Kandy - the fascinating Hill Capital

by Beverley Jansz

Kandy, the fascinating hill capital of Sri Lanka, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It was here that once, Sinhala Kings ruled majestically. Kandy is still very much a focal point of Sri Lankan culture. It was the capital of the last generation of Sri Lanka's Kings until it fell into the hands of the British in 1815.

Kandy was originally known as Senkadagalapura after a hermit named Senkada who lived there. Many of the Sinhala people call it 'Mahanuwara' meaning the 'Great City'. The name Kandy was derived from the word 'Kanda', which means mountain.

Next to Colombo, Kandy is also the most visited city in Sri Lanka. As the shrine holding the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha is placed in the heart of the city, it is also the most venerated city in Sri Lanka. Because of the history, pageantry and veneration associated with this exquisite city, Kandy is classed as a World Heritage City by UNESCO. Kandy is a reflection of the variety, harmony and diversity of the people and cultures that make Sri Lanka a great nation.

The most picturesque city in the island, the importance of Kandy is mainly due to it being the home of the Dalada Maligawa, or Temple of the Tooth which houses the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha.

The city is a monastic centre of Buddhism with the two biggest monasteries - the Malwatte and Asgiriya temples located here. Around the city are several other Buddhist temples with special attractions for the visitor looking for the cultural traditions of Sri Lanka.

The Swiss Residence - Kandy

A truly Sri Lankan hotel with a Swiss touch, surrounded by Kandy's famous 'Bahirawakanda' mountains, is the Swiss Residence, a star class Sri Lankan hotel with a Swiss touch.

Built in the picturesque hill capital, Kandy, Swiss Residence promises a totally relaxing atmosphere caressed by the cool mountain breeze. The hotel has successfully captured a charming blend of European and Kandy culture in its marvellous architecture.

Constructed on a one-acre land at Bahirawakanda, the Swiss Residence has 40 rooms, inclusive of one 'Royal Suite', 12 deluxe rooms, 18 airconditioned rooms and nine standard rooms. All rooms are inclusive of private balconies providing guests a breathtaking view of the hill capital. The luxuriously proportioned 'Royal Suite' has a sitting room, with a balcony and steps leading up to the bed room.

The sitting room windows which are right around, open on to the panoramic view of Kandy and the Anniewatte hills.

All rooms are equipped with fans, air conditioning, hot/cold water, piped music, TV, and private terraces. The luxury rooms are equipped with a mini bar, colour TV and modern bathrooms with attractive Italian fittings. The suites feature a novel 'Jacuzzi' bath tub with a massage and soothing effect.

Swiss Residence is perched on the highest point of Bahirawakanda, and therefore you can feast your eyes on the salubrious 'Knuckles' range of fascinating mountains, virgin green hills of Hantane, natural rain forest of Udawatha Kale and absorb the tranquillity only the Swiss Residence Hotel can offer you, where the hotel's first priority is your comfort and pleasure.

The rich blend of Swiss and Kandyan architecture, combined with the hospitality of our warm, gracious staff is sure to make you feel most welcome - The Swiss Residence is more a home than a hotel, says the energetic and versatile Manager, Lalith R. Ellepola. "We target mainly the local tourist market", he said.

The Swiss Residence has a modern Ayruvedic Clinic maintained by experienced Ayurveda doctors - so guests can enjoy the relaxing effects of the hotel's Ayurveda.

The large and modern banquet hall at The Swiss Residence could cater to over 500 guests. The hotel offers delighting gourmets with both Western and Oriental cuisine, prepared by expert chefs. An A-la-carte menu too is offered to guests, with a 24-hour room service.

The hotel has a well stocked bar, offering innovative cocktails too, made by specialists. Mix business with pleasure - we cater to your needs with our modern Conference facilities, Manager, Ellepola said. Breathe in the cool fresh mountain air, soak up some tropical sunshine, enjoy the peace and relax, taking in the sunset from the beautiful pool terrace at The Swiss Residence - a marvellous site to relax having a dip in the beautiful pool on top of Bahirawakanda hill, with a breathtaking view if the surrounding beautiful mountains.

The Swiss Residence Hotel is owned and managed by Zurikan Hotels and Travels (Pvt) Ltd. Its Chairman/Managing Director is Sarath Bandara Wijesooriya. Its other director is Ms. Ruth Wijesooriya.

The Swiss Residence can be reached via E mail: [email protected]. Web: www.swissresidence.lk.