Sri Lanka’s finest botanic gardens, just outside Kandy, with an orchid house, giant Java fig and avenues of royal palms.
- Mid-range
- Experience
Why we marked it
- About five minutes’ walk to Kandy Lake
- Lake, town and mountain views
- Pool, hot tub and rooftop bar
- Ayu Balinese spa
Grand Serendib Hotel is on Mahamaya Mawatha, on the hillside just above Kandy Lake. It is one of the best-reviewed hotels in the city, and its location is a big part of that: the lake is about five minutes on foot and the Temple of the Tooth is a two-minute drive.
What it’s like
Rooms look out over the lake, the town or the mountains. There is an outdoor pool and hot tub, a top-floor restaurant and a rooftop bar, plus an Ayu Balinese spa. Guests regularly single out the staff.
Good to know
- Close enough to walk to the lake and into town, while being set back from the traffic.
- The rooftop bar is a good spot for a sundowner, even if you are not staying.
- Parking is free, which is useful in central Kandy.
Where it is
12 Mahamaya Mawatha, Kandy, Sri Lanka
More spots in Kandy
All of KandyA small café a short walk from the Temple of the Tooth and Kandy Lake, known for homemade cakes and good coffee.
- Budget
- Café
- Homemade cakes
- Coffee
A good-value hostel above Kandy with some of the best views in the city, a sunrise balcony and help planning onward travel.
- Budget