Morning at My Chalet at Ulagalla
I’ve already written about the special vibe at Ulagalla Resort in Thirappana, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka in my previous post. Now it’s time to focus on the facts– Ulagalla’s rooms are actually 20 extremely private and spacious guest chalets are spread over the property’s 58 acres lush green of rice paddies and lush green environs. Ulagalla is LEED certified silver and committed to sustainable tourism, which is perfect for those who like their creature comforts to be environmentally friendly. Each guest chalet comes with it’s own private plunge pool and wifi.
Left: Ulagalla’s Helipad R: Each Guest Chalet has a pair of bikes parked in the “garage.”
A Perfect Start to a Morning at Ulagalla
The Balcony and Plunge Pool Deck Were Perfect For Relaxing and and Enjoying a Spot of Tea
The chalets are comfortably furnished with Colonial chic interiors. There’s teak furniture inside and on the balcony and pool deck. Each villa comes with it’s own set of bicycles so you can explore Ulagalla’s grounds on your own, should you feel so inclined.
The property is bordered by the Wannamaduwa and Ullagalla reservoirs. Bodies of water are filled with water flowers, lotus, and lilies. Wildlife- from birds to monkeys– happily go about their business in the surrounding environment without being intrusive to guests.
You Can Have Your Meals Delivered to your Chalet if You Prefer Private Dining
In-room Tea Amenity at Ulagalla
My Guest Chalet had a Comfy Couch and Seating Area. I Never Even Turned On the Television!
The Villas consist of a large bedroom, a spacious bathroom and a living and dining room. You can have your meals delivered directly to your chalet or choose to go to the resort’s restaurant located in a renovated colonial villa which once belonged to the chieftain of the village.
Sri Lanka has a long colonial history and is known for the fine tea grown in it’s highlands. So it’s no surprise that each chalet has some pretty impressive tea-making paraphernalia and a wide variety of teas. I really enjoyed my morning cuppa on my chalet’s deck overlooking the plunge pool.
Tea Paraphernalia in my Guest Chalet at Ulagalla
Colonial Chic Bedroom at Ulagalla
The Luxury of Privacy + This Dreamy Bed= a Good Night’s Rest
Bathrooms are large and packed with every amenity. There was no bathtub, as is common in eco-friendly resorts, but I didn’t miss one. The shower was spacious and had good water pressure.
The Bathroom in My Guest Chalet at Ulagalla
Wooden Blinds Are Featured Throughout the Villa’s Rooms and Bathroom
Ulagalla Resorts Private Label Bathroom Amenities Smelled Wonderful
Ulagalla is committed to sustainable tourism. The property produces most of it’s own electricity and some of it’s own bio-gas also boasts an organic vegetable garden.
Most impressive though is Ulagalla’s link to the nearby villages. Not only does much of the staff live there, but Ulagalla is an important part of their life.
Before I I came to Sri Lanka, what I most wanted to do was tour & photograph the country’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the nearby ancient sacred city of Anuradhapura. Yet the highlight of my stay was photographing sunset at the reservoir on the border of Ulagalla’s property, where the local people where doing laundry and taking a swim in their favorite swimming hole.
Local villagers use the reservoir as a swimming hole and laundrette.
A few local tuk-tuk drivers cooled off at dusk in the reservoir
Jumping at magic hour at Ulagalla
The local residents were friendly and welcoming. Experiencing warm Sri Lankan hospitality both in resort’s own facilities as well as interacting and photographing them at the reservoir was an experience I won’t forget. It was a perfect example of what an unexpected luxury that doesn’t fit into a box to check on a hotel review. Yet it’s this wonderful attitude that makes Ulagalla such a special and kind of magical place.
Morning Sunlight over the Working Rice Paddies at Ulagalla
Ulagalla is a member of SLH Hotels and can be booked directly through the SLH website.
My stay at Ulagalla was sponsored by the resort and SLH Hotels.