What Can You Expect?

True to local culture, most Sri Lankan Yoga retreats maintain a relaxed atmosphere and offer plenty of flexibility in terms of intensity and duration. Most instructors will be happy to work with each individual to create a plan that works for all levels of expertise, from beginners to more advanced experiences. All types of yoga are available in Sri Lanka, from Vinyasa to Pranayama, Hatha Yoga to Yin Yoga, Kundalini to Kriya. These sessions are available for beginners, intermediate and advanced levels.

Combined Experiences

The beauty of most Sri Lankan Yoga retreats is that they combine yoga with other local activities depending on the area. Locations in Southern Sri Lanka will often offer surfing lessons along with Yoga lessons. Ayurvedic therapy, meal guidance, cooking lessons and meditation are some valuable experiences commonly offered alongside Yoga in Sri Lanka.

Where to go

If you are looking for a Yoga experience that also brings you closer to the ocean, we recommend choosing a retreat in the South of Sri Lanka. The Talalla Retreat is a popular choice offering luxury accommodation and a premium Yoga and fitness experience.

The Salty Pelican Yoga & Surf Retreat in Hiriketiya provides a stunning location for Yoga and surfing on one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka.

The Polwaththa Retreat in Kandy is a location hidden away in the mountains and offers a jungle Yoga experience along with activities such as reforestation and cooking classes.

The Prana Lounge in Colombo is equally popular if you are looking for a Yoga experience closer to the city. They offer Yoga sessions with highly qualified instructors as well as other wellness experiences and even teacher training for those with aspirations of becoming instructors themselves.

If you are interested in Yoga, regardless of your level of practise, Yoga in Sri Lanka will provide you with many opportunities to learn and expand your skill.

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The journey to Galle can be made via the Southern Highway or you could opt for the more scenic route via Galle Road, a coastal road stretching from Colombo to Galle, flanked by the Indian ocean on one side. You could take public transport in the form of a bus or train or choose to rent a vehicle, which is recommended if you are on limited time. Shared here are some activities that you could cover in a day in Galle.

Explore the Galle Fort

Naturally, this should be the first thing on your list, walking or cycling around are both good options. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Galle Fort was built by the Portugese in the 16th century and later strengthened during the Dutch invasion of Sri Lanka. The Fort has since been linked to many historic events including the Siege of Galle in 1640. Currently, it preserves the historical beauty, but has also evolved into being the epi-center of culture in Galle. Inside this maze of quaint cobblestone paths are a countless number of cafes, restaurants, galleries and jewellery shops. You could easily spend an entire day here hopping from gallery to museum to cafe and also witness a stunning sunset from the edge of the ramparts.

Visit Rumassala Hill / Jungle Beach

Roughly 8 kilometers south of the center of Galle is the bay of Unawatuna with the Rumassala hill rising above the beach, covered in lush foliage. At the bottom of this hill you will find Jungle Beach, named after the thick groves of greenery nearby and at the peak of this hill is a beautiful white Peace Pagoda built by a travelling Japanese monk. Dip into the cool waters of the Indian Ocean for a refreshing swim or enjoy the view of multi-colored fishing boats from the golden beach. All types of restaurants and bars dot the entire length of the beach around here. Try some incomparably fresh seafood and sip a cold one as you enjoy the balmy unawatuna breeze.

Sea Turtle Hatchery, Mahamodara

The vibrant blue-green waters surrounding the island of Sri Lanka is home to all kinds of marine life including all five species of sea turtles. These turtles visit the sandy shores to lay their eggs, of which unfortunately most don’t survive unless actively protected. Hatcheries such as the one found in Mahamodara function with the objective of conserving the eggs laid by collecting and incubating and finally releasing the hatchlings to the ocean. For locals and tourists who wish to experience the process, the hatchery provides an opportunity to get closer to these rare species. However, as you will be briefed by the officials, extreme care should be taken when engaging with baby turtles while you are there.

Any combination of the above activities and many many more await you in the city of beautiful Galle. With a little bit of planning, you will no doubt make some of your best memories here.

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Vaccination-Led Travel

COVID-19 Vaccination rates will certainly determine the desirability of a destination, while countries with largely vaccinated populations will attract more tourists according to the Trip Advisor Travel Trends Report in 2021. Being vaccinated themselves will also give travelers the confidence to venture out once again. Success of the widespread vaccination program makes Sri Lanka a potential holiday destination for those wanting to enjoy some tropical warmth.

Relationship-Oriented Travel

Having been deprived of contact with families and friends over the duration of the pandemic, travelers are more likely to make trips to visit relatives and friends they have not seen for a while. This also includes a rise in group travel, where large groups of friends and family will take trips together to a common destination to spend quality time together. This trend in turn will set off the popularity of resorts with group accommodation options and rental of large vehicles suitable for group travel and also make travelers demand more facilities when travelling with children.

Outdoor Leisure Focus

With the fear of COVID outbreaks on everyone’s mind, a spike in leisure activities set in wide open spaces and outdoors is expected. What better place to practise social distancing than the great outdoors? Think wide open beaches, nature reserves and mountain hikes. Sri Lanka has always been primed for adventure and wildlife travel since long before the pandemic and presents many travel and exploration opportunities from organized trails to renting the perfect off-road vehicle.

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West Coast

Beaches on the west coast are lively and entertaining lined with little seafood restaurants serving mouthwatering dishes. The Negombo beach is popular for the local pub scene as well as being conveniently located close to the airport. A little further down towards the south of Colombo, the Mount Lavinia beach is frequented by joggers and families every morning. While at sunset, the beach comes alive with restaurants and pubs along the shore.

Southern Coast

Moving further down the coastal line where southern beaches offer arguably the best beach experience one could desire. The aquamarine waters here are translucent and the sand more bronzed than anywhere else. Beruwala, Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Ahungalla, Galle, Unawatuna, Tangalle, and Hambantota are some of the most popular beaches lining the south of Sri Lanka. Southern beaches are best visited from November to April each year as the weather is beautiful. Discover the coastal culture and indulge in some of the local fare while you are there. While seafood of all kinds is the obvious choice, we also recommend delicious cheese and bacon rotti or chocolate rotti which are popular snacks in Hikkaduwa. You will find an array of beach activities like snorkeling, boat rides, surfing, body-boarding, and also several clubs and pubs to party the night away. Going further south, Unawatuna Bay, Mirissa, and Hiriketiya beach are some of the popular beach destinations offering sun, surf, and a chilled-out vibe.

East Coast

Head over to the east of the country for a thrilling ride on the waves beginning with Arugambay, one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka for surfing. Arugambay is perfect for a peek at some of the shipwrecks and some underwater photography too. The weave of the story turns into a lovely romance along the Kalkudah and Passekudah beaches where the waters are reef-protected and phenomenal. As you move north along the east coast, make sure you stop by in Trincomalee to enjoy the pristine white sand and calm waters of Nilaveli beach.

Northern Beaches

Right at the northern tip, Jaffna has one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka. Here the story winds down to an exciting yet relaxed experience as you chill and enjoy the Casuarina beach in Karainagar and the beaches at Santhakulam and Thondaimannar.

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In Sri Lanka, sea bathing is one of the most popular things to do. The western and southern coast beginning from Negombo and extending right up to Hambantota is a neat stretch of about 273km of magnificent golden beach. The best time to bathe on the west coast is around December to March while the southern coast is spectacular between November and April.

If you are in Sri Lanka for a brief stint either on business or for some shopping and you are in Colombo, the Mount Lavinia beach is ideal for quick dip as you enjoy a glorious sunset after a long day outdoors.

The most popular beach holidays in Sri Lanka are centered towards the west and south. Bentota, Mirissa, Weligama, and Tangalle are ideal for an experience of serene, sublime bliss. You can walk miles into the waters where the waters are yet shallow and calm and enjoy the wonders of the magical waters. Unawatuna, just a little away from the Galle Fort, is also a unique experience not to be missed. One of the best 12 beaches in the world, Unawatuna is the perfect place if you want to have some fun in the sun. Most of these beaches also offer activities such as diving, surfing, and body-boarding, including surfing and diving lessons for beginners.

The best time to enjoy beach activities on the east coast is during the months of May to September. Arugambay is a surfer’s beach and ideal for water sports and if you want to have some fun with the waves. There are many ship-wrecks in these waters and it is a beautiful strip for some underwater photography. Kalkudah and Passekudah also in the east coast are phenomenal and boast some of the best waters in the world. The waters are reef-protected and are clear and calm, making it a haven for those who want to simply relax and let go. With its resplendent waters, many beach tour packages in Sri Lanka are centred in the east coast.

Sea bathing in Jaffna is now fast gaining popularity and the Casuarina beach in Karainagar and the beaches at Santhakulam and Thondaimannar are ideal to chill and relax in the waters.

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