Once a chieftan's mansion, Ulagalla makes a great base for a Cultural Triangle trip, with fine dining and your own plunge pools to return to at the end of the day
Location: Spread over 58 acres near Anuradhapura, Ulagalla is a serene boutique hotel tucked between two reservoirs and surrounded by Sri Lanka's picturesque paddy fields. This green oasis provides privacy and comfort while being less than an hour from the Cultural Triangle highlights, including Sigiriya Rock, Dambulla Caves, and the ancient capital of Anuradhapura.
Rooms: The resort features 20 ecologically designed pool villas, each offering a private sanctuary for ultimate relaxation. Spacious and modern, each villa comes with its own pool, balcony, and views over the reservoirs or paddy fields, providing a perfect spot to read, lounge, or simply enjoy the sounds of nature.
Amenities: Guests can recharge at the spa, where internationally trained therapists offer treatments amidst lush greenery. Dining options include the main restaurant, private villa decks, or romantic meals out in the paddy fields. All dishes are prepared with herbs and vegetables from the resort’s organic garden and rice from neighbouring fields.
Activities: Ulagalla offers a wide range of experiences including cycling through paddy fields, horse riding, birdwatching, lake picnics, and village visits. Guests can also enjoy hands-on cooking classes with the resort chef, combining relaxation with cultural immersion.
Sustainability: The resort is built with ecological principles in mind, sourcing ingredients locally, integrating natural surroundings into villa design, and maintaining harmony with the surrounding paddy fields and reservoirs.
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Best places to stay in The Cultural Triangle
The Cultural Triangle Trip Inspiration
When to visit Sri Lanka
Find out the best time to visit Sri Lanka with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is the perfect time to visit different regions in Sri Lanka, temperatures will be warm and basking in sunshine, meaning the cultural triangle, beaches, national parks and hill country could all be visited during January. However, the central hills will be cooler than other regions due to their altitude.
February
February is much like January, with long sunny days and calm seas. Visitors travelling during this month have a higher chance of spotting sperm and blue whales.
March
March is considered the best time to visit the central hills, although cooler than other regions in Sri Lanka there is less chance of rains in March.
April
Typically April, is the hottest and driest month of the year, with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees if you're travelling to Golden Triangle regions. It is a great month to head to Sri Lanka's beautiful beaches, with clear skies and long sunny days.
- Top Tip: when sightseeing visit in the mornings and evenings as you will avoid the hottest part of the day.
May
In May, the south is humid and increasingly hot whilst hill country is cooler with a higher chance of rainfall. We recommend travelling to the North and east of the island during May witnessing the unique history and culture of Sri Lanka.
- Vesak Poya, takes place during the first full moon, celebrating the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha.
June
During June, temperatures in the south continue to be increasingly hot and humid as the southwest monsoon blows through the country. Southern regions will experience short sharp showers which tend to pass quite quickly.
July
As the summer holidays commence in July, Sri Lanka is in peak season, with temperatures staying around 30 degrees all month. If you're looking to explore Sri Lanka and visit different areas July is a great time to visit.
August
In August, the warm days continue with temperatures remaining in the high twenties. All in all it is a great month to travel especially if you want to witness culture, between August and September the Kandy Perahera festival takes place, a grand procession celebrating the 'sacred tooth' of Buddha.
September
All in all September is a great month to travel especially if you want to witness culture, between August and September the Kandy Perahera festival takes place, a grand procession celebrating the 'sacred tooth' of Buddha.
October
October brings with it the monsoon rains which affect the whole country, in saying this the weather remains warm and sunny. The monsoon can be unpredictable, rains can be heavy, sporadic or not come at all it is impossible to forecast.
November
In November the monsoon continues, with conditions affecting the whole country.
December
During December the monsoon rains can continue, however the southern and western coasts dry out and become warm and dry. The monsoon rains, means during December the landscapes become lush and full, meaning it is a beautiful time to explore the more rural areas of Sri Lanka.
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