Amaya Hills

Amaya Hills is an impressive resort complex located on picturesque slopes in the city of Kandy. This place is famous not only for its comfort but also for its unique architecture, inspired by the traditional design of the palaces of the ancient Kandyan Kingdom. The hotel seems to float above the city, offering guests seclusion surrounded by lush tropical forests and the majestic Hanthana mountains.

For tourists visiting Sri Lanka, this property is interesting as an example of a harmonious combination of cultural heritage and natural beauty. The interiors are decorated with traditional wood carvings, national ornaments, and antique elements, turning a walk through the corridors into a small excursion.

Breathtaking panoramic views of the valley open up from the terraces, making this place an ideal spot for watching sunsets and observing nature from a bird's-eye view.

To conveniently plan your visit or book accommodation, please use the following contact details. It is recommended to check availability in advance, especially during the high tourist season.

The main reason to visit Amaya Hills is the incredible panoramic views. Guests can spend time by the outdoor pool, the edge of which visually blends with the horizon and the surrounding mountains. This is an ideal location for photo shoots and peaceful contemplation of nature, especially in the morning hours when the hills are shrouded in a light mist.

Relaxation lovers should visit the local spa center, specializing in traditional Ayurvedic treatments. Here, they offer massages using healing herbal oils, which help restore energy after long excursions around the island.

Gourmets will appreciate the opportunity to taste authentic Sri Lankan cuisine at the hotel restaurant. Themed dinners with cultural shows are often held here, where you can see traditional Kandyan dances and drummer performances without leaving the resort grounds.

For active travelers, the hotel can serve as a starting point for hiking in the surrounding hills (trekking in the Hanthana mountains), where you can observe exotic birds and enjoy the silence of the tropical forest.

The best way to get to Amaya Hills, located on high ground in the Herrassagala area, is by private transport. Since the hotel is located away from the noisy center, walking with suitcases would be difficult due to the steep climb and winding road.

The most popular and affordable method is to hire a tuk-tuk or taxi from the city center. The trip from the railway station or the lake will take about 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. Drivers know this place well, as it is one of the region's landmarks. If you are traveling by rental car, follow the GPS towards the Hanthana mountain range; parking is provided on the complex grounds.

The history of Amaya Hills' creation is closely intertwined with the cultural heritage of the region. The architectural concept of the resort was developed as a tribute to the island's last kingdom — the Kingdom of Kandy. The building is designed in the style of a traditional palace so that guests can feel like part of the royal court of past centuries.

Elements of Kandyan art are actively used in the interiors and exterior appearance of the complex. Here you can see characteristic carved wooden columns, traditional ceiling paintings, and motifs resembling the decoration of the Temple of the Tooth Relic. The designers aimed not just to build a hotel, but to recreate the atmosphere of an aristocratic "Walauwa" manor.

It is interesting that the location was not chosen by chance. The Herrassagala hills were historically considered a place of power and seclusion, offering a strategic view of the surroundings. Today, this allows tourists to enjoy the same panoramic views that local rulers once contemplated.

If you are considering Amaya Hills solely as an attraction to visit (for example, for lunch or dinner with a panoramic view), then you will need approximately 2–3 hours. This time is enough to enjoy the architecture, take beautiful photos, and have lunch at the restaurant.

However, to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of relaxation, visit the spa center, and watch the sunset over the Hanthana mountains, it is recommended to stay here for at least one night. This will allow you to explore the grounds at a leisurely pace and experience the changing colors of nature at different times of the day.

The Amaya Hills complex operates around the clock, seven days a week (Monday — Sunday: Open 24 hours). This applies to the front desk and access to the grounds for staying guests.

However, it is worth noting that individual facilities within the resort, such as restaurants, the bar, the pool, or the spa center, have their own schedules, which are best checked on-site or by phone.

Exploring the surroundings of Amaya Hills will allow you to immerse yourself deeper into the culture and nature of the central part of the island. Since the hotel is located on a hill, descending into the city provides access to the region's main shrines and nature parks. This is a great opportunity to combine a relaxed mountain vacation with educational excursions.