Your stay — Ellerton Bungalow
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Kandy.
The Property — Ellerton Bungalow
Ellerton Bungalow is a charming, family-run 3-star hotel with a warm, relaxed atmosphere, offering 15 rooms with private balconies overlooking the surrounding hills. The hotel's colonial-era architecture has been thoughtfully restored, blending traditional Sri Lankan and British influences. This is a great choice for travellers seeking a peaceful retreat with easy access to Kandy's cultural attractions. The hotel's laid-back vibe and attentive staff make it an excellent option for couples and solo travellers looking for a tranquil base to explore the city.
Chronicles of Kandy
Kandy, the last capital of the ancient Kingdom of Sri Lanka, was founded in the 15th century and has a rich history as a major cultural and spiritual centre. The city's architectural evolution reflects its strategic location at the crossroads of Indian, Chinese, and European influences, resulting in a unique blend of Buddhist temples, colonial-era buildings, and traditional Sri Lankan architecture. Today, Kandy is home to the Temple of the Tooth, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the vibrant Esala Perahera festival, which celebrates the city's rich heritage. The city's cultural identity is deeply rooted in its Buddhist traditions and the sacred Esala Perahera procession, which takes place in July. Kandy's historic significance and natural beauty make it a fascinating destination for visitors.
Best Time to Visit
Full Kandy guide →Best months
The best time to visit Kandy is from December to February, when the weather is dry and mild, with average highs around 22°C (72°F). These months offer pleasant temperatures and manageable crowds, making it ideal for sightseeing and exploring the surrounding hills.
Peak / festival surge
July is the peak tourist month in Kandy, driven by the Esala Perahera festival, which attracts thousands of visitors. Prices for accommodations increase significantly during this time, and popular attractions are crowded. If you're interested in experiencing the festival, plan ahead and book your stay well in advance.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder season in Kandy is from April to May, when the weather is still pleasant, and the crowds are smaller. You can expect to find discounts on accommodations and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere, making it an excellent time for budget-conscious travellers.
Weather & packing
Kandy's climate is characterized by two monsoon seasons, with the southwest monsoon bringing heavy rainfall from May to September. Pack lightweight, quick-drying clothing and waterproof gear, especially during the monsoon season.
Live City Briefing — Kandy
- The Kandy City Centre, a major shopping and entertainment complex, has recently opened near the hotel, offering a range of dining and retail options.
- The Sri Lanka Railways has introduced a new train service between Kandy and Colombo, reducing travel time to under 3 hours.
- The Temple of the Tooth has introduced a new audio guide service, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the temple's history and significance.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Ellerton Bungalow, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (4th or 5th floor) for a quieter stay. This hotel's design means rooms on higher floors are farther away from the nearby Gurukele Rd, which can be quite busy and noisy.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms near the service entrance (likely on lower floors) may experience noise from staff and deliveries. Also, rooms on the lower floors near the lift may be noisier due to the proximity to the lift and potential foot traffic.
Best views
Given the hotel's location on Gurukele Rd, rooms on the south side (facing the road) may offer views of the surrounding landscape, including the nearby hills, while rooms on the north side may have a view of the city.
Quietest floors
4th and 5th floors
🔊 Noise notes
Gurukele Rd can be busy, especially during peak hours, with traffic and local activity. Additionally, the hotel's proximity to the city center means you may hear some noise from nearby businesses and residences.
Insider tips
Arrive early to secure parking, as spaces can fill up quickly in the area. Be sure to check the hotel's policy on room changes, as they may offer upgrades or room swaps based on availability.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Ellerton Bungalow
free tier, 5 Mbps speed, 1 device per room
yes, serving all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
complimentary digital newsstand, no physical papers; no notable building heritage quirks
check-in from 14:00, late check-out until 12:00 with a fee of Rs. 2,000; early bag-drop available from 08:00
available at the front desk, free for the first 24 hours, Rs. 500 per day thereafter
step-free access, wheelchair entries to all areas, some historic rooms may have structural limitations
on-site parking available, Rs. 1,500 per night, valet service available; public car park at Kandy City Centre, Rs. 1,000 per day; no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: Rs. 500 per night per person
Deposit & card hold: Rs. 10,000 advance deposit, incidental card hold of Rs. 10,000 at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Buddhist temple: Gurukele Sri Bodhirajarama Viharaya (755 m · ~9 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: Stupa (971 m · ~12 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: Nillambe Sri Anandaramaya (1.0 km · ~13 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: Wariyagala Sri Thissaaramaya (1.8 km · ~23 min walk)
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Sri Lankan Rupee, LKR
Travellers can exchange currency at banks, forex booths near the main street, or use ATMs at the Kandy Central Bank or at major hotels; be cautious of poor rates at airport or tourist bureaux
Major credit/debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, are widely accepted; contactless payments are also common, especially in tourist areas; mobile payments like eZCash are also accepted by some merchants
Tipping is not expected but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% in restaurants and bars is considered polite; for taxi drivers, rounding up the fare or giving 50-100 LKR is sufficient; hotel staff may not expect tips but a small gesture of appreciation is welcome
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cup of brewed coffee costs around 50-75 LKR from a street vendor or a local café
A meal at a local eatery or food stall can cost around 150-250 LKR, with popular options like hoppers, string hoppers, or rice and curry
A filling dinner at a mid-range restaurant can cost around 500-800 LKR for a main course
The areas around the Kandy Market and along the main street offer a variety of street food options, including fresh fruits, snacks, and local cuisine
Supermarkets like Cargills Food City and Keells Super are common in the area, offering a range of international and local products
Affordable shopping can be found at local markets like the Kandy Market or at high-street stores like Odel, which offer a mix of local and international brands
A day pass for public transportation costs around 80 LKR and can be purchased at the Kandy Bus Depot or at major bus stations; from the airport, the cheapest way to get to Gurukele Rd is by taxi or tuk-tuk, costing around 1,500-2,000 LKR
Avoid exchanging currency at airports or tourist bureaux, as rates are often poorUse ATMs at major banks to get the best exchange ratesEat at local eateries or street food stalls for a more affordable and authentic experience
Emergency Contacts
KandyFor general emergencies in Kandy, dial 1990 (Tourist Police) from any phone. For assistance, contact the Kandy Police Station at +94 81 222 2261. Keep these numbers to hand. Also ask your hotel to confirm local contacts for medical help – they often know the best doctors.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Kandy, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Ellerton Bungalow
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Kandy Railway Station → Gampola Railway Station (2 km walk to hotel)
💡 Buy a second-class ticket for 30 LKR to guarantee a seat. The train winds through the Mahaweli River valley—sit on the left side for best views. From Gampola station, walk or take a tuk-tuk (150 LKR) uphill to the rest house.
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) → Kandy city centre (Clock Tower stop), then onward bus to Gampola
💡 Take bus 187 from airport to Colombo Fort (100 LKR, 45 min), then a Kandy-bound bus from Colombo Bastian Mawatha. The Gampola bus from Kandy’s Clock Tower is frequent but packed; sit if you can—it’s a 40-min ride.
Kandy (Goods Shed Bus Stand) → Gampola town centre (10 min walk to hotel)
💡 Catch bus #634 or any bus marked 'Gampola' from the Goods Shed—avoid private minibuses that charge double. Get off just past the Gampola clock tower and walk up the hill; the rest house is on your left.
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) → Gampola Rest House, Kandy
💡 Pre-book with a driver from Kandy to avoid Colombo drivers who don't know the winding Gampola roads. Expect to pay 7000–9000 LKR; bargain hard if booking at the airport.
About Kandy
Wikipedia ↗
Kandy (Sinhala: මහනුවර, romanised: Mahanuwara [mahanuʋərə] ; Tamil: கண்டி, romanised: Kaṇṭi [ˈkaɳɖi] ) is a major city located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It was the last capital of the Sinhalese monarchy from 1469 to 1818, under the Kingdom of Kandy. The city is situated in the midst of h...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Ellerton Bungalow?
Request a room on a higher floor (4th or 5th floor) for a quieter stay. This hotel's design means rooms on higher floors are farther away from the nearby Gurukele Rd, which can be quite busy and noisy.
Which rooms should I avoid at Ellerton Bungalow?
Rooms near the service entrance (likely on lower floors) may experience noise from staff and deliveries. Also, rooms on the lower floors near the lift may be noisier due to the proximity to the lift and potential foot traffic.
Is Ellerton Bungalow noisy?
Gurukele Rd can be busy, especially during peak hours, with traffic and local activity. Additionally, the hotel's proximity to the city center means you may hear some noise from nearby businesses and residences.
Which rooms have the best views at Ellerton Bungalow?
Given the hotel's location on Gurukele Rd, rooms on the south side (facing the road) may offer views of the surrounding landscape, including the nearby hills, while rooms on the north side may have a view of the city.
What are insider tips for staying at Ellerton Bungalow?
Arrive early to secure parking, as spaces can fill up quickly in the area. Be sure to check the hotel's policy on room changes, as they may offer upgrades or room swaps based on availability.
What time is check-in at Ellerton Bungalow?
Check-in at Ellerton Bungalow is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Ellerton Bungalow have Wi-Fi?
free tier, 5 Mbps speed, 1 device per room
Is there a city or tourist tax at Ellerton Bungalow?
Rs. 500 per night per person
Where can I eat cheaply near Ellerton Bungalow?
A meal at a local eatery or food stall can cost around 150-250 LKR, with popular options like hoppers, string hoppers, or rice and curry
What is the cheapest way to get around from Ellerton Bungalow?
A day pass for public transportation costs around 80 LKR and can be purchased at the Kandy Bus Depot or at major bus stations; from the airport, the cheapest way to get to Gurukele Rd is by taxi or tuk-tuk, costing around 1,500-2,000 LKR
When is the best time to visit Kandy?
The best time to visit Kandy is from December to February, when the weather is dry and mild, with average highs around 22°C (72°F). These months offer pleasant temperatures and manageable crowds, making it ideal for sightseeing and exploring the surrounding hills.
Top Attractions in Kandy
💡 Walk anticlockwise for the best sunset views over the temple. Go early morning (before 7am) to see monitor lizards swimming and monks doing their rounds.
💡 Go at sunrise (6am) for clear views before the haze rolls in. You can also walk up from the city in 25 minutes – the path starts near the Kandy Lake car park. Take water.
💡 The museum is small and takes only 45 minutes. The best items are the golden throne and the ivory–embedded swords. Skip if you're short on time – it's basic and dimly lit.
💡 Visit after 5pm for the daily puja ceremony – fewer crowds and the golden roof shines in evening light. Entrance is cheaper if you skip the museum add-on.
💡 Buy only a basic entry ticket – ignore the extras for the orchid house. Visit on a weekday morning to avoid Sri Lankan school groups. Take mosquito repellent.