Designed by renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, this is one of Sri Lanka's signature hotels. With 124 rooms, the hulking edifice emerges from the forest like a lost city, its walls and roofs covered in vines. Light floods into the beautifully appointed rooms and there's an infinity pool overlooking the Kandalama Wewa.
Consider dropping by for a meal (mains Rs 1500 to 3000) if you're not a guest; the setting and dining experience are what memories are made of. That said, the day-tripping hordes and sheer size of the place are not for people looking for an intimate boutique stay. Discounted online rates for a double can be as low as US$166. It’s 11km east of Dambulla.