Boutique Sri Lankan hotel group Uga has created a series of exciting experiences appealing to every member of the family.
From wildlife-spotting game drives in search of elephants, leopards and sloth bears in Yala National Park to Sri Lankan cooking classes deep within the jungle, Tuk Tuk city tours and family-friendly facilities and menus, there’s something to delight all ages across Uga’s portfolio of properties throughout the land of smiles.
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Getting Wild at Uga Chena Huts
Families looking for a true sense of adventure in untouched wilderness need look no further than Uga Chena Huts, nestled deep within the jungle in Sri Lanka’s far south, a few miles from Yala National Park. Comprised of just 18 thatch-roofed cabins – each with its own private deck and pool, with plenty of room for the whole brood – the property provides a bucket-list worthy opportunity to immerse the family in nature.
Top of the agenda for tiny explorers are the exhilarating safari drives aboard Uga’s custom jeeps, which see families with children aged 6 and up transported to Yala National Park where they can spot leopards, elephants, sloth bears, spotted deer, crocodiles and over 200 species of wild bird, including the rare black-necked stork.
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The Junior Ranger Programme at Uga Chena Huts is an engaging and educational initiative designed to provide young visitors with a unique and interactive experience. Participants are introduced to the natural environment and wildlife surrounding the lodge while also learning about conservation and responsible outdoor recreation. Through a series of fun and informative activities, such as guided nature walks, interactive games, and educational workshops, junior rangers gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
This programme not only fosters a sense of stewardship for the environment but is also a fantastic way for kids of all ages to connect with nature and make memories to last a lifetime.
As day turns to night, a variety of nocturnal adventures await, from the opportunity to watch sea-turtles lay their eggs and hatchlings take their first tentative steps towards the sea by moonlight, to stargazing up at the crystal-clear Sri Lankan skies. A highlight for many guests, families can sit back and gaze up at the swirling Milky Way, glimpsing shooting stars, identifying constellations and even witnessing a rare eclipse or meteor shower.
Aspiring astrologists will revel in the chance to peer through one of Uga’s powerful telescopes for a clear view of the moon or a neighbouring planet, many of which can be observed throughout the year.
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Foodie families can also enjoy the unique opportunity to participate in a curd-making cookery class along with an authentic Sri Lankan cooking demonstration, where they will learn how to make one of Sri Lanka’s most authentic and popular desserts and famous dishes, in Uga Chena Huts’ rural southern region.
Village Bike Tours, Cultural Sight-Seeing & Whale Spotting at Uga Jungle Beach
A true jungle adventure awaits at Uga Jungle Beach, stretching along a secluded 4km beach close to the port city of Trincomalee, on Sri Lanka’s east coast. Comprised of 49 luxurious cabins set within dense jungle and tropical mangroves, the treehouse-luxe aesthetic and proximity to nature evokes an immediate sense of calm and tranquillity.
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For families looking to immerse themselves in the local culture, Uga Jungle Beach provides the perfect base to explore the largely undiscovered town of Kuchchaveli and its surroundings. Guests can take part in village bike tours and meet with the locals or visit the historical harbour city of Trincomalee during the Trinco City Tour, uncovering ancient temples, stunning viewpoints and historical sites.
Water babies will delight in the opportunity to participate in Uga Jungle Beach’s many nautical activities, from coral snorkelling and diving at Pigeon Island National Park to whale watching and dolphin tours. A marine biologist’s playground, the region is famed as one of the best places in Sri Lanka for observing the blue whale, and families can also look out for dolphins, sperm whales, endangered sea turtles and black-tipped reef sharks.
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Back at the resort, there’s plenty to keep the youngest of guests entertained, whether it’s splashing about in the expansive jungle-fringed pool, taking part in a sizzling Sri Lankan cooking class with Uga Jungle Beach’s expert chefs or accompanying one of the resident naturalists to collect seashells and learn more about the species – from creepy crawlies to the grizzled giant squirrel – that call the region home.
Culture and Conservation at Uga Ulagalla
The award-winning Uga Ulagalla, a 25-villa five-star resort set within an expansive 58-acre estate near the ancient city of Anuradhapura, in Sri Lanka’s famous cultural triangle, is a must for culture-loving travellers and their children. Surrounded by natural woodland, each villa is set on around an acre of land, giving families ample space to spread out and enjoy the wildlife – including grey langur monkeys, peacocks and monitor lizards – that roam the property.
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Serving as a sumptuous base from which to explore Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, Uga Ulagalla can arrange an array of family-friendly adventures for guests. From witnessing one of the largest elephant gatherings in the world at Minneriya National Park, leopard spotting at Wilpattu National Park to excursions to Sigiriya rock fortress, discovery wildlife drives and the ancient monastery at Ritigala, there are endless opportunities for adventure.
Back at the resort, families can indulge in nature walks, enjoy horse-riding, kayaking and archery, or partake in a Sri Lankan cooking class at Uga Ulagalla’s organic solar-powered farm, while little ones will adore the opportunity to participate in the junior ranger programme and splash about in the resort’s large main swimming pool.
In 2020, Uga opened its first Elephant Research Centre at Uga Ulagalla. Established in an effort to conserve the elephant population in Sri Lanka while also helping to resolve the human elephant conflict in and around the Anuradhapura area, the centre is run by a well-trained team of naturalists, in-house guides and members of the local community. Guests of Uga Ulagalla can visit the centre to learn about Sri Lankan elephants and the research work of the ERC.
Snorkelling, Diving & Fun for Water Babies at Uga Bay
Uga Bay is a luxurious beach hotel situated on one of eastern Sri Lanka’s most celebrated stretches of sand, Pasikuda, and offers a bucket and spade paradise for families. Brimming with coastal charm, the property comprises 46 spacious studios, a two-bedroom Bay Suite and a sprawling Beach Villa ideal for multi-generational families.
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A large resort infinity pool, which appears to blend seamlessly into the Indian Ocean, is the perfect dipping spot for all ages, with a large shallow pool area for water babies to explore while the team provides water toys and inflatables for them to enjoy. The endless unspoiled beach at Uga Bay offers calm and safe conditions for swimming throughout May-October, with daily jet-skiing available for older children and adults.
Adventurous teens will delight in the opportunity to partake in snorkelling and diving trips, with the chance to dive the HMS Hermes shipwreck for more experienced divers, and a spoiling spa for parents to soothe tired muscles after a day out on the water. A number of excursions are available for those wishing to explore the region further, including tours of the famous rock fortress of Sigiriya, visits to the UNESCO World Heritage site at Polonnaruwa and elephant spotting in Minneriya National Park.
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At Uga Bay, guests can sample the finest, traditional Sri Lankan cuisine at the sumptuous main restaurant, unwind at the laid-back beach bar or indulge in a number of destination dining experiences across the property. Meanwhile, children are superbly catered for with varied and delicious kids’ menus at all the various outlets, offering everything from ‘Ninja Turtles’ beef sliders to ‘Red Tin Tin’ spaghetti.
Tuk Tuk Tours & Jet-Lag Busting Rejuvenation at Uga Riva
Situated just 10 minutes from central Negombo and a mere 30-minute drive from Colombo International Airport, Uga Riva is located on a spacious coconut plantation and serves as the perfect spot for families commencing or concluding a Sri Lankan journey. Conveniently positioned for travellers recovering from island explorations or little ones adjusting to jetlag, guests can immediately relax into the serene tranquillity of the five-acre grounds, enjoying a leisurely break by the pool before retiring to the luxurious comfort of Uga Riva’s well-appointed rooms.
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A highlight of Uga Riva is the Tuk Tuk tour the team can arrange in Negombo, where adults and children alike will marvel wide-eyed at the hustle and bustle of city life, taking in the sights and visiting thriving fish markets as their guide entertains them with ancient tales and facts about the location along the way.
From leisurely breakfasts to romantic dinners, dining at Riva guarantees a truly distinctive and sensory culinary journey. As one of the few upscale dining establishments in Negombo, Uga Riva will delight parents with delectable cuisine infused with the rich flavours of the island, while introducing little ones to exotic new flavours.
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Uga Riva has been thoughtfully reimagined with Uga’s signature style, sophisticated design, and personalised service, ensuring a memorable stay for every guest. Travellers can anticipate a harmonious blend of serenity and adventure, where idyllic sunsets meet vibrant local culture. The historic property has played host to many prominent figures including Mahatma Gandhi, who visited the property during his visit to Ceylon in 1927 and planted a tree opposite the house.
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