Kahanda Kanda – Galle, Sri Lanka
On top of a hill, in a private tea estate, and surrounded by palms and rainforest, Kahanda Kanda is a stunning tropical hideaway. The coast is just a short drive away, as is the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is Galle. This boutique hotel, staffed by an incredibly welcoming team, mixes designer colonial chic with relaxed Sri Lankan living. The interiors are full of artefacts from all over Asia, whilst the exotic and luxuriant gardens provide quiet sanctuary. This is the place to rest awhile, exploring the working plantation and enjoying the peace and quiet.
At A Glance
Boutique Hotel
Why We Love It:
Away from the hustle and bustle of the coast Kahanda Kanda is ideally located amongst palm-fringed jungle and a small tea plantation, offering guests a relaxing base from where they can explore the coast, the local culture or Galle - each room is exquistely designed by its owners with beautiful interiors.Style:
Sophisticated tropical luxe.Location:
A 10 minute drive inland on the south coast of Sri Lanka – just 15km from Galle.Rooms:
12 individually designed suites & villasSwimming:
Infinity pool amongst the palms and in private plunge pools.Children:
Families with children over 12 are welcome.Accessibility:
There are no facilities for guests with reduced mobility.Open From:
All year round.rooms
Dotted around the tropical gardens, with views out over the rainforest canopy, the tea plantations or over to Koggala Lake, each suite and villa is eclectically furnished in colonial style, with four poster beds, block print fabrics, beautifully curated antiques and artwork. Many have outdoor showers, and eight come with their own private pool. Shady verandas with daybeds and a small library of books encourage very lazy days.
food
With produce straight from the estate gardens and seafood from the ocean just a few miles away, the food at Kahanda Kanda is is both fresh and delicious. Two of the chefs trained in Thailand, and you can taste the influences in many of the dishes. The glass fronted dining pavilion offers fabulous views over the tea estate, and private dining in a quiet spot can easily be organized.
activities
Whether you’re after adventure or more sedate pursuits, Kahanda Kanda is well-placed for both. Set in 12 acres of a private tea estate, there are tours of the plantation and the factory – the tea grown here makes it way to boutique tea houses around the world. Not far away is Lake Koggala, where a gentle cruise for a couple of hours will show you bird sanctuaries, spice islands and Buddhist temples.
For wildlife lovers, there are guided walks in the Kanneliya rainforest, and whale watching off the coast of Mirissa, where, with luck you’ll get to see the mighty blue whale. Or take a day trip to Uda Walawe National Park, home to one of the largest herds of Sri Lankan elephants. Spend the day at Kahanda Kanda’s sister hotel – KK Beach, cycling along the coast or surfing. A day or two in Galle is a must, with its many restaurants and boutique galleries and atmospheric mix of Dutch and Portuguese colonial architecture. Back at the hotel, there are cookery demonstrations, teaching you the secret of Sri Lankan cuisine, and one to one yoga sessions in a quiet pavilion amongst the tea plantation.
family
Kahanda Kanda has quite a grown up vibe, but welcomes families with children over the age of 12. Whilst there are no specific children’s facilities, it’s an ideal spot to relax together. Two of the suites are adjoining, and some of the villas sleep up to three, making them perfect for a family.
Location
Kahanda Kanda
A 10 minute drive inland on the south coast of Sri Lanka – just 15km from Galle.
