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Are you ready to start planning your first (or next) yoga retreat? Sri Lanka is an idyllic location for a yoga getaway with its gorgeous weather, beautiful beaches, and peaceful surroundings.
The only problem with visiting Sri Lanka for a yoga holiday is deciding which one to attend. There are so many appealing options, that it can be a bit overwhelming to sift through all of them.
I’ve compiled a list of the 10 best yoga retreats in Sri Lanka to help you narrow down your choices and find the right retreat to help you recenter and rejuvenate, based on my own experience as a certified yoga teacher and savvy traveler. So, keep reading!
In a hurry? Click here to see my top pick now!
What to Pack for Your Yoga Retreat:
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- Wander: A Mindful Travel Journal
Why Do a Yoga Retreat in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is a stunning island located in the Indian Ocean, approximately 19 miles off India’s southern coast. While the island is relatively small—just a bit larger than West Virginia—Sri Lanka has a lot to offer and is an ideal place for your next yoga retreat in Asia.
One of the best reasons to plan a Sri Lanka yoga retreat is the weather. Sri Lanka has a tropical climate and offers gorgeous weather throughout most of the year.
When you combine that with the island’s beautiful beaches, it is easy to see why so many yogis recommend scheduling a yoga holiday in Sri Lanka. With all the tropical beaches around the Island, you can even consider booking one of the many amazing yoga and surf retreats in Sri Lanka.
What’s more, the waters surrounding the island are warm and offer more gentle waves than several other destinations, making Sri Lanka a great destination for those who want to learn how to surf. They’re also less crowded than other popular surf and yoga retreat destinations like Portugal, Hawaii, or Australia.
So, if you enjoy surfing or want to improve your skills, what better opportunity than to do it while also deepening your yoga practice?
But Sri Lanka has more to offer than just its beautiful beaches. If you travel towards the central highlands, you’ll be able to enjoy picturesque views of the mountains and jungles.
Sri Lanka is also one of the best places to visit if you want to learn more about Ayurveda, an ancient practice of holistic healing that is still used today.
Ayurveda retreats in Sri Lanka will give you first-hand experience with these holistic practices while you also engage in yoga and meditation sessions.
Best Time to Go on a Yoga Holiday in Sri Lanka
The best time to plan yoga retreats in Sri Lanka can vary slightly depending on which region of the island you want to visit.
Despite its smaller size, Sri Lanka’s climate can vary between the different regions of the island.
Sri Lanka experiences two monsoon seasons. One of these monsoons—the North-East monsoon—impacts the entire island.
While the second monsoon—the South-West monsoon—has the greatest impact on the island’s west coast and Hill Country.
If you want to visit the West Coast, South Coast, or Cultural Triangle, the ideal time to travel is between December and April.
If you’re planning a retreat along the East Coast, your best travel dates will be between May and October.
Top 10 Best Yoga Retreats in Sri Lanka
Detox & Yoga Holiday in Kalutara
Image courtesy of Plantation Villa on BookYogaRetreats
Yoga Styles: Hatha, Vinyasa, and Ashtanga
Skill Levels: All
Duration: 11 days
Meals Included: All Ayurvedic meals and snacks included
Nearby Airport: Bandaranaike International Airport
Airport Transfer Included: No, but available for $65 per person
If you’re searching for yoga and meditation retreats in Sri Lanka, take a look at this 11-day holiday in Kalutara. During this retreat, you’ll work with yoga teachers, Ayurvedic doctors, and therapists to detox your body, while rejuvenating your mind and spirit.
The retreat, which is located in the Western Province of the island, features daily guided yoga and meditation sessions and chats to help you learn more about mindfulness and Ayurveda.
You’ll stay in a gorgeous, 150-year-old colonial villa or the nearby lodge. The villa and lodge were recently renovated and feature gorgeous rooms with luxury bathrooms.
A variety of excursions are also included in your stay, such as cookery demonstrations, walking through the paddy fields, visiting the nearby village, or participating in rubber tapping during the harvesting season.
Click here for more info and booking.
Panchakarma Ayurveda & Yoga Retreat in Ranna Tangalle
Image courtesy of Nature Lanka Resort on BookYogaRetreats
Yoga Styles: Hatha
Skill Levels: All
Duration: 7 days
Meals Included: Daily Ayurveda breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Nearby Airport: Bandaranaike International Airport
Airport Transfer Included: No, but available for $92 per person
This Sri Lanka Ayurveda retreat is another top option to consider if you’re looking to detox your body and renew your spirit.
The retreat follows three stages, which include pre-preparation, cleansing therapies, and post-treatments.
You’ll also consult with a doctor to receive Ayurveda medicines based on your needs and dietary adjustment recommendations.
Participants will also engage in yoga and meditation sessions and enjoy daily Ayurvedic meals.
Upon your arrival at the retreat, you’ll be welcomed with a relaxing head or foot massage.
Click here for more info and booking.
Surf & Yoga Retreat in Mirissa
Yoga Styles: Hatha
Skill Levels: All
Duration: 11 days
Meals Included: Daily breakfast and dinner
Nearby Airport: Bandaranaike International Airport
Airport Transfer Included: No, but available for $78 per person
Engage in yoga in Sri Lanka with this amazing 11-day retreat in Mirissa. In addition to the 16 yoga sessions throughout your stay, participants will also receive four surf sessions.
The retreat center is conveniently located close to the beach, where you can also find time to relax, snorkel, or sunbathe. The bay offers several surf spots to match the skill levels of different individuals.
Guests will stay in one of six quaint and peaceful rooms. Each room offers gorgeous views of the jungle, ocean, or garden.
During your stay on the premises, you can visit the restaurant, surf shop, or library. Supplies are also provided for hula-hooping, jumping rope, playing badminton, watching surf movies, and more.
Click here for more info and booking.
Trekking, Cooking, Reforestation, & Yoga Retreat in Kandy
Image courtesy of Polwaththa Retreat on BookYogaRetreats
Yoga Styles: Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin
Skill Levels: All
Duration: 4 days
Meals Included: Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Nearby Airport: Bandaranaike International Airport
Airport Transfer Included: No, but available for an additional US$65 per person
If you’re looking for eco yoga retreats in Sri Lanka, then this 4-day retreat in Kandy might be the perfect choice for you.
The retreat takes place at Polwththa Eco Lodges, where you can immerse yourself in stunning nature and wildlife and have a positive impact on the community and environment – with your stay you are contributing directly to the Forest Healing Foundation, which works to reforest the area.
Each day, you’ll take part in morning and evening yoga and meditation sessions. You’ll also visit local villages, hike through the jungle to a waterfall for some wild swimming, and enjoy a local cooking lesson.
Optional activities include day tours to Kandy City, Dambulla, Sigiriya, and Wasgamuwa.
Click here for more info and booking.
Solo Traveler Yoga Holiday in Weligama
Image courtesy of Basecamp on BookYogaRetreats
Yoga Styles: Vinyasa and Yin
Skill Levels: All
Duration: 8 days
Meals Included: Daily breakfast and snacks
Nearby Airport: Bandaranaike International Airport
Airport Transfer Included: No, but available for $58 per person
Head to Weligama in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka for this 8-day retreat designed for solo travelers.
The retreat takes place in a gorgeous yoga shala overlooking the bay of Weligama, providing peaceful surroundings to help you relax and truly benefit from your escape.
During your time at the retreat, you’ll participate in morning and evening yoga sessions each day.
You’ll also have ample free time to visit the beach, surf, tour the area, explore your surroundings, or just relax and unwind.
As most of the guests who attend this retreat are solo travelers, the team helps to organize social dinners at local restaurants, where you’ll be able to form connections and friendships with other travelers.
Click here for more info and booking.
Wellness & Yoga Holiday in Kandy
Image courtesy of Welikande Estate Wellness on BookYogaRetreats
Yoga Styles: Hatha, Yin, Restorative, and Nidra
Skill Levels: All
Duration: 6 days
Meals Included: Daily breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
Nearby Airport: Bandaranaike International Airport
Airport Transfer Included: No, but available for $80 per person
Looking for the best wellness retreats in Sri Lanka? If so, this 6-day yoga retreat in Kandy should certainly be on your list to consider.
You’ll stay in the picturesque Knuckles Mountain Range at the Welikande Estate, where you’ll be surrounded by jaw-dropping views and peace.
This all-inclusive retreat includes all of your daily meals, unlimited drinks (water, juice, coffee, and tea), and a variety of activities to help you forge new connections and recenter yourself.
Daily yoga classes and daily meditation sessions are also included with your stay.
Click here for more info and booking.
Surf, Meditation, & Yoga Holiday in Hiriketiya
Image courtesy of The Salty Pelican on BookYogaRetreats
Yoga Styles: Hatha and Yin
Skill Levels: All
Duration: 8 days
Meals Included: Daily breakfast and two dinners
Nearby Airport: Bandaranaike International Airport
Airport Transfer Included: No, but available for $87 per person
Experience both surf and yoga in Sri Lanka with this 8-day retreat in Hiriketiya.
The retreat takes place at The Salty Pelican—a recently renovated building featuring a large swimming pool, poolside restaurant, sea view rooftop yoga deck, and a spacious communal dining area.
Two sandy beaches are just a short walk from The Salty Pelican, allowing you to surf, suntan, and soak in the healthy sea air.
Unlimited yoga classes, five days of surf lessons, and all the equipment needed for surfing and yoga are included.
Click here for more info and booking.
Relaxing Meditation & Yoga Holiday in Ahangama
Yoga Styles: Ashtanga
Skill Levels: All
Duration: 9 days
Meals Included: Daily organic breakfast and dinner
Nearby Airport: Koggala Airport and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport
Airport Transfer Included: No
You’re certain to enjoy your time at Villa My Way when you attend this 9-day Sri Lanka meditation retreat in Ahangama.
The villa is located in the rainforests, but not far from several beaches, providing you with the best of both worlds.
During your time at the retreat, the instructors will guide you through daily meditation and yoga practice sessions.
You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in excursions with the other guests, including a visit to a tea plantation and riding bikes through the town.
In addition to these organized activities, there will still be lots of free time that you can spend relaxing, meditating, or just taking in your surroundings.
Click here for more info and booking.
Massage, Hiking, & Yoga Holiday in Digana
Image courtesy of Rukgala on BookYogaRetreats
Yoga Styles: Vinyasa, Yin
Skill Levels: All
Duration: 4 days
Meals Included: Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Nearby Airport: Bandaranaike International Airport
Airport Transfer Included: No, but available for an additional US$100 per person
This 4-day yoga retreat in Digana, Central Province is one of the top yoga retreats in Asia.
Featuring daily morning and evening yoga sessions in a beautiful jungle shala, this short retreat in Sri Lanka has a lot to offer.
In addition to yoga, you’ll also enjoy a 60-minute full-body therapeutic massage and a guided walk to Bambaragala temple and Pettigala viewpoint.
In your free time, you can relax by the pool or head to the lake for some paddleboarding or wild swimming with the Knuckles Mountains as your backdrop.
Click here for more info and booking.
Stress Release Ayurveda & Yoga Retreat in Balapitiya
Image courtesy of Villa 386 on BookYogaRetreats
Yoga Styles: Hatha
Skill Levels: All
Duration: 15 days
Meals Included: Daily breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
Nearby Airport: Bandaranaike International Airport or Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport
Airport Transfer Included: No, but available for an additional US$98 per person
Those searching for Ayurvedic retreats in Sri Lanka should consider this 15-day retreat in Balapitiya.
The retreat takes place at lovely Villa 386, which offers a four-acre landscaped garden where you can wander to help you relax and recenter yourself.
Each day, you’ll engage in daily yoga sessions and daily Ayurveda treatments. The in-house doctor will work closely with you to determine the ideal treatments based on your needs.
Your stay at the retreat also includes a half-day excursion to Galle, a scenic boat ride in Maadu River, and more.
Click here for more info and booking.
Any of these top yoga retreats in Sri Lanka won’t disappoint. If you’re ready to enjoy a brief escape from the daily hustle and bustle and all the stress that goes with it, start planning your yoga holiday in Sri Lanka today.
Which of the fabulous retreats shared above caught your eye?
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Attending a Yoga Retreat in Sri Lanka? Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
As with any other kind of physical activity, joining a yoga retreat is not without its risks. While yoga is generally safe, accidents and injuries can happen anywhere and, if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to be prepared for the worst, especially when you’re in a foreign country.
That’s why travel insurance is so important and you should never leave home without it! I use and recommend SafetyWing travel medical insurance for travelers, remote workers, and nomads.
They cover overseas medical assistance in case of accident or illness, a wide range of sports and activities including yoga, travel delay or interruption, lost checked luggage, emergency medical or political evacuation, natural disasters, and personal liability, at very competitive prices.
You can subscribe online here for a minimum of 5 days to a maximum of 364 days, or opt for a monthly subscription instead.
More Yoga Retreats in Asia:
- Top 12 Best Yoga Retreats in India
- Top 12 Best Yoga Retreats in Goa, India
- Top 10 Best Yoga Retreats in Rishikesh, India
- Top 12 Best Yoga Retreats in Bali
- Top 12 Best Yoga Retreats in Thailand
- Top 10 Peaceful Yoga Retreats in Nepal
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