Kahanda Kanda, near Galle,
Sri Lanka                                                                                         Highly Recommended

Turn off the main road just outside Galle and for 15 minutes drive through rural Sri Lanka. Beaches are beaches anywhere in the world but it is often said that the interior of a country is where the true spirit lies. Sri Lanka is no different. This final 15 minutes of your journey takes you along a narrow road through paddy fields; past temples and a huge colourful-seated Buddha meditating amongst the trees; through small villages; and into the very heart of this tropical Eden. Kahanda Kanda (Yellow Moon Mountain) lies on a working tea estate, and is perched high above Koggala Lake with stunning views across the lake and jungle.

8 separate private villas are offered. Each is carefully positioned in the luxuriant gardens (birds & monkeys in the trees) surrounding central open sided buildings. Each villa is exquisitely decorated with exposed timber ceilings, delightful soft finishings and all the comforts expected of a private boutique hotel. There are large lily ponds throughout the gardens and a floating stepping-stone path provides access to the central pavilion which is stylishly decorated with Asian antiques that somehow seem to encapsulate the spirit of surrounding scenery. There is a platform along one end of the central dining area with views over Koggala Lake, ideal for a tropical breakfast. The food is a constantly changing feature with seasonal delicacies, an abundance of fruit, organic jams, fresh honeys and imaginative specialises from the West, Thailand and of course Sri Lanka.

Nearby is The World Heritage Town of Galle with its 300 year old Fort built by the Dutch, and the Galle International Cricket Pitch. The Fort, one of the largest occupied Forts in the world with enchanting cobbled streets and local fare. The Town contains a Buddhist Temple; a Mosque housed in a converted Church; an Anglican Church; and a Dutch Reform Church which all lie within a bell or chant of each other proving an eclectic and peaceful mix. The Muslim community have passed their jewellery manufacturing skills from generation to generation in the Fort, and indeed the whole of Galle, contains an abundance of Gem stores.

Closer to Kahanda Kanda - approx 5 kms - lies 'one of the world's loveliest beaches' at Unawatuna. With a Buddhist temple at one end the beach leads a charmed life and has a peaceful atmosphere. PADI sub aqua courses can be arranged as can whale seasonal whale viewing trips. The hotel has bicycles for ambling about or there are some walks through the tea plantations for picnics. If all of this sounds too much then simply lie back, watch migrating birds return to the Lake for the evening and let the distant chants of Buddhist monks carry you away to a different world.

Style	Small, private and very comfortable boutique hotel on a tea estate.
Air/Con	No, but airy rooms and fans.
Dining	Yes
Climate/Season	Best
Children	12 years plus only,  but probably not the best place for them.
No. of Bedrooms	8
Pool	Yes lovely big lap pool
Activities	Walks, biking, Galle Fort culture and history, beaches, fishing, scuba diving and seasonal whale watching.
Facilities	10 acre tea estate and gardens, small gym.
Price Range from	£126 to £200 per person per night, bed and breakfast.