Classic Luxury

Ulagalla

Set in the north of the Cultural Triangle, Ulagalla lets you escape to another era, and immerse yourself in culture, history and nature at this enchanting sanctuary where new villas have been combined with a beautifully restored wallawwa.

Anuradhapura, Ancient Cities, Sri Lanka

Set amidst 58 acres of lush woodland, paddy fields and the Ulagalla reservoir in Anuradhapura
The original walawwa was built in 1885 and has been renovated to house the resort’s reception area
Ulagalla is a peaceful setting that is ideal for nature lovers and offers several adventurous activities ranging from horse riding and kayaking to birdwatching
Ulagalla’s kitchen is open 24 hours and guests are free to order their meals at any time of day

Ulagalla is a unique wallawwa which has been lovingly restored to its original stature, developed and furnished to retain its own distinctive character. Historically this beautiful property has been the home of many a chieftain whose area of rule extended from Ulagalla in Rajarata to Padaviya in the northern province. Explore the Cultural Triangle from this wonderful base, taking day trips to visit Anuradhapura, Sigiriya and Dambulla.

Bordering two ancient reservoirs, Ulagalla comprises 25 private and serene villas inspired by historic architecture, all spread over 58 acres. Overlooking either the reservoir or working paddy fields, each villa consists of a floor area of 800 sq. feet, which includes a separate living area. The villas are furnished with elegance and comfort while combining state-of-the-art amenities and each villa offers a tranquil courtyard with its own private plunge pool.

With a strong eco-concept, guests can get around by electric car or use one of the resort's complimentary bikes. In the morning, cycle past the lush green paddies to the main wallawwa where a delicious fresh breakfast awaits. In keeping with the resort's green ethos, an a la carte menu is available throughout the day, with all dishes using fresh organic produce picked from the vegetable garden. Ulagalla's team of highly qualified chefs created delicious, authentic cuisine and guests can even learn to cook a Sri Lankan curry using traditional clay pots as part of a morning cooking lesson.

To keep busy during your stay there are not only plenty of fabulous local sites to explore, but also a myriad of facilities and activities in the resort to keep all members of the family busy. Laze by the 30m fresh water swimming pool, head to the Ayurvedic spa, enjoy horse riding, archery and kayaking to name a few. The only serious problem at Ulagalla is fitting everything in.

When to visit

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Top tip:

Try your hand at archery during your stay

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Facilities

Activities
Nearby

Horse Riding

Swimming Pool

Treatments

Spa

Location

Anuradhapura, Ancient Cities, Sri Lanka

Ulagalla Resort is ideally located in the hamlet of Tirappane, 40 km north of the Dambulla- Anuradhapura road. Anuradhapura is 20 km from the property and it is extremely convenient to access a wide range of historic sites from Ulagalla.

10-hour 45-minute direct flight to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. It takes 4-hours to drive from Colombo and the international airport to Ulagalla.

Our Top Tours Featuring This Hotel

The Best of Sri Lanka: Culture, Wildlife & Coast

This carefully curated journey takes you through Sri Lanka’s most enchanting landscapes and experiences, staying at the country’s finest properties. From the ancient wonders of the Cultural Triangle to the serene tea plantations of the Hill Country, the wildlife of Yala, and the pristine beaches of Weligama, this itinerary promises an unforgettable blend of adventure, culture, and indulgence.

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Treasures of the Tropics: Sri Lanka and the Maldives

Discover the perfect blend of Sri Lanka’s rich culture and the Maldives' serene beauty. This carefully curated itinerary guides you from the ancient city of Anuradhapura and the picturesque tea hills to a thrilling safari in Yala, ending with the pristine beaches of the Maldives. Each stop offers a blend of luxury, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you’re exploring historic sites, indulging in spa treatments, or snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, every moment is designed to be unforgettable.

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Top Things to Do Nearby

Spiritual journey with Hermit Monks

Enjoy an insider's tour of the birthplace of Buddhism and engage in meaningful interactions with a resident monk, and conclude with experiencing herbal tea and traditional snacks.

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Ulagalla - Organic Garden Tour & Cookery Demonstration

Enjoy a guided tour of the organic herb and vegetable garden during your stay at Ulagalla. Here you can pick ingredients for lunch, and then help prepare a traditional Sri Lankan lunch using this fresh produce and an array of spices.

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Anuradhapura Ancient City

Anuradhapura dates from the sixth century BC and is one of Buddhism's holiest sites, containing the 2,200 year old Sri Maha Bodhi tree, grown from a cutting of the Indian tree beneath which Buddha found Enlightenment.

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Sigiriya Rock

The Sigiriya rock rises majestically from the jungle floor. It is famous for its ‘mirror wall’, so called because of its highly polished surface. Half-way up there are galleries with frescoes in brilliant tempera. Sigirya dates from the 5th century AD.

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Minneriya National Park

The amazing Minneriya National Park is renowned for its elephant populations and beautiful scenery. Enjoy a safari drive in search of the Asian elephant, a highlight for many during their tour through this fascinating teardrop isle.

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Polonnaruwa Ancient City

The ancient city of Polonnaruwa dates from the 10th century AD. Originally planned as an expression and statement of imperial power, the city was eventually abandoned in 1288. Many of the remains are still in excellent condition.

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Breakfast on Pidurangala Rock

Located just a short distance from the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Pidurangala Rock offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and is the perfect spot to watch the sunrise while enjoying a delicious breakfast spread.

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Polonnaruwa - Meet the Monkeys

Visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and the monkeys that occupy the area. These impressive ruins have been carefully preserved and have attracted groups of three diurnal primates. Get up close with these cheeky animals and learn about their behaviour.

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Dambulla Buddhist Caves

Dambulla is an ancient historical site set on a large granite outcrop. The caves at Dambulla are famous for their temples and have been repainted several times in the 11th, 12th and 18th centuries with secular and Buddhist scenes.

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