Chaaya Citadel, Kandy, Sri Lanka

Chaaya Citadel Kandy is conceived as a tribute to the natural stronghold of Sri Lanka's hill capital, blending a sense of majesty and serenity with the deep historical and cultural legacy of the Kandyan civilisation. Situated approximately 160 km from Colombo and just minutes from the lively town of Kandy — home to the Sacred Tooth Relic — the hotel sits at the confluence of culture, nature and romance.

The Chaaya chain has built a reputation for high-standard hotels across the region, and this property is no exception. Overlooking the Mahaweli River and drawing on the rich heritage of ancient Kandy, it offers a stay shaped as much by its surroundings as by its modern comforts. Kandy itself is well connected, with a central train and bus station serving both tourists and locals.

Accommodation

The hotel offers 97 air-conditioned Superior Rooms, all elegantly furnished and overlooking the Mahaweli River. Each room comes with a well-stocked mini-bar, cable television, hair dryer, complimentary toiletries, a glass shower cubicle, a balcony, and complimentary tea and coffee making facilities.

For guests seeking more space, there are 24 Deluxe Rooms, also air-conditioned and river-facing, decorated with elements and themes inspired by the cultural heritage of Kandy. These rooms feature comfortable queen-size beds, a sitting area with a built-in couch and coffee table, a DVD player, a large bath alongside a glass shower cubicle, bathrobes and bathroom slippers, and a balcony with outdoor-style seating.

Dining and Bars

The Vil Eliya Restaurant, located on the first floor of the main wing, serves a wide choice of buffet-style dining at all mealtimes. For a finer experience, the Mahaweli Eliya Restaurant offers authentic Kandyan cuisine through an à la carte menu and includes its own bar. The Giri Sikara Lounge and Bar is an open lounge where guests can enjoy cocktails, mocktails, and local or imported spirits at any time of day; it also features live entertainment in the evenings. A Pool Bar rounds out the options, providing a relaxed spot to sip a drink while taking in the views that surround the hotel.

Recreation

The hotel's recreational facilities include a swimming pool with a dedicated kiddies' area, a wide terrace for sunbathing, and indoor games such as billiards, snooker and table tennis.

Excursions

The hotel can arrange excursions to numerous rock temples and shrines that bear evidence of the rich legacy of Kandyan royalty. Tea plucking demonstrations and competitions, as well as visits to the brass work district of Kandy, can also be organised. For more adventurous travellers, a scenic trek package is available. A two-hour scenic drive brings guests to the Knuckles Mountain Range, which offers panoramic views of surrounding hills, plains, rain forests, grasslands and waterfalls. Closer to town, guests can explore the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy Lake, the botanical gardens and many other landmarks that the ancient city has to offer.