Uga Ulagalla

Rooms

There are 25 places to rest your head here: 19 pool villas, five one-bedroom pool villas and a two-bed villa, each separated and secluded within Ulagalla's 58 acres.

The pool villas all come with their own plunge pools, one kingsize bedroom, a living area, and garden, reservoir or paddy views – on our most recent visit we loved chilling poolside looking up at the canopy of trees above. Some are more private than others, or may be further away from the main pool and restaurant, and two are twin-bedded so request any preferences when booking.

We had a peek at the Deluxe One Bedroom Pool Villas, each featuring a spacious four-poster bedroom with ensuite bathroom including a double-ended bath. These are separated from the large living area by an entrance hallway, all opening onto an enormous outdoor deck with loungers, plus a shimmering 22ft pool.

Two-bedroomed Nikawewa Villa has a large communal area with L-shaped sofa, and a 180-degree view onto the lush paddy fields. The 33ft pool which runs the width of the villa is flanked by ornamental ponds with lily pads. The master bedroom has a stunning cinematic vista plus a gorgeous bathroom with an egg bath, and an outdoor shower. The smaller second bedroom has an equally good view but a smaller bathroom with shower only. If travelling as two couples or a family this is the one for you.

Bathrooms are lovely and big, with a dinner-plate sized rain shower, and twin basins on a marble counter. Signature Uga toiletries are provided in abundance as well as bathrobes and slippers.

Features include:

• Air conditioning
• Bathrobes
• Coffee / tea making
• Cots available
• Fan
• Hairdryer
• Minibar
• Radio
• Safe box
• Toiletries
• TV
• WiFi

Eating

Most meals are served in the first-floor Liyawela Restaurant. It’s a calm spot, and we loved the view over the large aquamarine pool and frangipani trees.

Breakfast more than sets you up for the day, and consists of a fantastic fruit platter, a pastry basket filled with mini doughnuts, muffins and banana bread, plus western a la carte (including muesli, yoghurt, omelettes, eggs benedict) or Sri Lankan options such as string hoppers, kiribathi (yummy coconut rice), chicken or fish curry and sambol.

Lunch is more along the lines of salads (caesar, quinoa), soups (such as chicken wonton or red pepper and coconut), sandwiches and nibbles (tempura or burgers), and a choice of international (perhaps fish and couscous) or local dishes (maybe spicy prawns or fried rice).

Dinner on our first night was a la carte. The succinct menu has four starters, five mains and five desserts – each of which sounded more mouthwatering than the last. We chose the coconut and citrus infused prawns and Peruvian style white fish sashimi with mango salsa for starters, followed by the chilli crab and crab fried rice alongside the soya, ginger and honey deboned pork ribs.

We also tried the Kamatha, a signature dining experience where you dine as you would in an authentic village (book a day ahead). You're shown how the locals grate coconut, and cook with traditional implements in clay pots over a small wood fire and oven; many ingredients are sourced from Ulagalla's own organic farm. The subsequent sublime curries and old world rice feast is served on two dozen small plates of pleasingly mismatched crockery on tables set up under trees overlooking the paddy fields. Other dining options include in-villa dining, an organic farm lunch with a cooking demo, a Walawwa Roast a BBQ dinner beside the pond in the garden, dining in the observation deck, or dining by the pool.

Features include:

• Bar
• Breakfast
• Organic produce
• Restaurant
• Room service
• Vegetarian options

Activities

• Explore the fascinating ancient city of Anuradhapura (just 35km away) and admire the huge dagobas, crumbling temples and sacred bodhi trees; pilgrimage site Mihintale is just down the road
  
• Take a scenic drive to Nachchaduwa Lake, passing rural countryside and rice paddies, and keeping an eye out for birds, buffalo and elephants. Sundowners included
  
• Start early and visit famous Sigirya to climb its challenging rock for stupendous views; don’t forget to admire the ancient drawings of celestial nymphs (apsaras) on the way down. Private guided tours are available on request
  
• Spot birds on one of the nature trails, led by the resident naturalist who can also tell you all about the local elephants the hotel is helping to protect with their on-site research centre
  
• For more elephants take a tour to Minneriya, or visit Wilpattu, 40km distant, famed for leopard and sloth bear sightings
  
• Don a floor-length sarong to examine the cave temples at Unesco-listed Dambulla; take your time in the Temple of the Great King which is the largest and most impressive
  
• Enjoy a Culinary Class which involves a tour of the organic garden where you can pick your own vegetables to cook
  
• Soothe tired muscles by indulging in a traditional Balinese massage in the open-air spa
  
• Practice your aim on the hotel's archery field; paddle around Ulagalla’s scenic reservoir on a kayak, saddle up the hotel's horses, brought over from India, work off all that curry with a bike ride (followed by a cocktail, poolside)
  
• Visit Ritigala, a 2,000-year-old monastery on top of a hill, for great views and the chance to see a leopard in the wild. On return, admire the tallest statue of Buddha in Sri Lanka, 45 minutes from the hotel

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Archery
• Birdwatching
• Cycling
• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Horse riding
• Kayaking
• Museums / galleries
• Plantlife / flora
• Pool table
• Private guided tours
• Swimming
• Wildlife

Kids

Children are welcome and will enjoy the back to nature vibe (be a Junior Ranger for the day and look out for wild monkeys, reptiles and birds) and visiting the Elephant Research Centre right by the main pool. Baby cots and highchairs can be organised for babies and toddlers. Bikes are available for all the family to cycle around the property at their leisure.

Best for:

Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

The Nikawewa Villa is suitable for up to 4 people, with 2 double bedrooms, living area and a large private pool, but note that the bedrooms interconnect by a walkway beside the pool so is not so suitable for toddlers. One extra child is permitted on an extra bed or baby cot in the Pool Villas.

Cots Available, Extra Beds Available, Family Rooms

Distances:

• Airport: 3h40m (Colombo)
• Hospital: 35 minutes (Anuradhapura)
• Shops: 35 minutes (Anuradhapura)

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Uga Ulagalla is located on the outskirts of the quiet village of Thirappane, centrally placed 45km north of Dambulla (on the Dambulla - Anuradhapura road). The ancient city and Unesco site Anuradhapura is an easy 35km from the resort and the Cultural Triangle sites are nearby.

By Air
The nearest international airport is Bandaranaike International Airport (165km) – aka Colombo International Airport. Click on the links below for a list of airlines serving the airport. You could also make use of the hotel's helipad (it's a 45-minute flight from Colombo).

From the Airport
It's a good idea to arrange a transfer with the hotel, although it is possible to organise a taxi from within the airport – they're very reliable.

By Car
If you are planning to explore more of Sri Lanka it is a good idea to hire a car with a driver so you can plan your own itinerary.

By Train
The trains in Sri Lanka are a great way to see the country although they are rather slow and can be delayed. You can take a train from Colombo Fort railway station (Colombo) to Anuradhapura (35km) or Kekirawa town (5km), then take a tuk-tuk or taxi to the hotel.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.