Chaaya Citadel, Kandy
With good facilities and a great atmosphere, the Citadel climbs terraced slopes on a riverbank hillside and is a lovely place to relax after sightseeing. Take in beautiful views of the surrounding mountains from its elevated spot, with terraces overlooking the river.
Unwind in the large swimming pool as the children enjoy the kids' slide, play table tennis, billiards and snooker and go boating. Be pampered at the Ayurveda centre and dine on delicious cuisine at one of two restaurants before sipping a nightcap at the bar.
Accommodation
121 rooms with airconditioning, glass shower cubicle, cable television, complimentary toiletries, tea and coffee making facilities and minibar.
Superior rooms overlook the river and feature hand-woven hangings above the bed. They also have a balcony with outdoor-style seating, and hairdryeers.
Deluxe rooms overlook the river and feature hand-woven hangings and traditional Kandyan motifs on the doors. They also have a queen-sized bed, sitting area with built-in couch and coffee table, DVD player, large bath, bathrobes and slippers.
Resturants
• Vel Eliya - Buffet-style dining at breakfast, lunch and dinner. • Mahaveli Eliya - Fine dining restaurant serving authentic Kandyan cuisine. À la carte menu. • Giri Sikara Lounge & Bar - Serves beverages including cocktails and mocktails
Chaaya Citadel, Kandy
With good facilities and a great atmosphere, the Citadel climbs terraced slopes on a riverbank hillside and is a lovely place to relax after sightseeing. Take in beautiful views of the surrounding mountains from its elevated spot, with terraces overlooking the river.
Facilities
- Swimming pool with terraces overlooking the river
Swimming Pools
One freshwater swimming pool.
Spa and Beauty
Visit the hotel's Ayurveda centre for pampering treatments, such as a full body herbal oil massage with steam bath.
Location
4 hours' drive from Colombo airport and a 20-minute drive from Kandy.
Chaaya Citadel, Kandy
Explore the surroundings
Destination introduction
Kandy
Enjoy sightseeing in the royal city of Kandy, the ‘capital of the Sri Lankan Kings’ and you take in Kandy town and market before visiting the renowned Temple of the Tooth and enjoying an evening performance of traditional Kandyan dancing.
Nuwara Eliya
Nestled in a mountain valley some 6,000 feet above sea level, Nuwara Eliya is Sri Lanka’s most famous hill station and is dotted with lush tea plantations.
Yala
Located on Sri Lanka's southernmost tip, Yala is the island's largest National Park where you might see wild elephant, spotted deer, jackal, sloth bear - and, if you're lucky, the elusive leopard.
Kandy, Nuwara Eliya & Yala highlights - Kandy's historic Temple of the Tooth is a must see as it houses the Buddhist’s most important relic.
- Just 6km from Kandy are Sri Lanka’s largest botanical gardens with an entrancing spice garden and Orchid House.
- Visit Sri Lanka’s biggest national park, Yala National Park and spot leopards, elephants, deer, monkeys and crocodiles.
- Take a guided tour of the Labookellie tea factory renowned for its great quality tea and buy a box to take home.
Sports
Tee off at nearby Victoria Golf & Country Resort. Or work up a sweat at your hotel, with tennis and squash at Earl’s Regency, table tennis and boating at Chaaya Citadel and tennis at Mahaweli Reach.
Shopping
Kandy is well-known for its handicrafts, which make fantastic souvenirs of your time there. In central Kandy, barter for silver, antique jewellery, brass, wood carvings, gemstones and batiks.
Excursions
Mahaweli Reach can arrange excursions to landmarks including Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, Lankathilaka Rajamaha Temple, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Labookellie Tea Centre and the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya.
From Chaaya Citadel you can trek in the Knuckles Mountains, walk ancient trails to temples and learn the art of Kandyan dancing.
Yala Village can arrange safaris and bird watching in Yala National Park, a trip to Situlpahuwa Monastic Settlement, an overnight safari in Bundala, a night safari in Yala Buffer Zone and leopard and bear trails.
Ceylon Tea Trails
Get stuck into mountain-biking and hiking, bird-watching, kayaking and white-water rafting. Climb Adam’s Peak and visit Kandy, Uda Walawe National Park and Horton Plains.
Heritance Tea Factory
Embark on a trek and go bird-watching and tea-plucking. You can also visit landmarks including St Clair's Falls, Mahakudugala Peak and Sita Eliya Temple.