Just a few hours away from the beaches and you’ll find yourself surrounded by the rolling hills, sprawling tea estates and winding roads. The sounds of sea gulls and waves are replaced by soothing sounds of bubbling streams and waterfalls while the temperature drops from the tropical warmth to a slight chill. It’s no surprise that from these perfect conditions and tranquil settings, comes some of the world’s finest tea. Make a trip to Kandy, Sri Lanka’s second biggest city and home to the most sacred Buddhist site in the island, the Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth) which houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. Every year thousands of people flock to Kandy to witness the grand, majestic and colourful pageant in honour of the tooth relic, involving traditional dancers, acrobats and intricately adorned elephants parading the streets of Sri Lanka’s hill capital. When you’re done with the cultural tour of Kandy, relax and enjoy a round of golf at the famous Victoria golf course, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world. Climbing further up, you’ll find yourself in Nuwara Eliya. A world on its own, Nuwara Eliya is also referred to as the ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka because of the colonial style cottages and bungalows that lie nestled between the tea estates, and also because it was a popular destination for the lords and ladies of yesteryear. The cool misty climate that engulfs the place, also adds a nostalgic old world charm that’s quite out of character for a tropical island.

This hotel, just a 3 hour drive from the international airport, is situated amidst a river, mountains and a tropical garden. The hotel is built around a free form swimming pool. There are 114 deluxe rooms – apart from the two suites, ‘Presidential’ and ‘Executive’, all equipped with both air conditioning and fans, telephones with IDD facilities, a mini bar, satellite TV, piped music, a private balcony and 24 hour room service. There is a swimming pool, a tennis court, indoor games like billiards and table tennis, fishing and river cruises. Cultural shows, theme nights, barbecues or special buffets on request are also available. The spacious Conference Hall accommodates close to 400 guests in a theatre style seating configuration. A conference package is offered inclusive of the meeting room including a business lunch, tea breaks and conference support facilities. Other facilities include a Business Centre, an Ayurvedic health banquet facility, vehicles for hire, travel information, doctor on call, baby sitter, a 24 hour laundry and dry-cleaning service and valet parking.

Mahaweli Reach Hotel
35, P.B.A. Weerakoon Mawatha, Kandy, Sri Lanka. Tel: (94) 814 472 727  Fax: (94) 812 212 850 
E-mail: sales@mahaweli.com  Web: www.mahaweli.com 

Surrounded by the breath-taking view of the Knuckles mountain range and the sprawling Dumbara valley, lies Earl’s Regency. Ideally situated, and secluded, this five-star hotel was exquisitely designed in order to utilize the distinctive features of the landscape. The hotel has 100 elegantly designed air-conditioned deluxe rooms, which includes five suites and an Executive Floor with private balconies, overlooking the hills and the Mahaweli river. The hotel also has excellent banquet and conference facilities. The Regent Ballroom, overlooking the entire Digana valley, with its high ceiling windows and plush carpeting, has a seating capacity for nearly 800 people. The Congress Hall, which can accommodate approximately 300 guests, is a perfect venue for a conference or seminar. Its facilities include modern audio and visual equipment, as well as a picturesque view of the country side.

Earl’s Regency
Kundasale, Kandy , Sri Lanka.
Tel: (94) 812 422 122  Fax: (94) 812 422 133  E-mail: erhotel@sltnet.lk  Web: www.aitkenspencehotels.com

The Grand Hotel has a 100-year-old heritage and was the former residence of Sir Edward Barnes, Governor of Sri Lanka from 1830 to 1850. The hotel is situated 170km East of Colombo in the central province at a height of 6200ft above sea level amidst mountain greenery and lush valleys. There are 156 well presented guest rooms and suites featuring 3 presidential and 3 other suites with a garden view. 65 deluxe rooms have a view of the 18 hole Par 70 Nuwara Eliya Golf Course. The Grand Hotel is a well known venue for banquets and conferences with its spacious ball room which seats up to 200 guests. The private and well maintained board room is also available for smaller meetings seating up to 26 people.

Grand Hotel
Nuwara Eliya , Sri Lanka.
Tel: (94) 522 222 881/7  Fax: (94) 522 222 264/5  E-mail: grand@sltnet.lk

Set against the scenic backdrop of mountains, the Hotel Hill Top overlooks the hill capital of Kandy. The hotel is located close to the main tourist sites including the Temple of the Tooth, the botanical gardens and the popular elephant bath. All 72 rooms are air-conditioned, with balcony, attached bath, hot/cold water, telephone, TV and piped music. The hotel also has a theatre style conference hall (that can accommodate up to 80), restaurant, bar, laundry service, sports and leisure activities that include a swimming pool, indoor games and sightseeing tours of Kandy and the cultural triangle (arranged on request).

Hotel Hill Top
200/21 Bahirawakanda, Peradeniya Road, Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Tel: (94) 812 224 162  Fax: (94) 812 232 459  E-mail: hilltop@ispkandyan.lk  Web: www.aitkenspencehotels.com

The newly refurbished Hunas Falls Hotel is located in close proximity to Kandy against the backdrop of a lush green forest and the stunningly beautiful Hunas Falls. Hill walks and nature walks can be arranged with a resident naturalist. Considered to be one of the most scenic spots in the country, the comfort and charm of the hotel fittingly complements the natural beauty and wonder of the surroundings. In the midst of such scenic splendour, the hotel provides an extremely pleasant and tranquil retreat for conferences and business meetings. The conference hall at the hotel can seat up to 150 people, theatre style. Theme nights and signature dining can be arranged. There's also a mini golf course and outdoor activities like mountain biking and trekking.

Hunas Falls Hotel
Elkaduwa, Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Tel: (94) 812 476 402-3  Fax: (94) 812 470 044  E-mail: hunasfalls@eureka.lk  Web: www.jetwing.net

Amaya Hills is designed to manifest the cultural heritage of Sri Lanka’s last kingdom of Kandy. Set on a hilltop over rolling green landscape, Amaya Hills embodies the architecture of an ancient place, with easy access to cultural attractions such as the Kandy Perahera, the botanical gardens in Peradeniya, the Dalada Maligawa and Nuwara Eliya. The resort has 100 rooms, each featuring a picturesque view of the forested hills of Heerassagala. Guests at this facility will also have access to a multitude of recreational settings such as spas, restaurants serving international and local cuisine, a tea café, swimming pool, several bars and Kandy’s most popular night club, ‘Le Garage’. There are more traditional activities like tennis, squash, hiking, etc., to suit the mood of any guest.

Amaya Hills
Heerassagala, Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Tel: (94) 812 233 521-2  Fax: (94) 812 233  948 
E-mail: amayahills@amayaresorts.com  Web: www.amayaresorts.com