Heritance Kandalama is a legendary five-star hotel situated near Dambulla in central Sri Lanka.
Designed by the renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, the hotel is crafted to blend seamlessly with the surrounding tropical jungle, creating a unique landscape where the buildings appear to dissolve into the natural environment.
DilshanHeritance Kandalama, nestled in the jungle: The hotel’s exterior stretches along the edge of a dense forest cliff, appearing almost concealed by the woodland from a distance. Surrounded by the vast Kandalama Lake and tropical forests, monkeys and wild birds can sometimes be spotted within the resort grounds.
LilyThe appeal lies in being able to immerse oneself in tranquil natural surroundings, yet access is by no means straightforward.
Situated in a remote location far from Sri Lanka’s major cities, with no shops or restaurants within walking distance, it is essential to plan your transport arrangements thoroughly in advance.
This article provides a clear guide on how to get to Heritance Kandalama for those travelling independently from Europe.
This guide details access methods from Colombo city centre and Bandaranaike International Airport (commonly known as Colombo Airport) to hotels, covering journey times, en route conditions, and key safety considerations.
To help you plan your trip with confidence, especially if it’s your first time visiting Sri Lanka, we’ll guide you through the pros and cons of using public transport versus chartering a private taxi. Now, let’s look at the key points for reaching the coveted Heritance Kandalama smoothly.
Location and distance of Heritance Kandalama
Heritance Kandalama is situated at the heart of Sri Lanka’s ‘Cultural Triangle’.
It lies roughly midway between the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Dambulla Cave Temple and Sigiriya Rock, offering excellent access with each attraction approximately 30 to 40 minutes away by car.
Furthermore, the hotel is ideally situated as a base for exploring cultural heritage sites, with major attractions such as the ancient city of Polonnaruwa (approximately 2 hours by car) and the first royal capital of Anuradhapura (approximately 1 hour 45 minutes) all within easy day-trip reach.
RajaThat said, the hotel itself stands quietly in a lakeside forest away from the main town, with little else around it but nature.
It is situated approximately 7 to 10 kilometres from the nearest town, Dambulla city centre, and is not a stop on regular bus routes. Located deep within the jungle, accessible only via a small path branching off the main road, it requires a little ingenuity to reach.
Indeed, when travelling by car from Colombo, the final stretch involves leaving the paved main road and proceeding along an unpaved forest track for about five minutes before reaching the hotel.
Given this secluded location, akin to a hidden gem, many travellers may feel uneasy about the lack of advance information on how to reach Heritance Kandalama.
LilyRest assured, however. There are broadly two ways to reach Heritance Kandalama from Colombo city or the airport.
This chapter provides a detailed explanation of the two methods of travel (using public transport or hiring a private hire vehicle/chartered car), covering their respective characteristics, journey times, and the scenery along the route.
Please use this information to help you select the most suitable means of transport according to your travel style and budget.
Comparing transport options from Colombo city centre and the airport
The distance from Colombo (city centre), the capital of Sri Lanka, or Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo Airport), the main international airport, to Heritance Kandalama is approximately 170 kilometres.
There are broadly two main means of transport available.
- Public transport (bus/rail) + taxi/tuk-tuk transfer
- Chartered taxi/chartered vehicle service (direct route)
Let us examine the approximate time required and the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
Travel time when using public transport:
When travelling from Colombo city centre to the central region by long-distance bus or train, and finally taking a taxi or three-wheeler (tuk-tuk) to the hotel, the journey typically takes 5 to 7 hours or more in total. This journey may require an overnight stop en route and, particularly for first-time travellers, constitutes a lengthy trip demanding considerable time and stamina.
Travel time when using a chartered taxi:
When travelling directly by private vehicle, the journey takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours from the airport and approximately 4.5 to 5 hours from the city centre. This is considerably faster than public transport and requires no transfers.
In terms of cost, public transport is overwhelmingly inexpensive; long-distance buses cost a few hundred Sri Lankan rupees (roughly a few hundred yen), while rail travel also allows you to travel for a few hundred to under a thousand yen.
On the other hand, a private hire taxi costs €60 to €80 (£53 to £70) per vehicle for a single journey (the cost per person decreases if split between passengers). While this is a matter of cost-effectiveness, for those wishing to travel efficiently within a limited itinerary or prioritise safety and comfort, the taxi charter service described below is recommended.
Below, we provide detailed explanations of each mode of transport, touching upon the scenery along the way and safety precautions.
Method ① By public transport (using trains and buses)
LilyThe most economical way to travel is to use public long-distance buses or rail services to reach a point near your destination, then take a taxi or tuk-tuk (three-wheeled taxi) to your hotel.
There is no direct public transport from Colombo city or the airport to the hotel, so several changes will be required. The typical route is as follows:
Route from Colombo city centre
For example, first take the train from Colombo to the ancient city of Kandy (approximately 3 hours).
Stay overnight in Kandy, then travel by bus the following day towards Sigiriya or Dambulla (approximately 2–3 hours). Upon arrival in Sigiriya or Dambulla, arrange a taxi or tuk-tuk locally to take you to your hotel.
Alternatively, take the direct bus to Dambulla from Colombo’s long-distance bus terminal (in the Pettah district, adjacent to Fort Station) and alight at the terminus in Dambulla (journey time approximately 4–5 hours).
From Dambulla, it’s about a 20-minute drive by taxi or tuk-tuk to reach the hotel.
From Bandaranaike International Airport
It is also possible to board long-distance coaches bound for the north-central region directly from the town of Negombo near the airport or from the vicinity of the airport taxi stand.
For instance, if you can catch a coach to Anuradhapura or Dambulla departing from the airport, you can proceed directly to your destination without having to go into Colombo city centre.
RajaHowever, as the number of services is not particularly high, if the timing does not suit you, you will need to travel into Colombo city centre to change buses.
Furthermore, travelling by bus with large luggage is quite a challenge, and it is advisable to avoid using long-distance buses at night. Bus services in Sri Lanka become less frequent late at night, and from a safety perspective, waiting at bus stops in the dead of night is not recommended.
Advantages
This allows for significant savings on travel costs and makes it easy to incorporate stops at famous tourist destinations along the way.
For instance, by making stops to explore places like Candy or Sigiriya along the way, you can enjoy the journey itself as part of the travel experience. This approach would suit backpacker-minded travellers who wish to savour the journey itself.
Disadvantages
The greatest drawback remains the inconvenience and time-consuming nature of the journey. Particularly on routes involving transfers between rail and bus services, the total travel time is lengthy, and it is not uncommon for an overnight stay to be necessary en route.
DilshanIn addition to multiple transfers, waiting times at bus stops and stations, and navigating unfamiliar routes can also place significant physical and mental strain on travellers.
If you have an even larger suitcase, you’ll find it difficult to move around in a crowded bus and will need to keep a close eye on your valuables.
Tuk-tuks are a convenient means of transport, but being small and open-air vehicles, they are unsuitable for long-distance travel.
For short distances such as between Dambulla and the hotel, there is no issue. However, travelling for hours on main roads at motorway-like speeds is dangerous and impractical. As outlined above, the reality of travelling by public transport is that while it is inexpensive, it is also arduous.
Places to stop off along the way
Should you travel by public transport from Colombo towards Dambulla, you will witness Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes along the way.
Leaving the Colombo suburbs behind, tropical countryside soon unfolds, with palm trees and green paddy fields flowing past the train window.
LilyIn the town of Kurunegala, which you pass through en route, the white Buddha statue (Bahirawakanda Buddha) enthroned atop a large rock mountain can sometimes be seen from afar, offering a brief sightseeing opportunity from within the carriage.
Further north, the arid jungle increases, with monkeys occasionally appearing among the roadside trees.
While the bus journey is by no means comfortable, observing the changing scenery while soaking up the local atmosphere makes for a valuable experience.
Safety precautions
Long-distance buses and trains in Sri Lanka are generally safe, but beware of pickpockets and bag snatchers. Keep large luggage within your line of sight and keep valuables on your person.
Please prioritise your safety above all else, avoiding travel at night in particular. Should you find yourself travelling late, use a reputable taxi service.
Furthermore, when taking a taxi or tuk-tuk to your hotel after alighting, always negotiate the fare on the spot and only board once you are satisfied with the price (be wary of late-night surcharges, etc.).
If you’re feeling anxious as a first-time visitor, drivers waiting for passengers can be found at bus stops such as Dambulla. Simply tell them the name of your hotel in English and negotiate the fare; it should be fine.
That said, overall, travelling by public transport plus local taxis is not particularly recommended for anyone other than seasoned travellers with considerable experience. If you are visiting on a short holiday, it is worth considering the more comfortable options described below, even if they cost a little more.
Method ②: When travelling by chartered taxi (chartered vehicle)
The simplest and most reliable option is to take a chartered taxi directly to your hotel.
Upon arrival at the airport arrivals hall, you will be met by your driver. Simply board the vehicle, and you can relax while being driven directly to your hotel.
Once you’re on board, there are no transfers whatsoever; the convenience and time savings of being taken door-to-door to your destination are major attractions.
RajaParticularly when arriving at Colombo Airport late at night, as this necessitates travelling long distances along dark roads, chartering a vehicle is the safest option.
LilyAs mentioned earlier, travelling directly by car from Colombo Airport takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, while the journey from Colombo city centre takes around 4.5 to 5 hours. You can stop for toilet breaks and light refreshments along the way, but even so, half a day is sufficient to reach your destination.
DilshanThe driver is a professional with thorough knowledge of the roads, making it vastly more efficient than travellers unfamiliar with the area attempting to transfer independently.
The Benefits of Hiring a Taxi
The benefits of utilising a chartered taxi are as follows:
Comfort and flexibility Travel in air-conditioned comfort, with all your luggage safely stowed in the boot, allowing you to proceed with your itinerary without worry. By chartering a car for the day, you can also stop off wherever you like along the way. For instance, you could arrange a flexible plan with your driver to visit the Dambulla Cave Temple or Sigiriya Rock en route before heading to your hotel. This is an ideal way to make the most of your limited holiday time.
Safety and peace of mind
With a car and a reliable driver, concerns about safety are greatly reduced. You’ll be free from the anxiety of waiting for a bus late at night in unfamiliar surroundings or feeling lost when changing transport.
Using a charter company such as Lanka Mee, operated by our LankaMe, provides English-language support from the booking stage onwards, making it reassuring even for first-time users.
Staff holding name boards will greet you in the arrivals hall and escort you directly to the hotel, so there is no need to worry about whether you will actually make it there.
Discounted for multiple passengers
As the hire charge is per vehicle, the cost per person decreases with more passengers. For instance, sharing between two or three people makes it no more expensive than arranging long-distance coaches and taxis separately. For group or family trips, chartering is definitely the better value option. When travelling with a lot of luggage, selecting a larger wagon-type vehicle allows everyone and their belongings to be transported smoothly in one go.
Disadvantages
The only drawback is the cost, but this is a reasonable expense when considering the benefits of service quality and reduced travel time.
By chartering the entire itinerary with us, you can hire a sedan type vehicle for €60 to €80 (including tax) per day (£53 to £70). The longer the charter period, the lower the rate becomes.
DilshanFor three people travelling together, you can charter a boat for around €20 to €26 (£18 to £23) per person per day!
Scenery along the way
Whilst travelling in a private hire taxi, you can enjoy Sri Lanka’s diverse scenery from the window. The vehicle will travel steadily north-east along the motorway or main roads.
After leaving Colombo and travelling through the city’s outskirts for a while, the route then winds through lush countryside and palm groves. Along the way, if you ask the driver, you can enjoy little pleasures such as sampling tropical fruits at roadside stalls or sipping Ceylon tea at rest stops.
LilyThe driver may offer commentary on the scenery visible from the vehicle, allowing you to enjoy the journey with the feel of a private tour.
As you approach the vicinity of Dambulla, the golden Buddha statue and rock mountain of the colossal ‘Golden Temple’ (Temple of the Sacred Tooth) come into view. Then, for the final few kilometres, you enter a narrow lane through the forest, where the sounds of wild birds and insects can be heard. When the surface of Kandaram Lake catches your eye between the trees, you know you’re almost at Heritance Kandaram.
By consulting in English while arranging a dedicated car charter tailored to your itinerary, you can instantly eliminate any travel concerns.
For those unfamiliar with travelling or wishing to make the most of their time, it would be wise to entrust the journey to a professional driver rather than insist on using public transport.
Summary: For a comfortable journey to Heritance Kandalama
We have outlined how to reach Heritance Kandalama, one of Sri Lanka’s premier resort hotels, comparing access routes from both Colombo city centre and the airport. To recap the key points:
- Public transport routes: While inexpensive, these involve multiple transfers and lengthy journey times, making them suitable for those with ample stamina and time. They offer a valuable experience for backpackers wishing to make sightseeing stops en route, but present a significant challenge for first-time independent travellers prioritising safety and reliability. Particular care should be taken to avoid using them at night or whilst carrying bulky luggage.
- Chartered Taxi Route: Whilst incurring a cost, this is the quickest and most comfortable way to reach your hotel. Offering door-to-door service, it eliminates the stress of transfers and provides peace of mind even for late-night arrivals. Sharing the cost among several passengers reduces the individual expense, making it ideal for efficient sightseeing tours.
Above all, to fully enjoy your stay at Heritance Kandalama itself, it is important not to overdo the travelling to and from the resort. It would be a shame to have too much of your limited holiday time taken up by travel, wouldn’t it?
Even if it feels a little extravagant, we recommend using a comfortable chartered taxi for a smooth journey to your hotel, allowing you to fully enjoy the spectacular resort from the very day you arrive.
Your stay at Heritance Kandalama, surrounded by majestic nature, is sure to be an experience beyond your expectations. Please choose a safe and comfortable means of access to enjoy a memorable time at this coveted jungle resort.
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