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Speak to one of our experts now about this offer
Polonnaruwa’s former royal capital is next door. King Parakramabahu I’s 12th century reservoir is right outside. And Queen Elizabeth II stayed here in 1954, just after her coronation. A lot of history in one address.
This hotel makes the ancient city of Polonnaruwa feel like part of your stay. The best strategy? Explore the UNESCO-listed ruins, just a few minutes from the hotel, before the heat builds up, and be back by the pool by lunch. Finish with dinner on the restaurant deck overlooking the reservoir. The same king behind the city you’ve just wandered helped shape this great expanse of water too.
Inside? Less design theatrics and more old-school interiors, spacious bedrooms and traditional furniture. Premier Rooms have four-poster beds; The Royal Suite, named for the Queen’s visit, gives you a private butler, outdoor jacuzzi and a rather spectacular cast iron golden bath tub. The glass-fronted, high-vaulted restaurant looks towards the water, as does the infinity pool. Both make a strong case for lingering a little longer.
Why we love EKHO Lake House
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Two ancient cities in one stop. Visit Sigiriya Rock for the day, then return to Polonnaruwa’s own ruins and a quieter evening by the water.
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Sign up for the two-hour batik workshop. Local artisans teach you wax-resist techniques and your handiwork comes home with you.
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Get into the paddy fields. Between October and December, join local farmers, helping to plant or harvest rice depending on the month.
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Yoga and meditation can be arranged by the guest relations team.
Rooms
The rooms lean into the hotel's heritage setting, pairing traditional furnishings with views across Parakrama Samudra. Superior Rooms come with private outdoor space, while Deluxe and Premier categories add four-poster beds and extra room to stretch out. For something more special, the Royal Suite draws inspiration from Queen Elizabeth II's stay at the property in 1954, adding a private terrace, outdoor jacuzzi and butler service. Whichever you choose, the reservoir remains a constant companion just beyond the windows.
The Superior has a private veranda and garden terrace facing Parakrama Samudra. A great place to watch birds and fishing boats on the water. Design is relaxed and traditional.
- Queen-sized bed
- en-suite bathroom
- minibar
- tea and coffee making facilities
- flat-screen television
- Wi-Fi
- 46m²
Deluxe is smaller than the Superior, includes the same amenities, but gives you a four-poster queen bed and wider views over Parakrama Samudra.
- Queen-sized bed
- en-suite bathroom
- minibar
- tea and coffee making facilities
- flat-screen television
- Wi-Fi
- 25m²
Premier gives the four-poster queen-size bed more space. Its traditional styling centres on that bed and the windows look towards the reservoir.
- Queen-sized bed
- en-suite bathroom
- minibar
- tea and coffee making facilities
- flat-screen television
- Wi-Fi
- 53m²
The Royal Suite is the grand room. The design is Sri Lankan meets Tudor and it brings you panoramic lake views. Spacious interiors open onto a private terrace with an outdoor Jacuzzi, while thoughtful touches include butler service and a gold-plated bathtub said to have been made for Queen Elizabeth II 's planned visit to Sri Lanka.
- Queen-sized bed
- private terrace with Jacuzzi
- en-suite bathroom
- minibar
- tea and coffee making facilities
- flat-screen television
- Wi-Fi
- butler service
- 82m²
Facilities
Dining centres around the reservoir, with tables inside the glass-fronted restaurant and outside on a deck overlooking Parakrama Samudra. Mornings begin with breakfast beside the water, while lunch and dinner showcase a mix of Sri Lankan, Asian and continental dishes. As the light changes across the reservoir, the setting becomes every bit as memorable as the menu.
Main Restaurant
The main restaurant focuses on Sri Lankan and regional dishes as well as Pan-Asian cooking and continental options.
What's Included
Breakfast
Upgrade Options
Half Board • Breakfast and lunch
Full Board • Breakfast, lunch and dinner
All Inclusive • Breakfast, lunch and dinner • Traditional Batik and Handloom tour • Dolomite factory visit
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All Hotels in Kandalama & Polonnaruwa
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