Location

Stay Near Kandy’s Historic Attractions

In Katugastota, just outside the centre of Kandy — about 13 minutes by car from the Temple of the Tooth

Find Us

Peaceful, Yet Close to Kandy

Colonial Residence Kandy is set in Katugastota, a quiet, green neighbourhood just outside the centre of Kandy. You wake to birdsong and garden views, yet the Temple of the Tooth, Kandy Lake and the city centre are only a short drive away — around 13 minutes by car.

It is also an easy base for exploring the Cultural Triangle, the tea country and the hills of Sri Lanka's Central Province.

Get Directions
Direction map to Colonial Residence Kandy showing the parking and front entrance on Madawala Road, Katugastota

Parking & front entrance

Kandy’s Historic Heart, Minutes Away

Temple of the Tooth

approx. 13 min by car

Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist temple and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit for the evening puja, when drums and offerings fill the temple.

Kandy Lake

approx. 13 – 15 min by car

The 19th-century lake beside the temple, ringed by a shaded promenade — lovely for an early-morning or sunset walk.

Kandy City

approx. 15 min by car

Colonial-era streets, the busy central market, gem and craft shops, cafés and the railway station, all within the compact city centre.

Royal Palace & Temple Area

approx. 13 – 15 min by car

The last royal capital of the Kandyan kings — the palace complex, audience hall and museums sit right beside the Temple of the Tooth.

Bahirawakanda Buddha

approx. 15 – 20 min by car

A giant white Buddha statue on a hilltop above the city, with sweeping views over Kandy and the surrounding hills.

Royal Botanical Gardens

approx. 25 – 30 min by car

Sri Lanka's finest botanical garden at Peradeniya — 147 acres of orchids, spice plants, royal palms and giant Java fig trees.

Drive times are approximate and depend on traffic. We are happy to arrange a car or tuk-tuk for you.

Getting Here

From the Airport

approx. 3 – 3.5 hrs

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is around 115 km away. We can arrange a private air-conditioned car to meet you at arrivals.

From Colombo

approx. 3 hrs

A scenic drive into the hills via the Central Expressway and the Kandy Road.

By Train

approx. 2.5 – 3 hrs

Regular trains run from Colombo Fort to Kandy Railway Station. We can collect you from the station on request.

Things to Do in Kandy

Explore the best of Kandy and beyond

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic Sri Lanka's most revered temple and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, beside Kandy Lake.
Royal Botanical Gardens
Royal Botanical Gardens 147 acres of orchids, spice gardens and giant Java fig trees at Peradeniya.
Kandy Lake
Kandy Lake A tranquil 19th-century lake at the heart of the city — perfect for an evening stroll.
Ceylon Tea Museum
Ceylon Tea Museum Discover the story of Ceylon tea in a restored 1925 tea factory.
Udawatta Kele Sanctuary
Udawatta Kele Sanctuary A historic royal forest reserve rich in birdlife, just above the city.
Kandy View Point
Kandy View Point The classic panorama of Kandy Lake and the temple, especially lovely at sunset.
Ambuluwawa Tower
Ambuluwawa Tower A spiralling tower atop a biodiversity reserve with 360° mountain views.
Knuckles Mountain Range
Knuckles Mountain Range Misty cloud forests, waterfalls and some of the island's finest hiking.
Seven Water Falls Meemure
Seven Water Falls Meemure Trek to seven cascading waterfalls hidden deep in the ancient village of Meemure, a remote gem in the...
Hunas Falls
Hunas Falls Visit the dramatic Hunas Falls near Elkaduwa, framed by lush tropical rainforest with natural rock pools to cool...
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage Meet Sri Lanka's rescued elephant herd at Pinnawala and watch the iconic river bathing ritual up close.
Pekoe Trail
Pekoe Trail Hike Sri Lanka's legendary Pekoe Trail through emerald tea fields, mountain streams and colonial-era bungalows.
Dambulla & Sigiriya
Dambulla & Sigiriya Climb the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock fortress and explore the ancient Dambulla Cave Temple — two UNESCO sites...
Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya Explore Sri Lanka's charming "Little England" — highland gardens, award-winning tea estates and cool crisp mountain air.
Minneriya Safari
Minneriya Safari Witness "The Gathering" — one of Asia's greatest wildlife spectacles with hundreds of wild elephants at Minneriya tank.

Travel times are approximate and depend on traffic.

Day Trips from Kandy

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage1.5 hrs
Sigiriya Rock Fortress2.5 – 3 hrs
Dambulla Cave Temple2 hrs
Nuwara Eliya & tea country2.5 – 3 hrs
Ella by scenic train6 – 7 hrs
Horton Plains National Park3.5 hrs

Your Kandy story begins here.

+94 76 407 1724

Free cancellation up to 48 hours before arrival

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