Rooms

There are 19 stilted chalets, five pool villas and a two-bed villa. The property spans 58 acres so each maintains a sense of privacy and space.

The chalets all come with their own plunge pools, one kingsize/twin bedroom, a living area, and garden or paddy views. Some are more private than others, so honeymooners might like to specify their preference when booking. For the best view, ask for one of the chalets that look onto the distant reservoir. Two chalets are twin-bedded - request when booking.

Nikawewa Villa is suitable for a family or group as it has two bedrooms and a large communal area with a 180-degree view onto the lush paddy fields. The 33ft pool is flanked by ornamental ponds with stepping stones. The master bedroom has a stunning cinematic vista of the paddy plus a gorgeous bathroom with corner tub and an outdoor shower. The smaller second bedroom has an equally good view but a smaller bathroom with shower only. If travelling as two couples or a family it makes economic sense to hire this one.

The Deluxe One Bedroom Pool Villas are new since we last visited. They each feature a spacious ensuite bedroom, a large living and dining area, a second bathroom and an enormous outdoor deck with loungers, plus a shimmering 22ft pool.

Bathrooms are lovely and big, with a dinner-plate sized rain shower, and twin basins on a marble slab. Shampoo, conditioner and bath soap are provided as well as bathrobes and slippers.

Features include:

• Air conditioning
• Bathrobes
• Coffee / tea making
• Cots available
• Fan
• Hairdryer
• Minibar
• Safe box
• Toiletries
• TV
• WiFi

Eating

Food is served in the first-floor Liyawela Restaurant. It’s a calm spot, and we loved the view over the pool and frangipani trees.

Breakfast has five set options and a fantastic fruit platter including soursop and papaya. The 'Sri Lankan' offers string hoppers, a beef or chicken curry and sambol. My 'Healthy' included muesli, yoghurt and an egg white omelette, although good intentions were swayed by the pastry basket which accompanied my husband's 'American', filled with mini doughnuts, muffins and banana bread.

At lunch choose from the three-course set menu or go a la carte. Starters include a delicious tumble of Parma ham and artichoke. Our main was a succulent filet of kingfish speckled with capers and crunchy vegetables from the garden. Other choices included tom yum soup, tiger prawn and melon salad for starters and beef fillet with mushroom sauce or pork medallions for mains.

After being transferred to dinner by golf buggy (just ring and one appears), we tried the epicurean three-course menu. We ate very well: chef’s salad with smoked salmon and quails eggs, then breaded fish with béarnaise sauce followed by an avocado cheesecake on caramelised pineapple. It was great to see the cheerful chef come out and talk to guests at coffee. There's a good choice of international wines, although it was disappointing there was only one choice of wine by the glass, a South African chardonnay or cabernet sauvignon red.

For something extra special, try the Kamatha, a signature dining experience where romantic tables are laid in a paddy field, and food served is local and homegrown. Other dining options include in-villa dining, an organic farm lunch with a cooking demo, a Walawwa Roast a BBQ dinner beside the pond in the garden, dining in the observation deck, or dining by the pool.

Features include:

• Bar
• Breakfast
• Organic produce
• Restaurant
• Room service
• Vegetarian options

Activities

• Explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura (35km away) and admire the huge dagobas, crumbling temples and sacred bodhi trees
  
• Practice your aim on the hotel's archery field; paddle around Ulagalla’s scenic reservoir on a kayak or saddle up the hotel's horses, brought over from India
  
• Take your binoculars to spot birds on one of the nature trails, led by the resident naturalist
  
• Enjoy a Culinary Class which involves a tour of the organic garden where you can pick your own vegetables to cook
  
• Cool off in your plunge pool, catch some rays by the 30m swimming pool or work off all that curry with a bike ride (followed by a cocktail, poolside, to reward yourself)
  
• Soothe tired muscles by indulging in a traditional Balinese massage in the open-air spa
  
• Start early and visit famous Sigirya to climb its challenging rock for stupendous views; don’t forget to admire the ancient drawings of celestial nymphs (apsaras) on the way up. Private guided tours are available on request
  
• Don a floor-length sarong to examine the cave temples at Dambulla; take your time in the Temple of the Great King which is the largest and most impressive
  
• Visit Ritigala, a 2,000-year-old monastery on top of a hill, for great views and the chance to see a leopard in the wild. On the way back, admire the tallest statue of Buddha in Sri Lanka, 45 minutes from the hotel
  
• Take a scenic drive to Nachchaduwa Lake, passing rural countryside and rice paddies, and keeping an eye out for birds, buffalo and elephants. Sundowners included
  
• Take a tour to Wilpattu, 40km distant, famed for leopard and sloth bear sightings

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Archery
• Birdwatching
• Cycling
• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Horse riding
• Kayaking
• Museums / galleries
• Plantlife / flora
• Pool table
• Private guided tours
• Swimming
• Wildlife

Kids

Children are welcome and will enjoy the back to nature vibe (look out for wild monkeys, reptiles and birds). Baby cots and highchairs can be organised for babies and toddlers. Bikes are available for all the family to cycle around the property at their leisure.

Best for:

Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

The Nikawewa Villa is suitable for up to 4 people, with 2 double bedrooms and enclosed by a wall, but note that the rooms interconnect over stepping stones so perhaps is not suitable for toddlers. Note that in the Chalets, only one extra child is permitted per chalet on an extra bed or baby cot

Cots Available, Extra Beds Available, Family Rooms

Distances:

• Airport: 3h40m (Colombo)
• Hospital: 35 minutes (Anuradhapura)
• Shops: 35 minutes (Anuradhapura)

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Uga Ulagalla is located in the village of Thirappane, 45km north of Dambulla (on the Dambulla - Anuradhapura road). The ancient city of Anuradhapura is 35km from the resort and the Cultural Triangle sites are nearby.

By Air
The nearest international airport is Bandaranaike International Airport (165km) - aka Katunayake International Airport and Colombo International Airport. Click on the links below for a list of airlines serving the airport. You could also make use of the hotel's helipad (it's a 45-minute flight from Colombo).

From the Airport
It's a good idea to arrange a transfer with the hotel, although it is possible to organise a taxi from within the airport - they're very reliable.

By Train
The trains in Sri Lanka are a great way to see the country although they are rather slow and can be delayed. You can take a train from Colombo Fort railway station (Colombo) to Anuradhapura (35km) or Kekirawa town (5km), then take a tuk-tuk to the hotel.

By Bus:
If travelling by bus take Route Number 15 to Anuradhapura, via Maradankaduwa.

By Car
If you are planning to explore more of Sri Lanka it is a good idea to hire a car with a driver so you can plan your own itinerary without having to rely on public transport.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.

More on getting to Sri Lanka and getting around