Visitor comments
Mary, Yorkshire, UK
Very beautiful, well equipped and a value for money house, situated in one of the most beautiful places in Kandy. Very romantic place and was ideal getaway. Mrs M who lives next door looking after the house and cooks is so kind and very generous she makes the best Srilankan Curries we ever had. The pol roti with pumpkin and pol sambol was to die for. The packages the owners offer were reasonable and made our trip hassle free. The only negative aspect of the trip was that we felt that people at private tourist sites tried to over change foreigners, especially when they charge extra to give a commission to the guide or driver you go with, however this is a common occurrence thought Asia and the extra charges are not much compares to European standards. Overall, we had a great time in Srilanka and at House On the rock.
Kathy, France
The highlight of this property is actually the owners mother who lives next door. She is an ayurvedic doctor, and is charming, helpful and interesting. Renting the house gives an escape from the (sometimes overwhelming) bustle of Kandy and the views are magnificent. Yes, it is quite far from the centre but we managed the walks back several times and there is always a cheap tuk tuk. The only negative is that the bathrooms could do with a bit of updating but they were very clean and that was the most important thing for us. The house itself is airy and a wonderful construction. The cooking was simply the best we have ever had of Sri Lankan and curry cooking anywhere in the world. Actually it was quite astounding in its delicacy and flavour! "
Sarah and Simon, Leeds, UK
"Sarah and I visited Sri Lanka in August / September 2008. It seems to have taken me a while to get around to submitting a review. Too chilled out after the holiday I guess. So first things first - the house on the hill. This is superbly located on one of the many hills around Kandy. The views are spectacular with unspoilt forrest and jungle in every direction. We found ourselves bird, insect, reptile and monkey watching on a regular basis. The accommodation itself is very clean and comfortable, which left us wanting for nothing. Further, with Aunty Chandra close by to help advise and suggest trips we felt as though we had our own personal tourist information office. Although the house is on a hill we often chose to walk both into and out of Kandy. This took approximately 25 minutes and was always an enjoyable experience, giving us plenty of opportunity to practice our limited Sinhalese. A big thanks to Auntry Chandras schooling is necessary here. The few phrases we learnt were always rewarded by cheerful responses. The city of Kandy is a fascinating place. There are the sites of special interest, obviously worth a visit, but just walking around town is equally rewarding. The hussle and bussle, sights and smells make a refreshing change to those of the UK or mainland europe. Never once did we feel unsafe or awkward. You must visit the central market. Get there early and go out the back to the vegetable and fish areas, its great. This brings us nicely onto food. There are literally dozens of places to eat, from street vendors to five star hotels. Even the latter represent excellent value. The pineapples are terrific, have one prepared for you on the street, and if thirsty get a king coconut. Of particular note was Aunty Chandras cooking. Be this breakfast or an evening meal. In all honesty it was better than anything we ever bought when out. Finally, as the house on the hill is roughly in the centre of Sri Lanka it makes a great base from which to explore the rest of the country. Independent travel is easy but all travel takes time: you need to slow down to the pace of the country and enjoy the scenery. Sri Lanka is an excellent holiday destination offering everything you could possibly want."
Mr and Mrs Hodges, Cumbria, UK
"Our 3rd visit to Kandy and the House on the Rock. Kandy is a great place for touring around, there is such a lot to see and do - and the nights are much cooler here than on the West Coast or in Colombo, so sleeping is easier! If you are worried about the troubles in Sri Lanka - don't be - there are road blocks here and there, but all the trouble is in the far north of the island. We didn't have a problem. This time we had a friend who cannot eat chillies and Mrs M. prepared the same food for her , but without the chillies - absolutely scrumptious she said. She is also a vegetarian and was never short of a choice of wonderful dishes. The hotel Thilanka at the bottom of the road does a wonderful buffet for about £3.50 - and the 5 star Earls Regency not far away also does one for around £5.00. If you eat in the hotels( plenty of 4 & 5 star to choose from) you can usually use the pools free - most have spectacular views too. This time we wanted to visit the famous Cultural Triangle and we asked the owner to recommend a reasonably priced hotel, which he did. We stayed at the Gimanhala Transit Hotel in Dambulla. It was very reasonably priced, and the pool and restaurant look out over open countryside at the rear. Excellent food too. We loved the new bird baths and all the other improvements to the house and garden.Thanks for yet another memorable holiday - we will be back - most definately.
"The house has the most wonderful views, sitting on the balcony drinking them in and watching the birds and wildlife in the pretty garden is just pure pleasure. Add to this the “buzz” of Kandy and you have the recipe for a great Sri Lankan holiday."
Jackie Otley, London - UK
"The house was as described. The picture of view from balcony does not do it justice. Great watching the birds and squirrels. Mrs Meegaswatte was very friendly providing such good food I never ventured out to eat. My stay was all the more enjoyable by having Mrs Meegaswatte’s dog (bonju?) with me. Would hope to return next year."
Sally Martin and Family, Yorkshire- UK
“ Probably one of the most outstanding views in Sri Lanka – quite breathtaking” House comfortable and clean, caretaker friendly and helpful.
The bird life was great round the house too. Wished we could have stayed longer…….. so good to be able to self cater. Many thanks to you both!
Ted Sánchez, Kingweston, England.
“I really enjoyed the villa: the views were fantastic and it was a great base to explore Kandy and the surrounding areas.”
Peter and Anne Robinson- Dumfries and Galloway, UK
"Superbly situated house, a bird watchers' paradise. Excellent home cooked Sri Lankan food."
Peter Green and Friends- Dubai, UAE:
“The house is fantastic…great views…great location”
Hodges family- Yorkshire, United Kingdom:
‘Lovely house, great views. Had a wonderful holiday and hope to return.’
Smith Family- Birmingham, United Kingdom:
'Such a peaceful location. Fantastic holiday'
Mr and Mrs Rupasinghe - Dubai, United Arab Emirates:
'A romantic and beautiful place for an ideal honeymoon. Sunsets and sunrises are spectacular. Will definitely return'
Mrs Vickers and family- Leeds, United Kingdom:
'Beautiful views and a lovely house. Wonderful food by Mrs. M. Highly recommended'
Mr Dugmore and friends- London, United Kingdom:
‘Waking up in the house and watching and listening to dawn break was amazing. You really feel like you are in the middle of the hills with the animals and birds and the sound of monks chanting. A great cultural experience.’
Mr Niranjan Patel and friends- London, United Kingdom and India
‘I can honestly say that the views from the house are breath taking, the house had a good character, but above all the food was exceptional. I definitely hope to return in future, GOD WILLING!’