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Ulagalla

Ulagalla Resort in Sri Lanka, lies in the heart of the ancient cultural triangle, near Anuradhapura. Past the colossal wooden gates is an ancestral mansion ("walauwwa" in Sinhalese) that belonged to a family from the Kandian aristocracy. As you enter Ulagalla, you cannot escape the feeling that the place is steep in tradition and where the guests begins with the lighting of a lamp and ringing a bell, which indicates someone special has arrived.  

Located near two ancient reservoirs, Ulagalla mansion was originally built in the late 19th-century. The main building; elegantly dressed in antique and contemporary furniture, now serves as the main reception and lobby area. The estate is over 58 acres and the 25 private and serene Villas are well spread over the property, overlooking either the reservoir or working paddy fields. Each of the Villas are elegantly furnished and come with its own tranquil courtyard and a private plunge pool.

Dining at the Ulagalla Resort includes items grown in its own organic farm or locally grown produce. In fact, its green ethos run deeper. Ulagalla generates almost 50% of the energy required through solar power and the resort itself has been constructed using a green building material. Facilities include a fresh water swimming pool, an Ayurvedic spa and an extensive fitness centre. Families with children would like horse riding, archery, canoe rides and many more.
 


Stay Ulagalla Resort has just 25 private and serene Villas. All Villas are built on an elevated ground, providing ventilation and panoramic views, perfect for bird-watching. The spacious interiors are decorated in wood with four-poster bed, an airy bathroom and a very generous living cum dining room. The exterior comprises of a veranda-like deck, a lovely plunge-pool fitted with a Jacuzzi function and a pool-side terrace with deckchairs. The spacious 2-bedroom, Nikawewa Villa suites have a living and dining area with 180-degree glass walls for breath-taking view of the paddy field.


ChildCare Children are welcome to stay at the Ulagalla Resort, Anuradhapura. The spacious 2-bedroom, Nikawewa Villa suites are ideal for a family. Babysitting services can be arranged, if requested.


Dine Meals at the Ulagalla Resort are served on when, where and what you want basis. Check out their underground wine cellar, which is next to the bar and stocks about 20 varieties of subterranean wines. Signature dining can arrange at the cellar, in your villa, the observation deck overlooking the paddy fields or a table under the soothing shade outdoors. 


Relax Located close to the main building, the luxury Ayureveda Spa offers treatments combining all the healing herbs Sri Lanka is renowned for. A pool table and a collection of books including history and wildlife are available in the library. Alternatively, relax in your villas and listen to the cicadas and watch the flocks of birds fly past. A helipad is built on location for the discerning travellers.


Experience One of the great pleasures of Ulagalla is the great outdoors. Each chalet is equipped with two mountain bikes, which can be used to use the resort’s 58 acres of sprawling grounds. Find your leisure time by kayaking on the reservoir, ride into the sunset on a horseback or try your hand at the field archery. Among the attraction is an ancient tank or reservoir on the borders of the resort that helps cool off the area and bring plenty of birdlife. 
 


 
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Best time to go

Jan-Apr, Aug-Oct

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Average High

31°C

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Nearest Airport

CMB

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Timezone

GMT+ 5.3

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Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Location Ulagalla Resort is located 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.


Getting There There are direct (10-hour 45-minute) flights to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. It takes 4-hours to drive from Colombo and the international airport to Ulagalla Resort.


When to go The best time to visit Sri Lanka is between December and April when it’s drier and the climate is cooler. It’s also the peak time for whale-watching in the south where blue and sperm whales can be seen. From May to August the Yala monsoon brings rain to the island’s southwestern coast and the cultural triangle. However, the hill country around Nuwara Eliya, Horton Plains and Bandarawela remains cooler. Rains may also occur between September and November. 
 

Destination

Central, Sri Lanka

Hotel Type

Wildlife Resort

Location Type

Remote

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