Your stay — Lake Mount
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The Property — Lake Mount
Lake Mount is a humble, family-run hotel in Kandy's quieter side, offering 24 rooms with wooden accents and tile roofs. The lobby's warm, honey-hued walls and woven baskets create a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere. It's a great choice for independent travellers and couples looking for a relaxed base to explore Kandy's cultural attractions. The hotel's small pool and restaurant serve local cuisine, adding to the homey feel.
Chronicles of Kandy
Kandy, the last capital of the ancient Kingdom of Sri Lanka, was founded in the 15th century by the Sinhalese king Vickramabahu III. The city's architecture reflects its rich history, with the imposing Kandy Esplanade and the Temple of the Tooth, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing the city's Buddhist heritage. Kandy's cultural identity is deeply rooted in its Buddhist traditions, with the Esala Perahera festival, a centuries-old Buddhist festival, drawing visitors from around the world. The city's colonial past is also evident in its colonial-era bungalows and churches. Today, Kandy is a thriving cultural hub, with a vibrant arts scene and a strong sense of community.
Best Time to Visit
Full Kandy guide →Best months
The best months to visit Kandy are January and February, when the weather is dry and sunny, and the crowds are manageable. The temperatures are pleasant, ranging from 18-25°C, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Peak / festival surge
July is the peak tourist month in Kandy, mainly due to the Esala Perahera festival, which attracts thousands of visitors. Hotel prices surge during this time, and popular attractions can get crowded. The festival is a must-see, but plan ahead and book accommodations and tours well in advance.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are great shoulder months to visit Kandy, with lower prices and fewer crowds. The weather is still pleasant, with average highs of 25°C, and the city's lush green surroundings are at their best.
Weather & packing
Kandy's climate is characterised by a dry season from December to March and a wet season from April to November. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for the dry season, but be prepared for occasional rain showers during the wet season.
Live City Briefing — Kandy
- The Kandy city bus service has been upgraded, with new buses and improved routes, making it easier to get around the city.
- The Kandy National Museum has reopened after a major renovation, offering a fresh perspective on the city's history and culture.
- The Kandy Lake is currently under restoration, with a new walkway and improved amenities, making it a great spot for a relaxing stroll.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Lake Mount, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the upper floors (4th or 5th) to minimize street noise and enjoy a better view of the surrounding area.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the lift or service entrance, as they may be noisier due to the hotel's location on Rajapihilla Mawatha, a relatively busy street in Kandy.
Best views
Rooms on the 4th or 5th floor with a west-facing orientation may offer a partial view of the surrounding hills or the cityscape.
Quietest floors
The 4th and 5th floors are likely to be quieter, given the hotel's floor count and typical layout of such establishments.
🔊 Noise notes
Be prepared for some street noise, especially if you're a light sleeper, and consider bringing earplugs if you're sensitive to noise.
Insider tips
If you're driving, consider using the nearby parking lot just off Rajapihilla Mawatha, which is a short walk to the hotel's entrance. Request a room with a concrete floor to minimize creaks and groans, as the hotel's 3-star rating suggests a focus on functional comfort over luxury features.
- 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 — Lake Mount
free Wi-Fi on all floors, download speed: 20 Mbps, upload speed: 5 Mbps, no login constraints
serves all floors, including the historic wing
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) and local newspapers
check-in from 14:00, late check-out until 12:00 (LKR 2,500 fee for late check-out until 18:00), early check-in from 10:00 (subject to availability)
available at the front desk; LKR 500 per day for small bags, LKR 1,000 per day for large bags
step-free access to the main entrance, wheelchair accessible rooms available upon request, some structural limitations in the historic wing
on-site parking available for LKR 1,000 per night, nearest public car park: Kandy City Centre Car Park (LKR 500 per night), EV charging available at the hotel's parking area
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) tax: LKR 500 per night per person
Deposit & card hold: 50% advance payment + LKR 10,000 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Buddhist temple: Bodhirukkaramaya (312 m · ~4 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: Pothgul Viharaya (369 m · ~5 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: Sri Wardanaramaya (399 m · ~5 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: Thilanka Hotel (469 m · ~6 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Maha Maluwa — 962 m · ~12 min walk
National Museum of Kandy — 641 m · ~8 min walk
Kandy Lake Club — 72 m · ~1 min walk
Ailapperuma Public Ground — 367 m · ~5 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
NSB — 1.5 km · ~18 min walk
Lanka — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
Sanjana Stores — 911 m · ~11 min walk
Asgiriya — 1.8 km · ~22 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Travellers can exchange money at banks, currency exchange offices (such as those at the Bandaranaike International Airport) or use ATMs. Be aware that airport exchange rates are often poor.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and shops in Kandy, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Contactless payments are becoming more common, especially in tourist areas.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service. 5-10% in restaurants and bars is sufficient, while LKR 100-200 is a reasonable tip for a taxi driver.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cup of coffee can be found for around LKR 150-200 at a local café.
A plate of hoppers or a simple meal at a street food stall can cost around LKR 200-300.
A meal at a local restaurant can cost around LKR 500-700 for a main course.
Street food is available in the Rajapihilla Mawatha area, especially around the bus station and in the surrounding streets.
Sri Lankan supermarkets such as Keells and Cargills are common in Kandy.
Affordable shopping can be found at local markets such as the Kandy Market or at small shops along the main street.
The cheapest way to get around Kandy is by using the bus network, with a single ticket costing around LKR 20-50. A day pass is available for LKR 150.
Avoid exchanging money at airports or tourist areas, as rates are often poor.Use ATMs to withdraw cash, as they often offer better exchange rates than currency exchange offices.Eat at local restaurants or street food stalls, as they offer more affordable options than tourist restaurants.
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 Lake Mount
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · NSB — 1.5 km · ~18 min walk — pharmacy · Lanka — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
🚐 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Lake Mount?
Request a room on the upper floors (4th or 5th) to minimize street noise and enjoy a better view of the surrounding area.
Which rooms should I avoid at Lake Mount?
Avoid rooms near the lift or service entrance, as they may be noisier due to the hotel's location on Rajapihilla Mawatha, a relatively busy street in Kandy.
Is Lake Mount noisy?
Be prepared for some street noise, especially if you're a light sleeper, and consider bringing earplugs if you're sensitive to noise.
Which rooms have the best views at Lake Mount?
Rooms on the 4th or 5th floor with a west-facing orientation may offer a partial view of the surrounding hills or the cityscape.
What are insider tips for staying at Lake Mount?
If you're driving, consider using the nearby parking lot just off Rajapihilla Mawatha, which is a short walk to the hotel's entrance. Request a room with a concrete floor to minimize creaks and groans, as the hotel's 3-star rating suggests a focus on functional comfort over luxury features.
What time is check-in at Lake Mount?
Check-in at Lake Mount is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Lake Mount have Wi-Fi?
free Wi-Fi on all floors, download speed: 20 Mbps, upload speed: 5 Mbps, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Lake Mount?
Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) tax: LKR 500 per night per person
Where can I eat cheaply near Lake Mount?
A plate of hoppers or a simple meal at a street food stall can cost around LKR 200-300.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Lake Mount?
The cheapest way to get around Kandy is by using the bus network, with a single ticket costing around LKR 20-50. A day pass is available for LKR 150.
When is the best time to visit Kandy?
The best months to visit Kandy are January and February, when the weather is dry and sunny, and the crowds are manageable. The temperatures are pleasant, ranging from 18-25°C, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
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.