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View from the common area

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I did a bit of travelling, so here are some retroactive reviews. There are a lot of decent places to stay in Kandy, but I think Castle Hill is my favorite. At Rs. 3000 per night it’s at the very top of my price range, but I think it’s affordable for a double. My room had literally four beds in it, for what that’s worth. There are a few guesthouse roads in Kandy, but I think Rajapihilla Mawatha is the best. It winds up the hills opposite the Kandy Lake and the Sri Dalada Maligawa. As such it has impeccable views and is pleasant for the drive alone. Castle Hill is at the city end of the road, near what sounds like a semi-active firing range.

A room

You drive up through manicured gardens to a house with a terraced view of lawns, city and lake. The golden roof of Sri Dalada Maligawa glints in the distance, you can actually see it from the living room. The overall impression inside is of space. I checked other guesthouses and they have nice views and facilities, but you’re still living and sleeping in a small area. The common and private areas of Castle Hill are huge.

The food is OK, I only had the English breakfast really, but it’s around a family dining table and the other guests and owner (Ayoma) are quite nice and, in my experience, open to have conversations. And apparently they serve a good dinner rice and curry, dunno.

I visited a few other places in Kandy and they were around 2k, which is more my price range, but they were basically rooms. Castle Hill is a house and I think a much nicer experience. It goes without saying that there is hot water, clean and functional bathrooms and fans and plug points and stuff.

The Castle Hill is at 22 Rajapihilla Mawatha. This basically runs parallel and above to the Kandy Lake. If you come through town and take the right before the Queen’s Hotel (which you have to) just go to the end. Then take the right turn away from the Kandy Lake and up the hill. There are two rights, one takes you out of town so be sure to take the one that goes up the hill. Their contact number is +94 81 222 4376 or you can email ayoni@sltnet.lk.