Discover Kandalama: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Sri Lanka’s Scenic Gem
Nestled
between the historic cities of Dambulla and Sigiriya in the Matale District of
Sri Lanka's Central Province, Kandalama is a picturesque travel destination.
Situated right in the heart of the Cultural Triangle, it has become a
must-visit spot for both local and international travelers seeking a blend of
rich history, nature, and tranquility.
🚗 How to Get to Kandalama
Reaching
Kandalama from Colombo is straightforward and takes roughly 5 hours via
Kurunegala and Dambulla.
By Public
Bus: Board any bus
bound for Anuradhapura or Vauniya and hop off at the Dambulla main bus
stop.
By Train: Take the Udaya Devi or Pulathisi
express train from Colombo Fort towards Batticaloa or Trincomalee, get off at
Habarana Railway Station, and take a local bus or tuk-tuk to Kandalama.
Main
Driving Routes:
Dambulla –
Kandalama Road: Turn near the Dambulla Dedicated Economic Centre to head
straight to Kandalama.
Via Sigiriya
/ Inamaluwa: Travel through Galkiriyagama to reach Kandalama.
Travel Tip:
Since the roads connecting Dambulla to Kandalama pass through scenic
countryside and rural routes, hiring a tuk-tuk is often the most convenient
option.
📍 Top Attractions & Things to See
1.
Kandalama Lake (Kandalama Wewa)
Constructed between 276–303 AD by King Mahasen to support local agriculture, this massive freshwater reservoir was created by damming the Mirisgoniya River. Spanning 4.8 km in length and 2.3 km in width, it now supplies water all the way to Kekirawa through the Mahaweli Development Project. During rainy seasons when the lake overflows, watching vehicles drive over the spillway water is a popular highlight for visitors.
2.
Heritance Kandalama
Designed by
world-renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, this iconic 5-star eco-hotel was built
directly into a natural cliff face without disturbing the surrounding
environment. It holds the distinction of being Asia’s first Green Globe-certified
hotel and the first outside the US to earn a LEED certification. The lobby
offers breathtaking views of Sigiriya Rock and Kandalama Lake, while its
signature infinity pool appears to blend seamlessly with the lake's surface.
3.
Kaludiya Pokuna Forest & Archaeological Site
A serene
10th-century forest monastery located near the lake. It features ancient
Buddhist monastic ruins, rock caves, stone inscriptions, and the dark-water
pond (Kaludiya Pokuna) that gives the site its name.
4.
Popham's Arboretum
Established
by Englishman Sam Popham, this is Sri Lanka’s only dry-zone experimental
arboretum. Night tours here offer a rare opportunity to spot the elusive Grey
Loris in its natural habitat.
5.
Dambulla Cave Temple & Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs
Located just
20 minutes from Kandalama, the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple is a UNESCO World
Heritage site. Nearby lies the Ibbankatuwa burial ground, an archaeological
site dating back over 2,700 years.
🚣♂️ Exciting Activities to Try
Hot Air
Balloon Rides:
Operating mainly from November to April during the early morning hours, balloon
rides offer panoramic aerial views of Kandalama Lake, Sigiriya, and the
surrounding countryside.
Canoeing
& Bird Watching:
Take a traditional wooden canoe ride across Kandalama Lake during the evening.
The area is home to over 150 species of birds and offers chances to spot wild
elephants along the shore.
Safety Note: Kandalama is a natural wildlife corridor for wild elephants. Exercise extra caution when traveling around the area during late afternoons and evenings.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit & Where to
Stay
Best
Season: January to
April, when the weather is warm, dry, and clear skies are common.
Popular
Accommodations:
·
Heritance Kandalama - Geoffrey Bawa’s Architectual Landmark
& Infinity
pool
merging with Kandalama Lake
·
Amaya Signature Kandalama - Luxury Boutique
·
Amaya Lake Dambulla - Specious Lakeside Resort
·
Amba Yaalu Kandalama - Cozy Modern Boutique
·
Wild Grass Nature Resort - Deep
Jungle Eco Luxury
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