Photograph · AI-enhanced
Amaya Lake is a resort of 119 chalet-style rooms and suites in woodland on the shore of the Kandalama reservoir near Dambulla, about 8 kilometres from Sigiriya. Part of Amaya Resorts & Spas, the leisure arm of Hayleys, it spreads its villas and suites through the trees rather than stacking them in a block, which makes it a calm, green base for the sights of the Cultural Triangle.
There are six categories, and the names below are the ones you will see when you choose a room. The villas and suites the resort describes all have a refrigerator and minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, an in-room safe, Wi-Fi and a television, and every category takes up to three adults, or two adults with two children.
An extra bed, a baby cot and a high chair can be arranged on request. Check-in is from 2 pm and check-out is at noon. The two Signature categories are the suites also known as Amaya Signature.
The main restaurant, Samara, is a sun-filled indoor and outdoor dining room serving Sri Lankan and international food: breakfast favourites in the morning, a lunch buffet and live cooking stations at dinner, with à la carte dishes alongside. The kitchen makes a point of fresh fish from the lake, grilled meats and vegetables grown by local farmers. The Amaya Lake Bar is a small indoor bar for cocktails, spirits and bar bites, and the Poolside Bar serves drinks and light bites through the day. For a special occasion the resort offers destination dining: a candlelit dinner by the pool, or a private meal by a bonfire on the lake shore.
Amaya Lake has two outdoor pools, an open-air yoga pavilion, an international-standard outdoor tennis court with racquets and balls provided, badminton and table tennis, and complimentary bicycles for exploring village roads and trails along the lake. The Panchakarma Ayurveda Spa has six treatment rooms with herbal baths and steam boxes, and its signature treatments include Shirodhara, Avagaha, Pinda Sweda and reflexology. The resort also runs boat and barge rides on the Kandalama reservoir, loris watching, demonstrations of the martial art Angampora, cultural shows, village tours and paddy field walks, bonfire nights by the lake, and a treasure hunt and explorer trail for children.
The resort puts itself about 8 kilometres from central Sigiriya, so Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the quieter climb up neighbouring Pidurangala are easy half-day trips, and the resort organises visits to both. It also runs excursions to the painted caves of the Dambulla Cave Temple. For wildlife, Minneriya, Kaudulla and Wasgamuwa national parks are all within reach, and the resort can arrange elephant safaris to them. Early risers can also book a hot-air balloon flight through the resort.
Amaya Lake is about 140 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport, a drive of around three and a half hours through the centre of the island. The simplest way to arrive is a private transfer from Colombo airport to Amaya Lake, which takes you all the way to the door.
It suits families, who get Family Villas, family suites, two pools and children's activities, and couples who want a private plunge-pool suite and dinner by the water. It is a resort in the forest, not on the sea, so come for the lake, the wildlife and the ancient cities rather than for a beach. Three nights gives you time for Sigiriya, Dambulla and a safari without rushing. Kandy is a natural next stop, and its sister resort Amaya Hills sits in the Hantana range overlooking the city. For more choice in the area see our places to stay in Dambulla, or the other Amaya Resorts & Spas properties.
Pick your room type and meal plan when you enquire — our team will price it for your dates.
Beautiful property, unresolved double charge We stayed one night in September 2026 as part of a week in Sri Lanka, and I want to be fair about this, because most of the stay was genuinely lovely. The setting is beautiful. The la…
Situated in fifty acres of land,lake side resort, cottages in scenic jungle Vibes,damp towels and watermelon juice while check in, battery operated baggy for conveyance, polite staff, swimming pools clear blue water,life guard on…
Fantastic hotel. Lovely food. Chef Madura was very welcoming and offered to make us whatever food we wanted. Perfect place to stay for visiting Sigiria, Dambulla and for jungle safari
Ratings and reviews provided by TripAdvisor for Amaya Lake Dambulla.
Bookable activities, tours, and tickets within a 25 km radius.
from LKR 6,673
from LKR 99,759
from LKR 17,850
from LKR 13,500
from LKR 13,500
from LKR 16,650
from LKR 27,000
from LKR 99,759
Pre-book a private vehicle for arrival, departure, or onward travel.
