


Uga Ulagalla
Uga Ulagalla
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Uga Ulagalla Luxury hotel in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, where regal heritage, ancient wonders and eco-conscious luxury converge seamlessly
Uga Ulagalla Luxury Hotel Sri Lanka is a storied boutique retreat in the heart of the Cultural Triangle, where regal heritage, ancient wonders and eco-conscious luxury converge seamlessly. Set within 58 acres of lily-strewn lakes, paddy fields and woodland, this former chieftain’s mansion, over 150 years old, has been thoughtfully transformed into one of the island’s most distinctive and quietly luxurious escapes. With just 25 private-pool villas scattered discreetly across the estate, it feels more like a noble country retreat than a conventional hotel: deeply tranquil, richly atmospheric, and entirely unique.
Ulagalla’s location is ideal for those looking to explore Sri Lanka’s cultural heartlands. From the timeless ruins of Anuradhapura to the ancient cave temples of Dambulla, the regal rock citadel of Sigiriya to the perfectly preserved city of Polonnaruwa, many of the island’s most iconic heritage sites lie within easy reach. Cycling trips to local temples, horse rides through the rice fields, nature walks beside the water tanks (Sri Lanka’s ancient reservoir systems), or sunset kayaking straight from the bottom of the estate’s garden — all experiences begin right here. For those who time their visit in March, the opportunity to join the rice harvest offers a rare and authentic glimpse into village life.
Each of the 25 villas offers a sense of stillness and seclusion, all featuring their own plunge pools, expansive decks, and interiors that fuse natural textures with understated modernity. The Ulagalla Pool Villas are ideal for couples or solo travellers seeking privacy and peace, while the larger Deluxe Pool Villas and the two-bedroom Nikawewa Residence offer ample space for families or groups, with panoramic views across the paddy fields and generous indoor–outdoor living areas. Land monitors frequent the terraces for a sip of pool water, brilliant birds flit through the trees, and monkeys perform acrobatics across the lawn each evening at dusk.
This is a place where families, too, can relax without compromise. Children are warmly welcomed, and the freedom of the estate, combined with the privacy of each villa, makes it a rewarding choice for multi-generational stays. It’s the sort of place where days unfold as you wish — packed with adventure or blissfully unhurried — where the line between luxury and nature is beautifully blurred, and even a short stay can gently recalibrate the senses.
Dining is simply superb. Most guests opt for a half-board basis — after long days exploring, there’s comfort in returning to the hushed elegance of the restaurant, where dinner is served overlooking lotus ponds and softly lit gardens. Expect refined takes on Sri Lankan classics, seasonal produce sourced from the estate, and international favourites, all prepared with finesse and warmth. For something more intimate, 24-hour in-villa dining is available, with a thoughtfully selected menu of light dishes and breakfast options to enjoy in total privacy. Every meal is à la carte.
Sustainability is more than a gesture at Ulagalla — it’s woven into the very fabric of the estate. The hotel’s own solar farm provides a significant portion of its energy, while villas are built using recycled, environmentally responsible materials that reflect a deep commitment to conservation, without ever compromising on comfort.
Uga Ulagalla is one of a kind. Whether you come for the cultural discoveries, the immersive experiences, or simply to slow down amid the elegance of your surroundings, it offers something rare: a stay that is at once deeply relaxing and richly rewarding — a highlight of any tailor-made journey through Sri Lanka.
Many of our guests travel to Sri Lanka as part of a wider journey, taking in multiple regions to experience the island’s extraordinary diversity. [Uga Ulagalla] is often just one stop on a much broader tailor-made itinerary. To explore how this hotel might fit into your own bespoke journey, visit the ‘Tailor-Made Itineraries’ tab or get in touch — we’d be delighted to help you make the most of your time on this vast and varied island.
In a nutshell
Our guests love
Uga Ulagalla Details
Dining
Dining at Uga Ulagalla is a refined yet relaxed affair. The main restaurant overlooks tranquil lotus ponds and manicured gardens, offering an elegant setting in which to savour a diverse à la carte menu. Every dish is thoughtfully prepared using seasonal produce, with many ingredients sourced directly from the estate. From light breakfasts to indulgent Sri Lankan curries and Western favourites such as fillet steak, every meal is a celebration of freshness and finesse. Most guests opt for a half board basis, relishing the chance to return from a day of cultural or outdoor exploration to a superbly executed dinner in the serene surrounds of the estate. For added flexibility, 24-hour in-villa dining is available, featuring a concise selection of light bites and full breakfasts, all enjoyed in complete privacy.
Accommodation
Each of the 25 villas features its own private plunge pool, spacious sun deck and elegantly understated interiors. Designed using natural materials, villas blend comfort and sustainability — think four-poster beds, deep soaking tubs, rain showers, and eco-sensitive cooling systems. Despite the remote setting, modern conveniences abound, including LED TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and curated amenities such as Ceylon teas and coffees.
Bar & Lounge
While there is no central bar in the conventional sense, drinks are served throughout the day both at the restaurant and in-villa, with a well-considered wine list and selection of cocktails available. Enjoy a chilled glass of wine beside your plunge pool or a sundowner overlooking the lotus ponds — the atmosphere remains serene and unhurried.
Swimming Pool & Estate Grounds
In addition to the private pools in every villa, the estate features a shared outdoor pool perfect for a cooling dip beneath the Sri Lankan sun. The 58-acre property is a haven for quiet exploration, with meandering pathways leading through lily ponds, paddy fields and forested enclaves. Guests frequently spot birds, monkeys and land monitors during gentle strolls or from the comfort of their veranda.
Spa & Wellness
A range of rejuvenating spa treatments is available in a tranquil setting within the grounds. From Balinese massages and reflexology to facials using natural Sri Lankan ingredients, the spa offers a serene escape. Treatments are best booked in advance to ensure availability.
Activities & Experiences
Experiences at Ulagalla begin right on the estate. You can kayak across a lotus-covered reservoir at sunrise, cycle to the nearby village temple, take guided nature walks, or enjoy horseback rides through paddy fields. For more adventurous souls, archery sessions and wildlife watching are available — and in March, guests are invited to join the local rice harvest, offering a rare and authentic cultural insight.
Ulagalla is also superbly positioned for exploring Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. From here, it’s a short drive to the UNESCO-listed sites of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla and Sigiriya — perfect for history lovers, photographers, and first-time visitors alike.
Arrival and Departure
Check in from: 14:00
Check out by: 11:00
Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast and Half Board and Full Board ( we recommend half board)
Room Service: 24 hours
Luggage Storage: Available on request
What to Bring
We recommend light, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, swimwear, and binoculars for birdwatching. Evenings are relaxed, but you may wish to bring something a little smarter for dinner.
In a nutshell
Our guests love
In a nutshell
Our guests love
Deluxe One Bedroom Pool Villa
Designed for guests who value both space and privacy, the Deluxe Pool Villas stretch across 2,100 square feet of calm, contemporary living. A king-size bed rests beneath soaring ceilings, while the adjoining bathroom features both a walk-in rain shower and freestanding bathtub.
Outdoors, a generous deck opens to views of paddies and palms, complete with daybeds, a dining area, and a shaded plunge pool — perfect for lingering afternoons with a book or breakfast in the breeze. Indoors, a chic living area, refined furnishings, and considered details elevate the villa’s relaxed elegance. It’s the kind of space that gently redefines the idea of switching off.
Sleeps up to 3 guests with an additional bed or crib on request
Room Facilities
- Garden or Paddy View
- Large King size four poster bed
- Dressing room
- Dining Area
- Plunge Pool
- 42 Inch LED TV
- Living area
- Large bathroom with rain shower
- Powder room
- Movie on demand
- Safe
- Mini Bar
- Complimentary WI-FI
- Tea & Coffee making facilities
- 2 bath robes
- Hair Dryer
- Bicycles
- Sun deck
Ulagalla Pool Villa
Scattered across Uga Ulagalla’s 58-acre estate, these elegant villas offer a gentle blend of seclusion, comfort, and quiet sustainability. Constructed using eco-conscious Durra panelling — made from compressed straw, fire-resistant, and 100% recyclable — the design honours the surrounding landscape as much as it does the guest within it.
Each villa offers around 850 square feet of space, with a separate living area, minimalist en-suite bathroom, and a king-size four-poster bed at its centre. Large glass windows and a private deck invite the outside in, while a plunge pool with air jet bubbles adds a touch of indulgence to your private garden. Tea and coffee from Ceylon’s finest estates are on hand, and energy-efficient lighting and climate control help reduce the estate’s footprint without compromising on comfort.
Sleeps up to 3 guests with an additional bed or crib on request
Nikawewa Pool Villa
The Nikawewa Pool Villa is Ulagalla’s most expansive accommodation, offering a rare combination of space, privacy, and panoramic beauty. With two king-size bedrooms, this 3,343 square foot residence is perfect for families or close friends seeking time together — without compromise.
A peaceful living and dining area connects the bedrooms, opening onto a vast outdoor deck with an infinity-edge pool gazing across 17 acres of paddy fields. The master suite features a freestanding bathtub, rain shower, and vanity area, while the second bedroom is complemented by its own spacious wardrobe and bathroom. Surrounded by nature and hushed by the stillness of rural Sri Lanka, Nikawewa is both a sanctuary and a setting for slow, meaningful time together.
Sleeps up to 5 guests
Room Facilities
- Garden & paddy view
- Large king size beds
- Two bedroom suite
- Private pool
- Living & dining area
- Sun Deck
- 2 large bathrooms with bath
- Safe
- 42 ” LED TV
- Complimentary WI-FI
- Movie on demand
- 2 bath robes
- His & hers vanity counters
- Bicycles
- Mini Bar
- Tea & Coffee facilities
- Hair dryer
In a nutshell
Our guests love
Deluxe One Bedroom Pool Villa
As prices for this beautiful property are fluid and subject to change, we recommend contacting our knowledgeable reservations team for the latest availability and a tailor-made quote. Recommended board basis: Half Board.
Many guests travelling to Sri Lanka choose a personalised itinerary or multi-centre stay, which we’ll be delighted to arrange. This can be enhanced with a carefully curated selection of experiences and the added comfort of a private driver and vehicle throughout. We also include a complimentary 3GB eSIM for the lead guest—so you can stay connected from the moment you arrive.
Call us 01784 817720 or email us [email protected]

Prices are quoted per person based on two people sharing. If your party is larger than two, an additional roll away bed for a child or supplementary guest is available on request and will be charged in line with the property’s policy. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Ulagalla Pool Villa
As prices for this beautiful property are fluid and subject to change, we recommend contacting our knowledgeable reservations team for the latest availability and a tailor-made quote. Recommended board basis: Half Board.
Many guests travelling to Sri Lanka choose a personalised itinerary or multi-centre stay, which we’ll be delighted to arrange. This can be enhanced with a carefully curated selection of experiences and the added comfort of a private driver and vehicle throughout. We also include a complimentary 3GB eSIM for the lead guest—so you can stay connected from the moment you arrive.
Call us 01784 817720 or email us [email protected]

Prices are quoted per person based on two people sharing. If your party is larger than two, an additional roll away bed for a child or supplementary guest is available on request and will be charged in line with the property’s policy. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Nikawewa Pool Villa
As prices for this beautiful property are fluid and subject to change, we recommend contacting our knowledgeable reservations team for the latest availability and a tailor-made quote. Recommended board basis: Half Board.
Many guests travelling to Sri Lanka choose a personalised itinerary or multi-centre stay, which we’ll be delighted to arrange. This can be enhanced with a carefully curated selection of experiences and the added comfort of a private driver and vehicle throughout. We also include a complimentary 3GB eSIM for the lead guest—so you can stay connected from the moment you arrive.
Call us 01784 817720 or email us [email protected]

Prices are quoted per person based on two people sharing. If your party is larger than two, there will be a supplementary charge for the additional guests.
In a nutshell
Our guests love
Tailor-Made Itineraries
Sri Lanka is a land of remarkable variety — wild national parks, timeworn temples, emerald tea country, and golden coastlines. For many of our guests, the most rewarding way to experience the island is through a thoughtfully crafted, multi-centre itinerary that captures the distinct character of each region.
We are proud to present a selection of our favourite handcrafted itineraries, curated from our own on-the-ground discoveries. However, these are just a flavour of what’s possible — designed to be the beginning of a conversation. Every journey is bespoke, built entirely around your interests and at a pace that suits you best.
We work exclusively with a handpicked collection of boutique hotels — including this one — and trusted, English-speaking private drivers who bring the island’s culture and landscapes to life. We also offer access to a bespoke range of experiences that are otherwise unavailable to the average traveller, giving our guests the chance to experience Sri Lanka in a way few others can.
Whether it’s exploring sacred cities, spotting elephants on a boat safari in Gal Oya, or winding through the tea country by vintage train, our itineraries are designed to take you far beyond the ordinary. Your stay at this property can be part of a much wider adventure — one that’s entirely tailored to you.
Sample Itineraries
Classic Sri Lanka
Highlights Of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka En Famille
Flavours Of Sri Lanka
Get in touch to discuss your tailor-made itinerary across Sri Lanka with The Discerning Collection: [email protected] or call us: 01784 817720