Your stay — Malwatta Pilgrims Rest
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Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Malwatta Pilgrims Rest, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request rooms on the higher floors (above 3rd floor) for a quieter stay, as the hotel's proximity to Sangaraja Mawatha means that lower floors may be more susceptible to street noise.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the lift (elevator) on lower floors, as guests and staff may be more frequent, potentially disrupting a peaceful stay.
Best views
Rooms facing the rear of the hotel may offer a view of the surrounding buildings and cityscape, while rooms on the front may overlook Sangaraja Mawatha.
Quietest floors
3rd floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise from Sangaraja Mawatha, occasional noise from the hotel's service entrance, and possible noise from the lift, especially on lower floors.
Insider tips
Request a room with a balcony for a better view and some fresh air. Be aware that the hotel's 3-star rating suggests that rooms may be smaller compared to higher-end hotels in the area, so consider requesting a room with extra space if possible.
- 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 — Malwatta Pilgrims Rest
free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel; speeds up to 100 Mbps; no login constraints
serves all floors; historic sections of the hotel have stairs-only access
complimentary digital newsstand via PressReader; physical papers available on request
24/7 check-in; early bag-drop available from 08:00; late check-out until 14:00 available for Rs. 2,000
available for guests arriving early or departing late; Rs. 500 per bag per day
step-free access; wheelchair-accessible entries and rooms available; some structural limitations in historic areas
on-site parking available; Rs. 1,500 per night; nearest public car park at Sri Dalada Vidiya Temple (Rs. 1,000 per night); EV charging available on request
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: Rs. 200 per night per person (applicable only on weekdays)
Deposit & card hold: Rs. 5,000 advance deposit + Rs. 10,000 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Buddhist temple: Malwathu Maha Viharaya (419 m · ~5 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: Nagawimanakanda Temple (423 m · ~5 min walk)
- Place of worship: Sirimalwatta Temple (424 m · ~5 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: Thibbatuwawa Temple (488 m · ~6 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Mall — 2.3 km · ~28 min walk
Royal Palace Park — 839 m · ~10 min walk
National Museum of Kandy — 894 m · ~11 min walk
Kandyan Art Association — 705 m · ~9 min walk
Mahamaya College Ground — 630 m · ~8 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 1.3 km · ~16 min walk
Lanka — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
Reebok — 1.1 km · ~13 min walk
Central Bus Station — 1.3 km · ~16 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Sri Lankan Rupee, LKR
Currency exchange at Bandaranaike International Airport can be expensive, consider changing money at a local bank or a licensed money changer in town. You can also use ATMs to withdraw LKR with your debit/credit card.
Major credit cards and debit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Kandy. Contactless payments are not as common, but mobile payments like eZ Cash and LankaQR are widely accepted.
Tipping is not expected but rounding up the bill or leaving 100-200 LKR is sufficient for good service. For hotel staff, 100-200 LKR per bag is a reasonable tip for porters.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →You can find a cup of coffee for around 100-150 LKR at a local cafe or street stall.
Street food stalls and hawker centers offer affordable options like rice and curry for around 200-300 LKR.
A budget-friendly dinner option is a traditional Sri Lankan meal at a local restaurant for around 500-700 LKR.
The area around Sangaraja Mawatha has a variety of street food options, including popular hawker centers and night markets.
Cargills Food City and Keells Super are common supermarket chains in Kandy with multiple branches in the area.
Local markets like the Kandy Market and the Cinnamon Gardens Market offer affordable shopping for clothing and souvenirs.
The cheapest way to get around Kandy is by using the city bus service, which costs around 30-50 LKR per ride. A day pass costs around 150 LKR.
Avoid exchanging money at the airport, use ATMs instead. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for affordable data and calls. Use public transportation instead of taxis or tuk-tuks for shorter distances.
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 Malwatta Pilgrims Rest
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 1.3 km · ~16 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 Malwatta Pilgrims Rest?
Request rooms on the higher floors (above 3rd floor) for a quieter stay, as the hotel's proximity to Sangaraja Mawatha means that lower floors may be more susceptible to street noise.
Which rooms should I avoid at Malwatta Pilgrims Rest?
Avoid rooms near the lift (elevator) on lower floors, as guests and staff may be more frequent, potentially disrupting a peaceful stay.
Is Malwatta Pilgrims Rest noisy?
Street noise from Sangaraja Mawatha, occasional noise from the hotel's service entrance, and possible noise from the lift, especially on lower floors.
Which rooms have the best views at Malwatta Pilgrims Rest?
Rooms facing the rear of the hotel may offer a view of the surrounding buildings and cityscape, while rooms on the front may overlook Sangaraja Mawatha.
What are insider tips for staying at Malwatta Pilgrims Rest?
Request a room with a balcony for a better view and some fresh air. Be aware that the hotel's 3-star rating suggests that rooms may be smaller compared to higher-end hotels in the area, so consider requesting a room with extra space if possible.
What time is check-in at Malwatta Pilgrims Rest?
Check-in at Malwatta Pilgrims Rest is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Malwatta Pilgrims Rest have Wi-Fi?
free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel; speeds up to 100 Mbps; no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Malwatta Pilgrims Rest?
Rs. 200 per night per person (applicable only on weekdays)
Where can I eat cheaply near Malwatta Pilgrims Rest?
Street food stalls and hawker centers offer affordable options like rice and curry for around 200-300 LKR.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Malwatta Pilgrims Rest?
The cheapest way to get around Kandy is by using the city bus service, which costs around 30-50 LKR per ride. A day pass costs around 150 LKR.
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.