Uga Ulagalla
Anuradhapura

Ulagalla is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Eco Retreats.

Arguably the best luxury hotel in Anuradhapura, Ulagalla is a refined, eco-conscious hideaway tucked within 60 acres of lush Sri Lankan jungle and emerald-green paddy fields. Set in the heart of the Cultural Triangle, this exclusive resort offers an idyllic base from which to explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Anuradhapura, Mihintale, Sigiriya and Dambulla, all while returning to a sanctuary of tranquillity where peacocks roam freely and lily ponds sparkle in the tropical light.

From the moment you arrive, Ulagalla strikes a chord of serenity. A traditional welcome ritual involving the lighting of an oil lamp and the soft chime of an antique bell sets the tone. Guests step into a soaring, open-air lobby designed in the style of a 150-year-old Wallawwa (a Sri Lankan manor house), with elegant colonial furnishings, hand-carved wooden details and local artwork that subtly nods to the region’s heritage.

Ulagalla’s 25 private pool villas are spread across the estate for maximum privacy and immersive nature views. Designed with a minimalist sensibility, think mahogany hardwoods, crisp white linens and large floor-to-ceiling windows, each villa frames the surrounding wilderness like a painting. Generous wraparound terraces invite guests to dine or unwind outdoors, while inside you’ll find a cosy lounge area, marble-clad bathrooms and a bright turquoise plunge pool gleaming amidst the greenery. For sunset lovers, Villa 1 offers the most spectacular west-facing views.

Whether you’re keen to explore or unwind, the resort has something for everyone. Complimentary bicycles are available for guests to roam the grounds or cycle to nearby villages with a resident guide, while a golf buggy can whisk you around with ease. Onsite amenities include a stunning 25-metre swimming pool, a fitness centre, a luxury spa and an organic garden where guests can join cookery classes led by Ulagalla’s chefs.

Dining here is a true highlight. The first-floor restaurant serves beautifully plated Sri Lankan and international cuisine, using fresh local ingredients, many from the estate itself. Guests can also dine al fresco under the stars, in a paddy field, on the lake’s edge or beneath banyan trees lit by flickering candles. In-villa dining is available for those seeking privacy.

Ulagalla also offers a wide range of curated activities including horse riding, archery, kayaking, guided nature walks and cultural excursions. Its enviable location, just 30 km from Anuradhapura and Mihintale, and around 90 minutes from Sigiriya and Dambulla, makes it one of the best-positioned boutique hotels in Sri Lanka for those looking to combine luxury, heritage and cultural discovery.

Travelling is like flirting with life. It's like saying, 'I would stay and love you, but I have to go; this is my station.
Lisa St. Aubin de Teran