Why coming to The Radh? What's the vibe?
When a friend of mine and I were traveling through Sri Lanka in February 2023, the plan was to not only stay in coastal areas but to explore parts of central Sri Lanka as well. Kandy - known as a pilgrimage destination for the Tooth Relic Temple listed UNESCO World Heritage Site - was a must for us. While Kandy is a bustling city, after full days of exploring you long for a peaceful haven to come back to in the evening. And this is exactly what distinguishes The Radh.
What does the hotel offer? How's the accommodation like?
What struck me entering the hotel was the generous lobby with meter-high ceilings and an extravagant, yet luxurious design. Indeed, The Radh is a masterpiece when it comes to its architectural decor influenced by Kandyan Kingdom. The Luxury Boutique hotel has 30 rooms furnished with classic equipment giving a cozy feels. Rooms come in different categories, each with king-size beds (I haven't slept so well in a long time to be fair), spacious bathrooms and, partially, balconies.
How was dining like?
For diner you may indulge at their Cafe Nihonbashi, a Japanese restaurant with a certain reputation for their exquisite taste, or in-room dining. Breakfast is served downstairs in a hall next to the lobby and comes with a variety of continental and local options. The breakfast I have to say was really good. I can highly recommend trying some local dishes they serve. I particularly loved: Egg hoppers - pancakes made from fermented rice and coconut milk batter - and Pol Sambol, a garnish made of freshly shredded coconut, chopped red onions and lime juice.
And the service?
The crew at The Radh is the sweetest. During breakfast they explained about local cuisine and made sure everything is fine. They were always smiling, interested in giving insights about Ceylonese culture and traditions (we asked), and seemed to really enjoy their job - what I feel like makes the difference.
What else is there to do?
The Radh is located right in the heart of Kandy's cultural center and perfect to explore from there. It's walking distance from the sacred Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. I suggest, going there in the evening for the Puja where you witness swarms of locals preying, giving flower offerings while drums making rhythmic noises in the background. Apart from that, you may visit International Buddhist Museum, National Museum, stroll through Royal Botanical Gardens (so beautiful!) or Kandy's countless markets and mix and mingle with the locals. One thing for sure: you never run out of options of things to explore in Kandy.
The Radh has been an oasis of peace and calm coming back from busy days of walking and exploring the city. Thinking back, I'm still stunned how incredibly quiet the whole hotel is once you've entered their lavish doors. A tranquil haven perfect as a starting point to discover and immerse in Kandy's rich history during your Sri Lankan travels.
