Handagedara Resort: Location, Facilities & What to Expect
Handagedara Resort sits in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, in the Kandy district. It's positioned roughly 20km from Kandy town centre, making it a quieter alternative to staying directly in the city. The resort occupies mid-range accommodation space—not a luxury property, but above basic guesthouses. Expect a pool, garden setting, and on-site dining. Room rates run £30–60 per night, depending on season and room type.
Where exactly is Handagedara Resort?
The resort is located in the Handagedara area, a rural pocket within the Kandy administrative district. It's roughly 45 minutes by car from Kandy town, heading towards the central highlands. The setting is elevated—you're at around 600–700 metres above sea level—so temperatures are cooler than the lowlands.
Access is via a secondary road that winds through tea plantations and village areas. If you're travelling from Colombo (around 140km away), expect 3–3.5 hours by car. From Kandy itself, a direct tuk-tuk costs roughly £8–12 one-way. A hired car with driver runs £40–60 for the half-day trip from Kandy.
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What facilities does it offer?
Most mid-range resorts in this category provide:
- Swimming pool (often the main draw in the highlands)
- Restaurant or dining area serving Sri Lankan and international food
- Garden grounds with walking paths
- Basic room amenities: en-suite bathroom, fan or AC, hot water
- WiFi in public areas (reliability varies)
Don't expect a gym, spa, or concierge desk. Room service is limited. Internet in rooms is hit-or-miss, so verify this when booking if it matters to you.
Room types and pricing
Typical rates:
- Standard room: £30–40 per night (double occupancy)
- Superior room: £45–60 per night
- Family bungalow: £60–80 per night
Prices drop 10–15% outside July–August and December–January. On-site meals cost £4–8 per person for main courses. Breakfast is usually included (continental or cooked).
Is it good value?
Yes, if you want quiet highlands accommodation near Kandy without a long drive. Room quality is functional, not luxurious. The pool and garden justify the mid-range price compared to budget guesthouses (£15–25) in Kandy town, which offer less space and no outdoor amenities.
Better value exists at higher-end properties (£80–120) with more reliable service and facilities. So Handagedara sits in the middle: more comfortable than a town guesthouse, less polished than boutique hotels. Book only if the location and pool appeal to you.
How to book
Reservations are typically made via email or phone directly, or through third-party booking sites (Booking.com, Agoda). Expect to confirm via email and pay a deposit of 25–50% of the first night's rate. Local payment methods (bank transfer, credit card) are accepted; some properties add a 3–5% surcharge for cards.
Getting around from Handagedara
The resort is not within walking distance of restaurants or shops. You'll need transport:
- Tuk-tuk to Kandy: £8–12, 45 minutes
- Rental car from Kandy: £30–50 per day (self-drive) or £50–80 with driver
- Arranged transfers via resort: Often £15–25 for a half-day trip to Kandy
If you're exploring the highlands (tea plantations, hiking, Peradeniya Gardens), hiring a car or driver is practical.
Nearby attractions
Within 30–60 minutes' drive:
- Peradeniya Botanical Garden (Kandy): 20km, entry £5.50
- Temple of the Tooth Relic (Kandy): 20km
- Tea plantation tours: Several estates within 15km
- Hiking and nature walks: Numerous trails in the surrounding hills
- Kandy Lake and town: 20km away for shopping and dining
None of these are accessible on foot from the resort—plan transport accordingly.
Best time to visit
The highlands around Handagedara receive rain from May–September and again in November–December. Dry periods are January–April and August (partial). For reliable weather, visit January–March or July–August.
Temperatures hover 18–24°C year-round. Pack layers and a waterproof jacket regardless of season.
FAQ
Is Handagedara Resort suitable for families? Yes. The pool, garden space, and quieter setting appeal to families. However, limited on-site entertainment means you'll need to arrange activities in Kandy or nearby tea estates. Bungalow-style rooms work well for families.
**Does the resort offer meals? Most properties have a restaurant serving breakfast and dinner. Lunch can be arranged with advance notice. Meals are basic but adequate—expect Sri Lankan curries, rice, and simple Western options. Cost is £4–8 per meal.
**Can I visit the Kandy attractions as a day trip? Yes. Arrange a car and driver through the resort for £50–80 and visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, Peradeniya Garden, or town markets in a half-day.
**Is it a romantic destination? Not particularly. The garden and pool provide pleasant surroundings, but the property is functional rather than romantic. Better choices for couples exist at boutique hotels or colonial properties in Kandy itself.