The Kandyan Manor

Originally built 200 years ago, The Kandyan Manor is a simple, traditional Walauwa (manor house) that has been sensitively transformed into a delightful homestay and will appeal to guests seeking to immerse themselves in the local habits and culture as well as wanting to gain a superb insight into the daily life of a local.

This affordable homestay, which is immensely popular amongst families travelling with young children, offers a range of enriching experiences, including visits to surrounding villages by tuk-tuk, attending colourful prayer ceremonies at local village temples, visits to local markets, where after shopping for spices, meat and vegetables, guests will have the opportunity to participate in an interactive cooking lesson with the friendly hosts.

Set amongst five acres of lush gardens, this rustic-style homestay offers accommodation in five spacious rooms in the main house and two more recently built chalets that are set in the garden. All rooms at The Kandyan Manor are individually decorated using an eclectic collection of period-style furniture and artefacts and feature a modern ensuite bathroom with a western-style loo as well as a bathtub with an overhead shower unit. Whilst some rooms offer views of the lush gardens, others overlook the turquoise-blue pool near the property entrance.

For breakfasts, guests have the option to choose either Sri Lankan or Continental, and for dinner, delicious traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry are prepared by your warm, welcoming hosts – Bhathiya and Suzy Ratwatte, who usually join the resident guests at the main dining area. Guests staying at this property should know that this is a homestay and facilities are limited.

This means whilst hot/cold showers are possible, please do not expect hot water in your washbasin. Similarly, lunch is only offered on a request basis, and whilst Wi-Fi is available, guests must be aware that there is a cap in terms of data usage, and streaming of videos, online games, and sites such as YouTube and Netflix are not accessible. Also, please be prepared for power outages due to an erratic power supply.