For travelers seeking an unforgettable blend of culture, cuisine, and natural beauty, Uga Ulagalla—a luxury resort nestled in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle—is now offering a unique dining experience: Kamatha at Uga Ulagalla. This year-round outdoor feast is a celebration of Sri Lanka’s culinary heritage, offering guests the chance to immerse themselves in ancient cooking traditions amid a stunning 58-acre estate near the historic city of Anuradhapura.
A Feast Rooted in Tradition
Kamatha at Uga Ulagalla transports guests to a simpler time, embracing Sri Lanka’s rural culinary customs. Hosted in a traditional kamatha—an open-air rice paddy pavilion—the experience features over 25 authentic Sri Lankan dishes prepared in front of guests using traditional cooking methods and local ingredients.
“We are thrilled to share Sri Lanka’s most sacred culinary traditions with our guests through Kamatha,” says Priyanjith Weerasooria, Owner and Managing Director of Uga. “It’s an opportunity to explore a bygone era, enjoy fresh, farm-to-table meals, and connect with the essence of our culture.”
Highlights of the Kamatha Experience
- Authentic Atmosphere
- The dining area is set in the heart of Uga Ulagalla’s working paddy fields. Guests sit on cinnamon wood chairs, with their toes touching the sacred earth beneath a canopy of stars.
- Traditional clay earth walls and a thatched roof complete the rustic setting.
- Live Cooking Demonstrations
- Local women prepare dishes over a cinnamon wood fire, using ancient utensils and methods passed down through generations.
- Guests can learn about the unique flavors and techniques that make Sri Lankan cuisine so distinctive.
- Farm-to-Table Menu
- Ingredients are sourced from Uga Ulagalla’s own organic farm, including fresh vegetables, lake fish, free-range meats, and three varieties of home-grown rice.
- Signature dishes include Brinjal Moju (sweet and sour aubergine), mutton curry, and fried lake fish, alongside accompaniments like string hoppers and corn pittu.
- Sweet Treats and Local Beverages
- Desserts like Habalapethi Aggala (sweet rice-flake balls) and Lavariya (sweet string hopper pancakes) offer an indulgent end to the meal.
- Guests can sip Sri Lankan ginger tea, sweetened with kithul hakuru jaggery, for a truly authentic finish.
A Culinary and Cultural Adventure
The Kamatha experience is not just about food—it’s a journey through Sri Lanka’s history and traditions. Guests are invited to:
- Participate in the Cooking Process: Learn techniques and recipes directly from skilled home cooks.
- Discover Ancient Utensils and Methods: Gain insight into how these timeless practices have been preserved for over 2,000 years.
- Connect with the Local Community: Kamatha bridges the gap between guests and the surrounding community, offering an opportunity for cultural exchange.
Plan Your Visit to Kamatha
- Availability: Daily from 7:00 to 10:30 PM.
- Pricing:
- $55 (£43) per person for guests on a half-board basis.
- $110 (£86) per person for bed-and-breakfast guests.
- Capacity: Limited to 15 diners per evening—advance booking is highly recommended.
To book, visit Uga Escapes.
More About Uga Ulagalla
Located near the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Uga Ulagalla is a five-star resort offering unparalleled luxury amid natural beauty. The estate’s 150-year-old manor house stands as a symbol of Sri Lankan heritage, while the resort itself features 25 private villas with modern amenities.
Guests can explore the wonders of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, including:
- Wildlife Adventures: Leopard spotting at Wilpattu National Park or witnessing the world’s largest elephant gatherings at Minneriya National Park.
- Historical Excursions: Visits to Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the ancient monastery of Ritigala.
- Onsite Activities: Kayaking, horse riding, and cooking classes allow visitors to enjoy the estate’s serene surroundings.
The Uga Philosophy
Uga’s boutique hotel collection is celebrated for its seamless blend of luxury and cultural authenticity. With properties across Sri Lanka, Uga provides travelers with immersive experiences that highlight local traditions, history, and hospitality.
Nightly rates at Uga Ulagalla start from $481 (£377) for an Ulagalla Pool Villa on a bed-and-breakfast basis.
For more information or reservations, visit www.ugaescapes.com.
Discover Sri Lanka Through Its Flavors
Kamatha at Uga Ulagalla offers more than just a meal—it’s an invitation to experience Sri Lanka’s soul. From the earthy aroma of cinnamon wood fires to the vibrant spices of every dish, this outdoor dining adventure is a must for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Sri Lanka’s culinary heritage.
Book your unforgettable dining experience today and create memories that will last a lifetime.
