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A Sri Lanka yoga retreat is a great way to spend your holiday and nurture your spirituality. Discover this little paradise of a country on your next yoga trip. Many yoga retreats in Sri Lanka offer beach resorts as lodging. In the afternoon, you can visit neighboring fishing villages or do other fun activities on the beach. Check out our vast offer of yoga retreats in Sri Lanka below and take your pick today!
Sri Lanka is a delightful destination to visit, with great cultural heritage, tranquil blue waters, incredibly diverse wildlife, friendly people and delicious tea. It’s so vast and beautiful that you’ll never want to leave!
With about 70% of the country’s population following the Theravada Buddhism teachings, there’s a sense of serenity all across the island. So, it’s not difficult to imagine why it’s home to some of the best yoga retreats worldwide.
Matara, Unawatuna, Weligama and Arugam Bay are some of the beaches you’ll want to visit here. However, if you prefer to stay in a city, head to Kalutara or Kandy in central Sri Lanka. It doesn’t matter if you’re in a village, a big city, or on a beach; you’re bound to have a unique spiritual experience!
In addition, there are many adventure sports you can do to complement your yoga holiday, such as trekking, surfing hiking, rock climbing, deep-sea fishing, diving and hot air ballooning. Check out our vast offer of Yoga Retreats in Sri Lanka below and take your pick today!
With its sandy beaches, lush jungles, and Ayurveda traditions, Sri Lanka has become a popular destination for a yoga retreat.
A yoga retreat in Sri Lanka offers a well-rounded experience. Expect to join daily yoga classes and meditation sessions. You’ll also indulge in various wellness activities, such as Ayurveda treatments. You’ll practice a variety of styles, including Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga. Whether you are a beginner or a more experienced practitioner, there are plenty of options for you to choose from.
From the charming villages to the bustling cities and sandy beaches, Sri Lanka is filled with places that boast a sense of serenity, making them ideal for a yoga retreat.
Matara, on the southern coast of Southern Province, is famous for its many gorgeous ancient forts and a variety of quality yoga retreats. Weligama, a lively fishing town, is ideal if you are seeking a luxurious experience. Known for its beach resorts, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to traditional Ayurveda treatments and other wellness practices. Arugam Bay, one of the best surfing spots in the world, is more suited for practitioners who want to work on both their yoga and surfing skills.
Other destinations where you can enjoy a laid-back atmosphere on a yoga retreat include Unawatuna, Kalutara, and Kandy.
The best time to visit Sri Lanka is from December to March, during the dry season. Ideally, you’d want to avoid visiting during the monsoon seasons: May to September in the southwestern regions and October to January in the northeastern areas. For the rest of the time, the weather is unpredictable but still offers a lovely experience. In addition, you’ll benefit from fewer crowds and lower prices.
Accommodation in Sri Lanka ranges from villas to resorts. Many yoga retreats in Sri Lanka offer luxurious beach resorts as lodging, where you can wake up to the sounds of the crashing waves. Or you can stay in a mountain oasis, where you can enjoy tranquility and serenity while immersing yourself in eco-friendly comfort.
Most packages include at least one meal. You’ll likely enjoy organic, vegetarian, or vegan dishes, made from fresh, local ingredients. The menu is created to offer dishes that are both nutritious and delicious. Water and tea are also typically included in the package.
No matter where you go on a yoga retreat in Sri Lanka, you’ll likely enjoy some time outdoors, by going on walks around the plantation or paddy fields and visiting charming villages or waterfalls. Some packages may also include Ayurveda treatments or cooking classes.
And depending on the destination you choose, you’ll have the opportunity to learn or enhance your surf skills.
Take advantage of the outdoor activities and tours included in the package, such as guided nature walks. In addition, make use of the free time you’ll have on a retreat and visit ancient temples, or monasteries, explore tea plantations, or spend time at the beach. If time allows, plan an extra day or two to join a wildlife safari to explore the island’s natural habitat.
A tropical paradise, nestled in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is not only known for its gorgeous landscapes and diverse culture but also for its vibrant celebrations.
Yoga holds a significant place in the shared heritage of India and Sri Lanka. As a result, since 2015, Sri Lanka also celebrates International Yoga Day. The event is organized by the Indian diplomatic services, each year on June 21st, and invites yoga enthusiasts to join yoga classes held in public places, promoting the practice of yoga for a healthier and happier society.
Kandy Esala Perahera (Festival of the Tooth) is one of the most famous and elaborate festivals in Sri Lanka. Taking place in August, the procession carries the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. In total, this giant procession comprises 5,000 dancers, drummers, and fire jugglers all wearing intricate traditional costumes, and up to 100 embellished elephants.
Deepavali (Diwali), the Festival of Light, is also celebrated by the Hindus in Sri. Usually falling in November, it symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness. Fireworks light up the night sky and families exchange sweets and gifts.
During the first week of May, Vesak Poya commemorates the three crucial milestones in Buddha's life: birth, enlightenment, and nirvana. Locals lit their houses with oil lamps and temples are illuminated with artwork from the Jataka stories. The festival takes place across the country but with greater celebrations taking place in Colombo.
Transportation to/from the island’s main airport (Bandaranaike International Airport – CMB) is most often not included in the package. However, it’s most often available for an additional fee.
From ancient temples to imposing fortresses and fantastic lookout points, Sri Lanka is home to a wide range of cultural and historical treasures.
The ancient rock fortress at Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Rising dramatically from the emerald forest, it offers fantastic ruins to explore and gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape. Galle Fort, another UNESCO site, is a fortified old town, founded by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Take time to soak up the unique atmosphere and stop to refresh at a charming café. Standing at an impressive 2,243m tall, Adam’s Peak is where you’ll find the footprint of the Buddha himself. It’s no wonder the place is an important pilgrimage site in the country.
Feeling like embarking on one of the world’s most scenic railway journeys? Between Kandy and Ella, you’ll pass rolling hills, lush tea plantations, and the iconic Nine Arch Bridge.
Other important landmarks include the Temple of the Tooth (in Kandy), Lipton’s Seat (in Haputale), and the Japanese Peace Pagoda (in Unawatuna).
From ancient ruins to quaint beaches and stunning wildlife, Sri Lanka is truly a remarkable destination. Being such a popular destination, some places may get very crowded. Luckily, this teardrop island also offers plenty of locations for those who want to venture off the beaten path and choose places unspoiled by mass tourism.
East of Galle, on the southern coast, Tangalle is one of the most pristine beaches you’ll find in the area. While there are some bars and restaurants here, you’re guaranteed a relaxing escape at this palm-fringed sandy beach.
If you’d like to explore the underwater, head to the eastern coast. At Pasikudah Bay, you can join tours exploring the shipwrecks scattered along the coast. Just a 45-min tuk-tuk ride from Ella, Wellawaya offers access to secluded waterfalls. Check out Ella Wala and Diyaluma Falls.
Jaffna, located in the northern part of the country, is a bastion of Hindu culture. You can explore a variety of temples or partake in the festivities.
The official languages in Sri Lanka are Sinhala and Tamil. English is a recognized language in Sri Lanka and is used for official purposes, especially in cities. This is due to the colonial past under the British Empire when English was the language of administration, education, and commerce. Still widely spoken today, English is the language of instruction in most schools and universities in the country.
The country’s tropical climate offers an abundance of spices, fresh seafood, and coconuts – all coming together to influence the most popular dishes. If you love coconut, you’ll want to have pol roti (coconut flatbread) all day, every day. Served alongside curry dishes, it’s also a lovely street food snack. And make sure to enjoy a variety of curries – dahl, chicken, or fish – typically served with rice.
No trip to Sri Lanka is complete without trying the Ceylon tea, usually served with milk and a cube of brown sugar. Or, if black tea is not your favorite, try kola kanda, a green herby drink that comprises raw rice, coconut milk, and various leaves.
Other mouthwatering dishes to try in Sri Lanka include lamprais, hoppers, and Gotu kola sambol.
When visiting Sri Lanka, you’ll notice that locals are very calm and smile all the time. It’s considered rude to become annoyed in public. Sri Lankans tend to be polite and want to avoid conflict. To avoid ambiguous yes/ no answers, it’s best to check for clarification by asking open-ended questions.
Locals tend to be very modest, so ensure you are decently dressed. Especially women should avoid showing their legs and arms. Couples should be discreet and avoid open demonstration of affection in public. Even holding holds is unusual in Sri Lanka.
After years of conflict, it’s strongly advised not to give your opinion about politics.
When visiting religious sites, make sure to dress appropriately. Be clean, dress modestly, and avoid showing arms and legs. Avoid touching or sitting on any image or statue of Buddha. Also, women are forbidden to touch or be seated beside a Buddhist monk.
You may ask the retreat center about local customs and etiquette.
It’s normal to tip for good service in bars, cafes, and restaurants. Tips are also appreciated in hotels, spas, and salons. The amount of the tip depends on where you are and what service you’re buying. However, it’s customary to tip around 10% of the bill. For exceptionally good service, you may tip up to 15-20%.
It’s fairly safe to travel to Sri Lanka. Exercise normal precautions regarding your valuables and money, whether you travel solo or in a group. Stay in well-lit areas at night and be aware of your surroundings when in crowded public places.
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