• Home
  • About Me
    • About Me
    • Yoga Journey
  • Work with Flo
  • Get in Touch
  • Disclaimer and Policies
No results
View all results
Yoga, Wine & Travel
  • Home
  • Travel
  • Popular Destinations
    • Hong Kong Travel Guides & Tips
    • Sri Lanka Travel Guides & Tips
    • India Travel Guides & Tips
    • Italy Travel Guides & Tips
    • Laos Travel Guides & Tips
    • Thailand Travel Guides & Tips
    • Turkey Travel Guides & Tips
    • Jordan Travel Guides & Tips
    • All Destinations
  • Yoga
  • Videos
Yoga, Wine & Travel
  • Home
  • Travel
  • Popular Destinations
    • Hong Kong Travel Guides & Tips
    • Sri Lanka Travel Guides & Tips
    • India Travel Guides & Tips
    • Italy Travel Guides & Tips
    • Laos Travel Guides & Tips
    • Thailand Travel Guides & Tips
    • Turkey Travel Guides & Tips
    • Jordan Travel Guides & Tips
    • All Destinations
  • Yoga
  • Videos
No results
View all results
Yoga, Wine & Travel
No results
View all results
Home Travel

7 Reasons Why You Should Attend a Yoga Retreat in Sri Lanka

Experience what this tropical island has to offer and immerse yourself in a Yoga holiday in Sri Lanka

by Flo
January 6, 2017 - Updated on December 27, 2020
in Travel, Yoga
57
Yogawinetravel Strength & Serenity Yoga Retreat in Sri Lanka
Yoga class in Sri Lanka with text overlay Yoga class in Sri Lanka with text overlay

Picture yourself practicing Yoga with like-minded yoga lovers, the wind in your hair and the beach just a few steps away. Traveling and taking part in a Yoga retreat is a wonderful way to fill your cup and enhance wellness, explore new parts of the world, be a part of the international Yoga community and most importantly: immerse yourself in Yoga.

Yoga retreat in Sri Lanka

Yoga retreats provide an outlet to truly integrate the various limbs of Yoga into your daily life and routine: did you know that poses (asanas) are only one aspect of Yoga? Read on for a few reasons why Sri Lanka is one of the best Yoga destinations in the world!

Headed to Sri Lanka? click here for more Sri Lanka travel tips and destination guides!

Hammock and gardens in Sri Lanka

1. Go somewhere new and exciting!

Sri lanka yoga retreat side stretch

So you probably have friends who have been to yoga retreats in Bali, Thailand, Mexico or Costa Rica: but how many people can say that they’ve explored and practiced Yoga in Sri Lanka? Although Yoga is certainly not new to the region (it’s just a stone’s throw away from India), more and more Yoga centers and retreats are being established in Sri Lanka which makes it a perfect Yoga destination to deepen your practice.

Rukgala Retreat near Kandy Sri Lanka yoga retreat

There are many places along Sri Lanka’s south coast that offer daily drop-in classes such as Talalla Retreat and Sri Yoga Shala, or practice in the mountains at Rukgala Retreat near Kandy. You can also sign up to my mailing list to find out about any of my upcoming retreats on the island!

2. Check out Sri Lanka before it gets too crowded

Traditional fishing boats in south Sri Lanka

While Sri Lanka has been “up-and-coming” for a few years, this beautiful island has been thrust into the spotlight and recently made it onto tons of “Top Travel Destinations” lists – this means that it is going to become increasingly popular and more and more crowded. Since the end of the civil war in 2009, tourist arrival numbers have multiplied several-fold each year! Why not beat the crowds and get a whole stretch of beach to yourself? It’s the perfect place to indulge in a little peace and solitude to clear your mind.

Gomukhasana in Sri Lanka

Click here for 12 things you should know before visiting Sri Lanka!

3. Learn to surf

Surfing in Arugam Bay in eastern Sri Lanka

Surfing and Yoga go together like peanut butter and jelly. Yoga benefits surfers in a multitude of ways, and conversely surfing is a great sport to complement an active Yoga practice.

Surfboards in Hiriketiya bay in south Sri Lanka

If you’ve never tried surfing before, Sri Lanka is the best place to learn: the waves are gentle, the surf is uncrowded and the water is warm! I took up surfing in early 2015 and am now working on turning on the open face of a wave – I’m telling ya, it’s an exhilarating experience! There are plenty of surf and yoga retreats that you can check out – I recommend Talalla Surf, a surf camp and yoga retreat in southern Sri Lanka that runs weeklong programs.

4. Stunning surroundings

Pehebhiya Beach in Dickwella Sri Lanka

There’s nothing better than practicing with a cool ocean breeze and being surrounded by Mother Nature. Sri Lanka is wonderfully lush and offers blissful sunshine all year round: love drinking straight out of a coconut and hanging out on pristine beaches? Sri Lanka is the perfect place to calm the soul and immerse yourself in what nature has to offer!

Yoga retreat in Sri Lanka

Alternatively, perhaps you find yourself drawn to the misty mountains in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. Take your yoga practice high up in the hills in open-air shalas surrounded by the jungle and mountain ranges. After a calming yoga practice head out on a cultural exploration to one of the UNESCO-listed heritage sites around the island of Sri Lanka. The possibilities are endless in Sri Lanka for anyone looking for variety.

Rukgala Retreat near Kandy Sri Lanka
Photo provided by Rukgala Retreat

5. Assortment of Accommodation Options

Anantara Tangalle in Sri Lanka

There are rooms for every type of traveler and for every type of budget – Sri Lanka has it sorted. There are not only beautiful five-star hotels like the Anantara Tangalle Peace Haven Hotel, Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort, Anantara Kalutara and Cape Weligama, but also boutique hotels, converted colonial houses, eco-lodges and luxury tents for “glamping” (like Madulkelle Tea & Eco Lodge) – basically, anything your heart desires.

Yoga retreat in Sri Lanka

Many places offer drop-in Yoga classes and also host multi-day Yoga retreats throughout the year, and traveling yoga teachers often visit Sri Lanka for an extended period of time to host trainings, workshops and retreats. You could easily hop between drop-in classes along the coast in south Sri Lanka, or get settled in one place for a few days at a time.

Planning a trip to Sri Lanka? Click here for more accommodation options!

6. The opportunity to experience the ancient art of Ayurveda

Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions in Negombo Sri Lanka

Ayurveda and Yoga are two peas in a pod and share many philosophies and practices; if you’ve always been interested in learning more about the art of Ayurveda, Sri Lanka is one of the top countries in the world to experience the ancient practice. Many therapists complete years of training to obtain a Bachelor of Ayurveda Medicine degree from university, before going on to treat patients at Ayurveda centres and clinics.

If you’re interested in learning more about Ayurveda while practicing Yoga, check out Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions in a little seaside town called Negombo, or consult with the in-house Ayurvedic doctor at Anantara Kalutara.

7. Ease of travel

Tuk tuk in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has a well-run international airport with direct flights to Colombo from a dozen countries around the world. There are also flights to Colombo from most major layover hub airports including Hong Kong, Dubai, Qatar, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, so getting there is a piece of cake. Once you arrive in Sri Lanka, in-country transportation is also cheap, reliable and safe with a sprawling train network (read on for why train travel in Sri Lanka is a must-do!), tuk tuks galore, brand new highways connecting cities and towns as well as a domestic air taxi services from coast to coast.

Ella Gap in Ella town Sri Lanka

Most visitors will need to apply for a visa (except for nationals of Singapore, Maldives and Seychelles) but this is easily done online for a small fee. Visas can also be extended as necessary without too much fuss.

Rukgala Retreat near Kandy Sri Lanka yoga retreat

Not convinced? Check out this post for 10 reasons why you need to visit Sri Lanka now or click here for more Sri Lanka travel tips and destination guides!

Have you visited Sri Lanka before? Tell me about your experience in the comments section below!

You may also like:

  • 10 Amazing Yoga Destinations Around the World
  • Make the most of your yoga retreat experience with these top tips
  • Rukgala Retreat is one of the best yoga retreats in Sri Lanka. Read more about my time there
  • Need some help planning a trip to Sri Lanka? Here are all of my insider Sri Lanka guides

Pin this for later!

This article contains an affiliate link. If you choose to book using this link, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my website by using this link, I only recommend products or services that I have personally used & hotels I have visited and loved. 

Share this article!

  • Share
  • Pin
  • Tweet
  • Email
Tags: AsiaSri LankaTravelyogaYoga Retreat

Enjoyed reading this article? Subscribe to the mailing list!

* Unsubscribe at any time. Your e-mail address will only ever be used to send the occasional Yoga, Wine & Travel newsletter.

Previous Post

Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort: Soothe Your Soul in Sri Lanka

Next Post

The Practical Guide to Visiting Meteora and its Hanging Monasteries in Greece

Related Posts

The King Room at The Hari in Hong Kong
Hotel Reviews

7 Tried-and-Tested Luxury and Boutique Hotels in Hong Kong

January 10, 2021 - Updated on January 11, 2021
Tai Long Wan Sai Kung drone photo
Travel

Tai Long Wan in Sai Kung: A Guide to Hong Kong’s Secret Beaches

October 13, 2020 - Updated on January 11, 2021
Drone shot of Hiriketiya Bay in Sri Lanka
Travel

An Insider’s Guide to Hiriketiya in Sri Lanka

August 31, 2020 - Updated on December 17, 2020
Hong Kong taxi and street art
Travel

Where to Go for the Best Street Art in Hong Kong

August 6, 2020 - Updated on September 2, 2020
Next Post
Hanging monasteries in Meteora Greece

The Practical Guide to Visiting Meteora and its Hanging Monasteries in Greece

9 Easy Tips to Find Stability in Standing Balance Poses

Ancient Olympia Site Greece

Exploring Ancient Olympia in Greece: A Guide to the Birthplace of the Olympic Games

Comments 57

  1. Alexis says:
    4 years ago

    This is beautiful. I’ve been trying to get into yoga again so hopefully when I go to Sri Lanka later this year I’ll get a chance to. If not I might just enjoy the wine and travel 😉

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Wine and travel are great too! Hope you enjoy your time in Sri Lanka!

      Reply
  2. Marie says:
    4 years ago

    I have never been to Sri Lanka before, but when I will, I’ll definitely consider attending a yoga retreat or at least a yoga class!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Sounds great, Marie! Let me know if you make it over as I have plenty of suggestions on what to do/where to go!

      Reply
      • Marie A. says:
        3 years ago

        Hello! Where do you suggest going to practise yoga daily and to possibly a yoga ttc in Sri Lanka? Thank you!

      • Flo says:
        3 years ago

        Hi Marie, Talalla Retreat hosts twice daily classes. There is also a yoga shala on the southwest coast called Sri Yoga Shala that you can check out. Unfortunately I do not have any recommendations for a TTC in Sri Lanka.

  3. alex says:
    4 years ago

    This sounds idyllic, my son visited Sri Lanka last year and his photo’s had us hooked, I hope we get to go one day!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      I hope you get to visit one day, Alex! It’s such a spectacular country 🙂

      Reply
  4. The Travel Captain says:
    4 years ago

    these are great reasons to try yoga! and never thought about the complimentary surfing aspect but it makes perfect sense given the necessary balance. and you knowwww I share your passion for Sri Lanka. sounds like the retreat will be UH-MAZING

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Thanks so much for your support, Ro! Wish you could join 🙂

      Reply
  5. Hannah says:
    4 years ago

    I’ve heard so much about Sri Lanka lately I really want to go! I bet yoga retreat would be a really relaxing way to enjoy the island. It looks so beautiful!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      It’s a massive island with tons of places to explore – I’d recommend doing a retreat for a few days and then heading north to tea country/Sigiriya!

      Reply
  6. Cassandra says:
    4 years ago

    Ah! I wish wish wish I could join you on this yoga retreat! I’ve always wanted to go to one, and Sri Lanka also sounds like an amazing place to explore!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Next time! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Katie from What's Katie Doing? Blog says:
    4 years ago

    Thanks for posting Flo! Would you recommend a residential course for a complete beginner? I can’t make yours in March ?

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Hey Katie! Lots of places have drop-in classes and they would be suitable for beginners. Just let the teacher know at the beginning of class that you are new to the physical practice and they should provide some guidance and modifications!

      Reply
  8. Cynthia says:
    4 years ago

    Such a beautiful place, it looks so relaxing! I never thought about yoga and surfing going together before, but certainly makes sense! Great post, thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      There are some poses that are so good for the shoulders and hip opening – both very necessary for surfing!

      Reply
  9. Madi | Restless Worker says:
    4 years ago

    Love this. Sri Lanka has been on my list for quite some time now – it looks like such a beautiful destination. I had no idea tourism had grown that much in recent years, cool stat to know!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Such a wonderful country – let me know if you ever make it over!

      Reply
  10. Melissa says:
    4 years ago

    This looks so peaceful! And love the photos of the Sri Lanka scenery 🙂

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Thanks for checking this out, Melissa!

      Reply
  11. AlicevstheWorld says:
    4 years ago

    To be honest I’m not a big person for Yoga, but this all sounds wonderfully relaxing!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      It’s a great place to experience some of the other limbs of yoga 🙂

      Reply
  12. Christine K says:
    4 years ago

    This was such an informative post. My friend has been wanting to visit Sri Lanka so we have been looking at airfares and they are quite high from the United States. However, we will make it there eventually. Love that you conduct the Yoga retreats and will certainly bookmark this for future reference.

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Definitely look into Qatar Airways! They have some great flight deals via Doha 🙂

      Reply
  13. Claudia says:
    4 years ago

    I have Sri Lanka at the top of my list and this seems to be the perfect opportunity to relax and also enjoy the beauty of the country!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      I hope you make it to Sri Lanka soon Claudia!

      Reply
  14. Swati & Sam says:
    4 years ago

    Such a lovely write-up. We do agree Sri Lanka is getting a lot of attention of late and is bound to get very touristy. We were there in Sri Lanka in the year 2013 and had a great time at Negombo. Lovely beaches and food. It’s a great place to spend some quality time.

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Hope you guys make it back! The southern coast is wonderful.

      Reply
  15. The Travel Ninjas says:
    4 years ago

    Sold! Sri Lanka is so tempting. Do you think a yoga retreat is a good intro to yoga for newbies? Is it worth it or should you learn at home before a special retreat?

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Great question! Retreats are run differently so it’s worth reaching out to the organizer ahead of time to ask if it is appropriate for beginners. The one I am hosting in March is suitable for anyone and modifications will be offered.

      Reply
  16. Davide uTravelShare.com says:
    4 years ago

    Sri Lanka is undoubtedly on my bucket list and when I will go there I have to consider some class of yoga with you as teacher!! Anyway I am considering many different countries to visit this year, it will be on November, 1 full month and I have to choose just 1 country of 5 of my special list!! I let you know 😀 thanks for sharing

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Hope you make it to Sri Lanka soon Davide!

      Reply
  17. neha says:
    4 years ago

    This sounds so similar to Kerala in India. I didn’t know Sri Lanka is such a favorite for yoga retreat. I will plan one definitely when I happen to visit here.

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      It’s starting to become a popular yoga destination 🙂

      Reply
  18. Aubrie says:
    4 years ago

    I’ve been wanting to try yoga and I’ve been thinking of traveling to Sri Lanka so I loved reading this!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Let me know if you make it to Sri Lanka soon, Aubrie!

      Reply
  19. Gate to Experience says:
    4 years ago

    really nice pictures! seems that from now Sri Lanka is added to my future travel list and yoga lesson as well!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Thanks so much for checking this out!

      Reply
  20. Mike says:
    4 years ago

    Sri Lanka looks so beautiful. I don’t really do Yoga but would love to go for the peace and serenity.

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      There are lots of different aspects to Yoga so we all do yoga in some way! 🙂 Hope you make it to Sri Lanka soon, Mike!

      Reply
  21. Eva says:
    4 years ago

    Oh, yes!!! Sri Lanka has been in my mind’s eye for a while, and this looks like the perfect way to see it!! I am SUPER into Ayurveda as well, so it’s cool to see that it’s a big part of the yoga practice in Sri Lanka. I’m so happy you’re choosing to use WeTravel as a way to promote this amazing trip, too! Hopefully it will expose many more people to the beauties of Sri Lanka 🙂

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      I really hope more people are able to join and experience the beauty of Sri Lanka! 🙂 It’s such a great Yoga/wellness/ayurveda destination – I can’t wait!

      Reply
  22. Wanderlust Vegans says:
    4 years ago

    I’ve been on search for a lovely yoga retreat. Sri Lanka looks like a lovely place. Thank you for your list of reasons why Sri Lanka would be a great place for it. It also seems reasonably priced too!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Hope you can join us! 🙂

      Reply
  23. Agnes says:
    4 years ago

    Well, I’m sold. Only if I would not be broke at the moment, haha. Maybe something for next year then, because it sounds just perfect. What’s better than practising yoga in an awesome place. Plus learning how to surf would be great too!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Thanks for checking this out, Agnes! Surfing is so addictive – hope you can join us some other time! 🙂

      Reply
  24. Sophie says:
    4 years ago

    Yoga retreats look so peaceful and serene. What an amazing experience; would love to go one day (perhaps when I’m no longer a student :P)

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Hope you can join us for a retreat in the future, Sophie!

      Reply
  25. Brown Gal Trekker says:
    4 years ago

    I’ve been warned about Sri Lanka as a mountain trekker that there’s not much hiking one can do. So yoga will definitely entice me as it’s part of my normal routine to keep in shape. Thanks for this tip!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      I’ve heard World’s End, Adam’s Peak and Ella Rock offer incredible hikes, as well as Knuckles Mountain Range! But I’m not an avid hiker haha. Hope you make it to Sri Lanka soon!

      Reply
  26. Britt says:
    4 years ago

    Hi! Loving your Sri Lanka posts. Can you recommend any retreats or yoga schools in particular, or even a great area to be looking for one? Hoping to make it over in July 🙂

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Hi Britt! Yes – Talalla Retreat in the south has twice daily classes, there is also a yoga shala named Sri Yoga Shala in the region. There aren’t many yoga studios but most hotels will offer yoga classes. Have a great time!

      Reply
  27. Agness of Fit Travelling says:
    4 years ago

    Sri Lanka is a spectacular destination and an awesome place for yoga. Thanks to your post I could definitely combine two fo my favourite activities, yoga and travelling!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      It’s such an amazing country, Agness! Thanks for checking this article out 🙂

      Reply
  28. trovit inlod says:
    3 years ago

    such a nice information. Thank you for this post.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Hello!

Hi! My name is Flo. I'm a wanderlusting yogi who won’t say no to a good white sangria. I believe that travel and yoga are important avenues to experience new stories, lifestyles, culture and views - join me on Yoga, Wine & Travel as I share destination & travel guides, tips and hacks as well as stories from my Yoga journey! Read more about me and Yoga, Wine & Travel here.

Latest Articles

The King Room at The Hari in Hong Kong

7 Tried-and-Tested Luxury and Boutique Hotels in Hong Kong

January 10, 2021 - Updated on January 11, 2021
Tai Long Wan Sai Kung drone photo

Tai Long Wan in Sai Kung: A Guide to Hong Kong’s Secret Beaches

October 13, 2020 - Updated on January 11, 2021
Drone shot of Hiriketiya Bay in Sri Lanka

An Insider’s Guide to Hiriketiya in Sri Lanka

August 31, 2020 - Updated on December 17, 2020

Yoga, Wine & Travel

In search of travel and yoga inspiration? Yoga, Wine & Travel is your resource for practical travel tips, detailed destination guides, insightful Yoga advice and honest reviews for independent travelers who love luxury, boutique and beyond-the-ordinary travel experiences. Let me help you spend less time on planning your trip and more time on experiencing the journey!

SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER AND NEVER MISS AN ARTICLE

Explore more

Destination Guides

Everything Yoga

Travel Tips

Hotel Reviews

Travel Videos

About

About Flo

Yoga Journey

Work With Me

Get in Touch

Home

© 2021 Yoga, Wine & Travel. Disclaimer and Website Policies.

Exclusive Member of Mediavine Travel

No results
View all results
  • Home
  • Travel
    • Hotel Reviews
    • Food & Drink
    • Travel Tips
  • Popular Destinations
    • Hong Kong Travel Guides & Tips
    • Italy Travel Guides & Tips
    • India Travel Guides & Tips
    • Sri Lanka Travel Guides & Tips
    • Laos Travel Guides & Tips
    • Thailand Travel Guides & Tips
    • Turkey Travel Guides & Tips
    • Jordan Travel Guides & Tips
  • Yoga
    • All Yoga Articles
    • Yoga Studios Around the World
  • About
    • About Me
    • Yoga Journey
  • Work with Flo
  • Get in Touch

© 2021 Yoga, Wine & Travel. Disclaimer and Website Policies.