Uga Ulagalla: Where Luxury Meets Nature in the Heart of Sri Lanka
Our Family Stay at Uga Ulagalla: A Thoughtful Blend of Adventure, Connection, and Calm
When it comes to finding destinations that seamlessly blend luxury, sustainability, and meaningful experiences, Uga Ulagalla stands out. Nestled in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province and just a short distance from the sacred city of Anuradhapura this is the only all pool villa resort in the cultural triangle. This boutique resort offers more than just a beautiful setting, it delivers a deeply immersive stay designed to connect you with nature.
We visited with high expectations, and left feeling profoundly inspired by the warmth of the people, the richness of the land, and the incredible thought behind every detail.
Uga Ulagalla is spread across 58 acres of paddy field, two sparkling reservoirs and lush jungle greenery. No traffic, no noise, just electric golf buggies and bicycles to get you around.
The estate's design encourages guests to live more slowly and more intentionally. Staying here means waking to bird calls, watching monkeys leap through the trees, and feeling a genuine connection to the natural world. It’s quiet in a way that so few places still are and you almost don’t truly appreciate it until you leave the gates of Uga and are plonked back into the real world!
A Welcome with Meaning
Check in isn’t your standard reception desk experience here. It begins with a welcome drink and snack, cool towels and then we were invited to take part in a symbolic tradition. We each rang the ancient bells, followed by the burning of incense and the making of a wish.
We learned that these very bells would have traditionally been used to alert the original owner of this magnificent 150 year old mansion, that someone from the village wished to speak with them. This thoughtful ritual really set the tone for our stay. Steeped in local history, this wasn’t just a charming greeting, it is a poignant reminder of the land's past, and adds immense meaning to the 'why' behind Uga Ulagalla, a true blending of luxury with a deep respect for its roots and the community it inhabits.
Our Private Pool Villa: Luxury in Every Detail
Tucked just beyond the rice paddies, our thatched roof private pool villa was beautiful. Each of Uga Ulagalla’s 25 villas are thoughtfully integrated into the natural surroundings, ensuring privacy and tranquillity. Spanning an impressive 1,850 square feet, our villa felt more like a private residence than a hotel room. As we are a family of 5 we had 2 villas, but there is also a 2 bedroom villa, Nikaweva, which would be perfect for families or friends travelling together. This villa has a larger pool infinity pool and looks out over the rice paddies.
Our own plunge pool with jacuzzi jets, had a couple of sun loungers and was the perfect spot to unwind. Inside, a beautiful four poster bed anchored the master bedroom, while the vast bathroom featured double sinks, a huge walk in rainfall shower, and elegant design details. A separate living room with comfortable armchairs, a sofa, a television, and a well stocked coffee machine added to the homely yet indulgent atmosphere. Of course Ceylon's best tea and coffee was available too. There was lots of wardrobe space and nice touches like a radio.
My favourite thing to do was pull back the curtains in the morning and look out of the panoramic floor to ceiling glass windows into the jungle with a coffee. Monkeys and peacocks were frequent visitors, which the children loved.
Warm Hospitality and Exceptional Dining
Our stay at Uga Ulagalla was on a half board basis, and the food was a genuine highlight of the experience. Each morning, we cycled up to the main building where the restaurant, Liyawela, is located, looking out for wildlife along the way. Situated upstairs with views across the pool and gardens, the restaurant has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Breakfast is served à la carte with a wide selection of both Sri Lankan and Western options. Over the course of our stay, we enjoyed everything from creamy porridge with peanut butter and banana to scrambled eggs with bacon, shakshuka, breakfast burritos, and a classic English breakfast.
A basket of freshly baked breads and pastries accompanied each meal, served with homemade jams and fruit compotes. The local coffee was rich and aromatic, and the fruit juices were exceptional, tasting far fresher than we are used to at home. Our personal favourites were king coconut, pineapple, and Sri Lankan wild orange which is clear in colour rather than orange.
Dinner quickly became one of our favourite parts of the day, we’d find ourselves chatting about what might be on the menu long before we sat down to eat.
Each evening began with a cocktail or mocktail at the bar, often over a game of Uno or a round of pool, accompanied by delicious canapés. The cocktail and wine list was extensive and I can confidently say I had the best daiquiri of my life here! The restaurant offers three rotating menus, perfect for the typical three night stay that many guests opt for as they tour Sri Lanka. Every meal was thoughtfully plated and full of flavour.
We were served a different amuse-bouche every evening, all beautifully presented.
Starters included dishes like coconut and citrus infused prawns, tuna sashimi, Thai beef rice noodle salad, and tuna tartare. For mains, we had beef fillet, herb crusted lamb chops, Sri Lankan chicken kottu roti, a duo biryani, and a standout gourmet seafood curry. The curry was served as lots of small individual dishes which was very impressive and really delicious. Desserts impressed too; chocolate lava cake, passionfruit cheesecake verrine, and pandan sago pudding were among our favourites.
For families, the children's “Young Travellers” menu was perfect. From fish fingers and chicken nuggets to mac and cheese, fried rice, and soups, the options were varied and appealing. The staff were great ensuring that the children's meals arrived with our starters and offered desserts promptly to avoid any restless waiting. Our youngest can be a little picky so when she only wanted fries one evening, the staff still managed to make it special for her and cheered her up with a milkshake as a surprise! These small but meaningful touches made mealtimes feel relaxed and enjoyable for the whole family.
The service at Uga Ulagalla is pretty special. From the very first meal, we felt genuinely looked after. Staff anticipate needs without hovering, and every interaction comes with a smile.
There is also another really special dining experience on offer at Uga Ulagalla, a restaurant set right in the middle of the resorts working rice paddies called Kamatha.
Surrounded by nature and lit by soft lanterns, this immersive setting serves up authentic Sri Lankan dishes using vegetables grown on site and meat and fish sourced locally.
This looks like an absolutely stunning dinner setting.
A Standout for Families: The Junior Ranger Program
One of the standout elements of our stay was the Junior Ranger program, which quickly became the highlight for our two girls. From the first session, they were completely absorbed, joining Uga’s naturalists to explore the local ecosystem, identify wildlife, and learn about the resort’s sustainability efforts.
The program isn’t a token kids club, it’s educational, engaging, and beautifully integrated into the natural environment. Our children had two sessions: the first took place after dark on our first evening, and the second began bright and early at 7am the next morning. On both occasions, the rangers collected them directly from our villa and brought them back to the restaurant afterwards, just in time for dinner or breakfast. It all felt incredibly smooth and well-considered.
They learned about native plants and animals, tracked footprints, and discussed conservation in ways that genuinely stuck with them. They looked around the elephant research centre which was set up to conserve the elephant population in Sri Lanka and also help resolve human elephant conflict which is abundant in Sri Lanka as elephants and humans co-exist. The team track elephant sightings, record gatherings and seasonal movements. The team have built elephant fences around local villages and agricultural land to protect the local communities livelihoods and the elephants.
Their experience culminated in a small ceremony where they were officially named Junior Rangers, complete with certificates and beaming smiles. It was a moment they’ll remember for a long time.
Even now, they keep surprising us with facts they picked up from the rangers. Their favourite piece of advice? ‘Don’t smile at the brown monkeys!’
For families travelling in Sri Lanka, this kind of hands on, nature based learning is rare and invaluable. It brought so much joy to our girls, but also gave us as parents a renewed appreciation for how travel can educate and inspire.
Safari Moments and a Sunset to Remember
After the girls early morning junior ranger expedition, the rest of the day was spent relaxing by the pool in our villa.
On our second evening, we were collected at 4pm for a private jeep safari led by one of Uga’s knowledgeable rangers. Equipped with binoculars and an infectious enthusiasm, our guide brought the surrounding landscape to life, pointing out wildlife we would certainly have missed on our own. We headed out beyond the resort’s elephant fence and toward the reservoir behind the property, where we would be kayaking the next morning.
Along the way, we passed troops of monkeys, hornbills, and sea eagles. We travelled through Ulagalla village, where we learned about local life, including the water initiative by Uga, installed to provide safe drinking water to the local community.
The drive offered beautiful vistas of rice paddies, coconut palms, and glimpses of rural life rarely seen by visitors. We also observed the elephant fences in place, again an Uga initiative, essential in balancing the needs of local communities with the protection of these magnificent animals.
As the light began to soften, we arrived at a peaceful spot by a reservoir. It felt utterly remote. While we explored, the Uga team set up a picture perfect picnic on banana leaves; sandwiches, savoury bites, homemade cake, fresh tea, and coconut water and delicious Sri Lankan orange juice. The perfect setting for relaxed sundowners.
Then came the moment we’ll never forget. As we sipped tea and watched the sunset over the water, a lone male elephant appeared on the far bank. We watched in awe as he stepped into the reservoir, drinking and cooling off before slowly making his way across to our side. It was a gentle, humbling encounter, one of those rare and extraordinary travel memories you know will stay with you forever. As he neared, our ranger quietly guided us back to the jeep to avoid disturbing him. It was the perfect, poetic close to an unforgettable evening.
Kayaking at Dawn
We had an early start the next morning, collected by golf buggy and whisked to the reservoir just behind the property for our kayaking adventure. One of the Uga rangers expertly guided our small group of three kayaks on a peaceful 3km round trip through calm, glassy waters. Our youngest was initially a little nervous, but the ranger’s gentle encouragement quickly put her at ease. Before long, she was beaming and taking it all in.
Wildlife was abundant again, majestic sea eagles soared overhead, their sharp eyes scanning the water below, while colourful dragonflies flitted nearby.
Eventually, we ‘parked up’ among a cluster of beautiful water lilies, taking a moment to pause and absorb the beauty around us, a rare chance to truly connect with the natural world in such a peaceful setting.
While our itinerary has been wonderfully packed with unique experiences, the scope of activities offered by Uga Ulagalla is truly impressive. During our stay, the main pool, spa and gym were undergoing a refurbishment. While we didn't get to experience them firsthand, the plans suggest they will emerge absolutely fabulous, promising even more opportunities for relaxation and wellness for future guests. It’s clear that Uga Ulagalla is continuously investing in enhancing the guest experience.
We’ve barely scratched the surface of the other enriching activities available. For instance, guests can indulge in cycling tours of local villages, offering an intimate glimpse into rural Sri Lankan life. The resort also offers cooking classes where you can learn the secrets of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, a perfect way to bring a taste of your travels home. For those seeking deeper cultural immersion, visits to nearby ancient cities like Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are readily arranged. Had time permitted, we would have loved to explore the rich history and architectural marvels these sites offer. These myriad options ensure that every guest, regardless of their interests, can find something to captivate them, making Uga Ulagalla a versatile choice for adventure and relaxation in Sri Lanka.
Responsible Luxury and Community Impact
Uga operates six resorts across Sri Lanka, each actively committed to improving the lives of the surrounding communities. At the heart of their approach is a dedicated sustainability team focused on embedding responsible practices at every level. They firmly believe that luxury and sustainability are not mutually exclusive but beautifully intertwined. From eliminating single use plastics and harnessing solar energy to using LED lighting and maintaining organic farms with natural pesticides, Uga is setting a thoughtful example.
Central to their ethos are the 3 W’s: Water, Wildlife, and Women.
Water: Poor water quality in Sri Lanka has contributed to a rise in kidney disease in some areas. To tackle this, Uga has installed Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants in nearby villages, providing clean, safe drinking water and improving community health.
Women: Historically underrepresented in Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector, women are a key focus for Uga. The company is actively working to shift perceptions and invest in training and development, with a goal of achieving 20% female representation across all their hotels.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Dilrukshi Priyadarshani, currently Front Office Manager at Uga Bay. Having recently transferred from Uga Ulagalla, where her sisters still work, Dilrukshi’s story highlights Uga’s commitment to employing locals and supporting the communities where their resorts are based. Throughout our visit, I met many staff members who have been with Uga for years, a testament to the company’s nurturing environment.
Wildlife: We’ve already touched on Uga’s efforts with the elephant research centre and the Junior Rangers program, but their wildlife conservation commitment runs deeper, reflecting a genuine respect for the natural world that surrounds each resort.
We were fortunate enough to drop in to view another couple of properties in the Uga Collection on our travels around Sri Lanka. Each property was completely different, but equally impressive in its own way.
Why Uga Ulagalla Stays With You
There are luxury resorts, and then there are places that make you feel something. Uga Ulagalla is one of the latter. It’s a destination that brings together authentic Sri Lankan culture, thoughtful eco luxury, and an extraordinary sense of calm.
One final touch that perfectly captured this spirit came as we were leaving: the team presented us with a beautifully framed family photo, quietly taken on our arrival. It was unexpected and a simple gesture that speaks volumes.
Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat, a family escape packed with learning and adventure, or simply somewhere to slow down and reset, Uga Ulagalla delivers. It’s a place where you leave with more than you arrived, with memories, understanding, and that rare feeling of having truly connected with a destination.
We’ll be thinking about this one for a long time.
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