Shine Residence

The place was clean, and everyone was friendly and welcoming. Breakfast was excellent.

Shine Residence was a calm, peaceful place, and we were glad we chose it over noisy central Kandy. Our hosts were lovely, and the atmosphere felt welcoming and family-friendly. The room was clean and new, the bedding was very comfortable, and we slept well for two nights. There was a fan, but we didn’t need it because the room stayed comfortable. I would have preferred warmer hot water, as I’m always cold, and we didn’t run into any mosquitoes. We got a fresh avocado juice when we arrived. Breakfasts had plenty of variety, with fresh fruit and Sri Lankan specialties. They arrange laundry by the kilo at a nearby laundromat, which was useful halfway through our trip. They also offered to drop us near the Temple of the Tooth. That worked out well, as we watched the festival through the bars from a great spot with our backs to the lake. The hosts helped us find a driver for the trip from Dambulla through Sigiriya to Anuradhapura, for 9,000 rupees by car. Suranga drove us well and was a good guide. Our tuk-tuk from Kandy train station cost 400 rupees, just make sure to specify Lewela. Another option is the bus from Torrington for 30 rupees. We’d wondered whether to stay in the centre or farther out, and were happy to have the quiet here.

We stayed here for the Safari Park. The price was reasonable, though the place wasn’t very comfortable.