“What secrets do these walls hold?” I wonder. We are standing before The Kandy House. This is no ordinary hotel. It’s a portal into Sri Lanka’s rich history.
The Kandy House is a 200-year-old manor. It was built in 1804. Ratwatte Adigar built it. He was the Chief Minister to the last King of Kandy.
Imagine Ratwatte Adigar. He was ambitious. He dared to build a replica palace. Commoners were forbidden from using roofing tiles. Only royalty could. But he used terracotta tiles for his two-story house.
Later, Ceylon fell into British colonial hands in 1815. Ratwatte Adigar betrayed his king. The Kandy House whispers tales of power. It also hints at ambition and betrayal.
Fast forward two centuries. The Kandy House was restored. Channa Daswatte oversaw the project. He was Geoffrey Bawa’s protégé. The villa’s essence was kept intact. It now has modern comforts for the 21st century.
Step inside The Kandy House. Notice the white interiors. Feel the polished hardwood floorboards. Admire the jack wood staircase. Observe the Dutch-style antique furniture. Ratwatte family photos adorn the walls. They are a reminder of the past.
The Kandy House has only nine rooms. It offers exclusivity. The Kandy House feels more like a home than a hotel. It offers a unique experience.
The Kandy House is surrounded by vegetation. You might hear a prayer song. Or you could hear a drum playing.
Outside is a freshwater pool. It invites you to unwind. Relax under the tropical trees. The restaurant veranda beckons. Enjoy a meal. An Ayurvedic masseur provides relaxation. Indulge in the serene atmosphere of The Kandy House.
The Kandy House became an upmarket boutique hotel in 2005. It is known as the Amunugama Walauwa or Ratwatte Walauwa. It has earned accolades. Condé Nast Traveler included it on their Hot List in 2006.
Staying at The Kandy House is special. Descendants of aristocratic families once lived here. They included a president and two prime ministers. The Kandy House is more than a hotel. It’s a living museum. It connects you to Sri Lanka’s captivating past. The Kandy House is a showcase of the island’s architectural renaissance. It is truly a gem.