Blinkbonnie Inn

Perched above the bustle on Rajapihilla Road, Blinkbonnie Inn is one of Kandy's best-loved budget surprises — guests consistently rate it above 9 out of 10 for the mix of mountain views, spotless rooms and a restaurant that serves proper Sri Lankan cooking. Some rooms come with kitchens, the pet-friendly policy is unusual for Kandy, and the property even runs cooking classes, car rentals and a small bar alongside the usual laundry and 24-hour reception.

It's genuinely walkable to Kandy Lake, the National Museum and the Temple of the Tooth, with the Ceylon Tea Museum a short drive up the hills. For travellers who want the lake-city sights, home-style food and honest service at backpacker-friendly rates — plus the bonus of cooking a hopper themselves — Blinkbonnie punches well above its price.