Ulagalla Resort, Anuradhapura

Ulagalla is so much more than another “Cultural Triangle” hotel base. It’s a one-of-a-kind luxury hotel destination in itself given its beautiful natural location and spacious grounds. There is a genuine commitment to sustainable practice here too, with a number of on-site eco-initiatives and projects that support both the local community and the conservation of the surrounding area.

Hidden amidst 58 acres of forest, reservoirs and paddy fields, Ulugalla’s location is pretty spectacular, to say the least, and the property makes maximum use of its stunning surroundings.

The property is built around an ancient mansion that has been restored to its original state, developed and furnished to retain its own distinctive character. Ulugalla has 25 villas, all elegantly designed and beautifully furnished. Some overlook the reservoir while others the resort's flourishing paddy fields. Each villa has large living areas and private pools.  

The property also features a 30-metre swimming pool and electric cars to shuttle guests within the vast grounds. The team of highly qualified chefs create gourmet cuisine to suit the individual needs of every guest. 

There are some great activities on offer in the local area and at the property, with on-site horse riding, kayaking and even archery.  

If you want a high-end base from which to explore the Cultural Triangle, then we highly recommend a stay here. The resort is close to Anuradhapura and you can reach other sites, such as Sigiriya, on day trips too. However, Ulagalla can be much more than a Cultural Triangle base if you have the time to spare. It’s a great place to spend time relaxing and a great base for getting a feel for rural Sri Lanka. Additionally, since it’s a little further north than many other Cultural Triangle hotels - with a longer stay, you could reasonably fit in a day trip to Wilpattu National Park too.