Your stay — Oak Ray
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The Property — Oak Ray
The Oak Ray is a no-frills, family-run hotel that embodies the essence of Kandy's laid-back charm. The lobby's worn wooden accents and bright tropical colours evoke a sense of colonial nostalgia, while the lush greenery outside creates a soothing backdrop for a relaxing stay. This unassuming hotel is perfect for budget-conscious travellers and families seeking a genuine Sri Lankan experience. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by the warm smile of the owner, Mr. Ratnayake, who's always happy to share local insights.
Chronicles of Kandy
Kandy, the last capital of the ancient Kingdom of Sri Lanka, was founded in the 14th century by King Buwanekabahu II. The city's rich history is palpable in its well-preserved architecture, from the iconic Temple of the Tooth to the imposing Kandy Garrison Cemetery. Kandy's cultural identity is deeply rooted in its Buddhist heritage, with the Esala Perahera festival – a UNESCO-recognised event – drawing thousands of devotees and tourists each year. The city's cultural landscape is dotted with museums, art galleries, and performance venues, showcasing the country's vibrant arts scene.
Best Time to Visit
Full Kandy guide →Best months
The best months to visit Kandy are May and June, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average highs around 25°C (77°F), and the crowds are smaller compared to the peak season. July and August are also good options, with minimal rainfall and pleasant temperatures.
Peak / festival surge
August is the peak month for tourism in Kandy, mainly due to the Esala Perahera festival, which attracts a large number of devotees and tourists. Hotel prices tend to be higher during this time, often increasing by 30-50% compared to the shoulder season. The festival is a must-see event, with its vibrant processions, drumming, and traditional dancing.
Budget shoulder season
If you're looking for budget-friendly options, consider visiting Kandy in April or September. These months offer milder weather, fewer crowds, and discounts of up to 20% on hotel rooms.
Weather & packing
Kandy's climate is characterised by two monsoon seasons, with the southwest monsoon bringing rain from May to September and the northeast monsoon from October to February. Be sure to pack lightweight rain gear, including a waterproof jacket and umbrella, to be prepared for sudden rain showers.
Live City Briefing — Kandy
- The Kandy City Tourist Information Centre has launched a new mobile app, providing visitors with interactive maps, tours, and real-time updates on local events and attractions.
- The Kandy Railway Station has undergone renovations, offering improved facilities and services for passengers, including a new waiting area and enhanced security checks.
- The city's popular Udawattakele Forest Reserve has introduced a new guided nature walk programme, allowing visitors to explore the reserve's lush flora and fauna with expert guides.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Oak Ray, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the higher floors (above 3rd floor) for a quieter stay, as the lower floors may experience more street noise from Kandy's busy roads. Additionally, rooms facing the inner courtyard or away from the lift may be less prone to noise disturbance.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the ground floor, especially those near the lift or service entrance, as they may receive more foot traffic and noise from the hotel's operations.
Best views
Since the hotel is located in Kandy, rooms on the higher floors may offer views of the surrounding cityscape, although the views may be partially obstructed by buildings or trees.
Quietest floors
Floors 4-6 are likely to be the quietest, given the hotel's layout and the fact that they are away from the main road and lift.
🔊 Noise notes
Kandy's streets can be busy, especially during peak hours. Be prepared for some noise from the road outside, particularly on the lower floors.
Insider tips
Consider requesting a room with a window facing the inner courtyard for a quieter stay and a glimpse of the hotel's lush greenery. Take a short walk to the nearby Temple of the Tooth, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the surrounding streets to experience Kandy's rich history and culture.
- 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 — Oak Ray
free throughout the hotel, with speeds up to 100 Mbps; no login constraints
serves all floors, but some rooms in the older wing are only accessible via stairs
complimentary digital newsstand through the hotel's PressReader app, with access to The Financial Times and other international newspapers
16:00 to 23:00, early bag-drop available from 08:00; late check-out until 14:00 for LKR 2,000 (approximately USD 11)
available at the front desk, free of charge
step-free access to the main lobby and areas, with wheelchair entries available; some rooms have adapted bathrooms, but not all
on-site parking available for LKR 500 (approximately USD 2.75) per night; nearest public car park is the Kandy Municipal Parking Lot, approximately 5 minutes' walk away, with a cost of LKR 200 (approximately USD 1.10) per hour; no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: LKR 1,000 per night (approximately USD 5.50) for all guests
Deposit & card hold: LKR 2,000 (approximately USD 11) as a deposit at check-in, with an additional LKR 5,000 (approximately USD 27.50) incidental card hold
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Buddhist temple: Dangolla Pirivena (354 m · ~4 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: Sri Sugatha Bimbaramaya (566 m · ~7 min walk)
- Church: St John's Church (679 m · ~8 min walk)
- Church: The Pentecostal Mission (924 m · ~12 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Dangolla Childrens Park — 249 m · ~3 min walk
Gem & Mineral Museum — 809 m · ~10 min walk
Dangolla Ground — 347 m · ~4 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 968 m · ~12 min walk
Royal Mall Pharmacy — 949 m · ~12 min walk
Sarasavi Uyana — 2.3 km · ~29 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Sri Lankan Rupee, LKR
Travellers can change money at banks or currency exchange offices in the city, but be aware that rates at the Bandaranaike International Airport are often poor. It's best to exchange money at a bank or a licensed money changer, such as a branch of Sampath Bank or Pan Asia Bank.
Major credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, are widely accepted in Kandy. Contactless payments are becoming increasingly common, but mobile payments are not as widespread. ATMs are readily available, but be aware that some may charge a withdrawal fee.
Tipping is not expected but is becoming more common in tourist areas. A small amount of 5-10% is sufficient for good service at restaurants and bars. Taxis do not expect a tip, but rounding up the fare or giving a small additional amount is appreciated.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A cup of coffee from a street vendor or a local café typically costs around 100-150 LKR (approximately $0.50-$0.75 USD)
A typical budget lunch option is a plate of hoppers or string hoppers from a street food stall, which costs around 200-300 LKR (approximately $1-$1.50 USD)
A meal at a local eatery or a mid-range restaurant can cost around 800-1,200 LKR (approximately $4-$6 USD) for a main course
The best places to find cheap eats are in the streets around the Temple of the Tooth and in the vicinity of the Kandy Town Hall
Popular supermarkets in the area include Keells and Cargills Food City
Affordable shopping options can be found at the Kandy Market and the nearby clothing markets along the Galkadawala Road
A day pass for the Kandy City Bus Service costs 100 LKR (approximately $0.50 USD), and the cheapest way to get to Kandy from the airport is by taking a bus (approximately 2,500 LKR, or $15 USD)
Avoid eating at touristy restaurants, instead opt for local eateries or street food stalls. Use public transport or walk whenever possible to save on transportation costs. Consider purchasing a local SIM card or portable Wi-Fi hotspot to stay connected without incurring high roaming charges.
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 Oak Ray
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 968 m · ~12 min walk — pharmacy · Royal Mall Pharmacy — 949 m · ~12 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 Oak Ray?
Request a room on the higher floors (above 3rd floor) for a quieter stay, as the lower floors may experience more street noise from Kandy's busy roads. Additionally, rooms facing the inner courtyard or away from the lift may be less prone to noise disturbance.
Which rooms should I avoid at Oak Ray?
Avoid rooms on the ground floor, especially those near the lift or service entrance, as they may receive more foot traffic and noise from the hotel's operations.
Is Oak Ray noisy?
Kandy's streets can be busy, especially during peak hours. Be prepared for some noise from the road outside, particularly on the lower floors.
Which rooms have the best views at Oak Ray?
Since the hotel is located in Kandy, rooms on the higher floors may offer views of the surrounding cityscape, although the views may be partially obstructed by buildings or trees.
What are insider tips for staying at Oak Ray?
Consider requesting a room with a window facing the inner courtyard for a quieter stay and a glimpse of the hotel's lush greenery. Take a short walk to the nearby Temple of the Tooth, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the surrounding streets to experience Kandy's rich history and culture.
What time is check-in at Oak Ray?
Check-in at Oak Ray is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Oak Ray have Wi-Fi?
free throughout the hotel, with speeds up to 100 Mbps; no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Oak Ray?
LKR 1,000 per night (approximately USD 5.50) for all guests
Where can I eat cheaply near Oak Ray?
A typical budget lunch option is a plate of hoppers or string hoppers from a street food stall, which costs around 200-300 LKR (approximately $1-$1.50 USD)
What is the cheapest way to get around from Oak Ray?
A day pass for the Kandy City Bus Service costs 100 LKR (approximately $0.50 USD), and the cheapest way to get to Kandy from the airport is by taking a bus (approximately 2,500 LKR, or $15 USD)
When is the best time to visit Kandy?
The best months to visit Kandy are May and June, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average highs around 25°C (77°F), and the crowds are smaller compared to the peak season. July and August are also good options, with minimal rainfall and pleasant temperatures.
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.