Airavata Boutique Resort

We paid USD 200 a night for somewhere that felt more like an overpriced BNB than a hotel or resort. It’s quite far from Kandy town, about a 45-minute drive in traffic. Finding it on arrival was a real hassle: the road was narrow, dark, and hard to make out, and we got lost. We tried calling for directions but waited a long time before anyone picked up. The man who finally answered sent us the wrong way, though we did eventually find the place about 20 minutes later. The welcome was okay, but after our long journey we were tired. The room was spacious, which was the one real plus. The main building felt like a house turned into a lodge, and the owner we met was a woman whose manner I found a bit unsettling. There wasn’t a choice of meals or drinks. It seemed as if food had been cooked ahead and kept ready, with the same item served to everyone. Our waiter, PRADEAP, didn’t seem to know much about what he was offering, and his English was poor. Beer cost 850 srilankan rupees, far more than at the good hotels we stayed in around Sri Lanka. The meals also felt overpriced for the portions and what was served. Transport prices were another problem. When we asked about a taxi to nuwaraeliya, the receptionist quoted 14500 srilankan rupees, twice what we found elsewhere, and we got a taxi for 8000 srilankan rupees. For a tuk tuk to Kandy town, only 5 KM away, they quoted 1000 srilanakan rupees. Outside the hotel we found one for 350 rupees. It looks to me like staff may be taking a commission on each ride. Be careful about the fares they offer.

The people were the best part, and breakfast was great. The rooms were clean and pleasant, and the spot near Kandy was quiet. 10/10, I'd stay here again.

You’ll need transport to get here and around. The family who runs the hotel is attentive, and it offers residents some privacy. Rooms are spacious and well kept, and the pool was clean. Prices seemed fair in the hot season, though the food was too expensive.

A peaceful, homely spot in Kandy, Sri Lanka where you can properly unwind and recharge. I’d definitely recommend it for a quiet family holiday.