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Ulagalla Resort, Anuradhapura | Timbuktu Travel
Anuradhapura

Ulagalla Resort

Travel and Leisure Worlds Best Awards for number 1 tour operator in the world 2024 and number 2 tour operator in the world 2025
We're one of the World's Best Tour Operators!
Named three years running in Travel+Leisure World's Best, including No.1 in 2024

About Ulagalla Resort

Fab villas and fields of green as far as the eye can see - what's not to love?
Over 50 acres of well-kept gardens and water-logged rice fields hide a 150-year-old mansion at their centre and just outside, you'll find the UNESCO-honoured city of Anuradhapura - a collection of ancient ruins and palaces. Ulagalla feels like a village in itself where you can trundle between activities in a buggy and enjoy an authentic meal in the threshing ground of a rice field. The resort combines rural charm and polished facilities with finesse - the villas are rather stylish! Days at Ulagalla unfold with ease with bike rides to the village, kayaking across the lake and flying kites - one of the most Sri Lankan things you could do.
Anuradhapura , Sri Lanka
From $320 per person/per night
None
20 Rooms
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Property details

The property

Once the home of the village chief, the restored mansion houses the Liyawela restaurant, which serves up fusion cuisine made from fresh, local ingredients and a selection of wines from the cellar. Enjoy a game of pool or sit on the upper deck and admire the far-reaching views of the countryside. Take a dip in the large and inviting pool or visit the wattle-clad spa where you can indulge in a Balinese sun soother wrap after a day out.

The rooms

Tucked away in their own piece of the garden, the thatched villas have an elegant style with glass walls to let in the light and a private pool each. The bathrooms are immaculate with a deep tub, walk-in rain shower and wide mirrors. Nikawewa Villa is the largest with a full-length pool, plush lounge area and two bedrooms connected by an open-sided passageway crossing the lotus pond. Special mentions include jars of homemade biscuits and two bicycles with each villa!

Activities

Spend time at the Wannemaduwa lake, where you can kayak amongst islands of floating lotus blossoms, ride horseback at the water's edge or take birding walks. Feel like a local on a fast-paced tuk tuk ride through rice paddies and aged temples, finishing off with lunch at a village home. In nearby Anuradhapura, visit the sacred Bo Tree (the oldest in history) and see the cave temples of Abhayagiri Monastery. At the resort, join the staff for a game of archery or an afternoon of kite-making before flying them in the breeze.
Why we love it

Why we love it

Horseriding by the still water of the Wannemaduwa reservoir - it shouldn't be missed!
Insiders tip

Insiders Tip

Be sure to enjoy a meal at the kamatha pavilion in the middle of Ulagalla's rice paddies. Learn about Sri Lankan cooking traditions and help put together a meal in handmade clay pots accompanied by local cocktails
Something to think about

Something to think about

The resort has a stellar collection of activities but they do add a few rupees to the price tag.
Trips

Tours & Trips

Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch

Classic Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka

Classic Sri Lanka

13 nights from $9.2K per person

Off the beaten track in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka

Off the beaten track in Sri Lanka

15 nights from $7.4K per person

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How to book Ulagalla Resort

How do I book Ulagalla Resort?

Ulagalla Resort can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Sri Lanka trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Sri Lanka trips featuring Ulagalla Resort or get advice and suggestions from one of our Sri Lanka specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.

How much does it cost to stay at Ulagalla Resort?

Stays at Ulagalla Resort start from around $320 per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

Ulagalla Resort

Sri Lanka

Anuradhapura

The oldest of the ancient cities and a living, breathing monument to the past.