of the menu, and the kitchen staff are happy to prepare chicken or fish on request. The hotel makes an effort to source organically, and some produce is grown within the premises. Marmalades, jams, bread and chutneys are all made in-house. The range of dishes is wide — from spaghetti and perfumed rice to poached fish and various chicken preparations. Guests with food allergies are asked to inform the staff in advance. Private dining rooms and balconies are available for those who prefer a more secluded meal.

Facilities

Tucked away in the surrounding jungle, a crystal-clear private swimming pool offers a tranquil retreat after a day of exploring. On select evenings, an eleven-foot screen is set up for outdoor movie nights, where guests can settle in with drinks and light bites.

Excursions

Kandy itself rewards exploration, with beautiful gardens, green hills, sacred temples and magnificent lakes all within reach. Day trips can be arranged to Nuwara Eliya, where tea estates and waterfalls make for a scenic outing. Shopping excursions to Colombo and journeys to the south of the island are equally accessible from this well-positioned base.