Sri Lanka is a land of remote coastlines, lush rice paddies and dense rain forests, where elephants and leopards roam free and peacocks own the wild in a plume of splendor. Tea plantations are known to tumble into tropical jungles , and the turquoise ocean oasis beckons just beyond the next horizon.
From the surfer to the trekker, history enthusiast to meditative Yogi, Sri Lanka is the answer for all avid travelers. With a soul satiating Buddhist culture , unexplored exotic locations, and not to mention some of the most hospitable and generous people in the world - this Paradise Island is the dream Yoga retreat destination.
Priding myself as a bare-foot adventure thrill seeker, there are many reasons why this teardrop island tickles my fancy. Here I share just a few reasons why you should come and join me on my next retreat!
1. The People
Never before will you have encountered as genuine and generous culture as the Sri Lankan people. You’re guaranteed overindulgence on incredible spreads of rice and curry eaten on the kitchen floor with local families. You’ll likely be gifted countless amounts of tropical fruit and King Coconuts retrieved from the top of the tallest palm trees. And, if you’re really lucky, you may even be given a house (it’s been known to happen before). There’s just no snuff for the warmth of the Sri Lankan heart.
2. The Scenery
Sri Lanka is drop dead gorgeous- we’re not even kidding. Her natural beauty will absolutely astound you and with over 24 declared wildlife reserves to choose from, nature lovers will be spoilt for choice when it comes to flora and fauna on this island destination. In particular Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Yala and Wilpaththu nature reserves are worth penciling in to the post-yoga retreat travel schedule. Or you can keep your Fitness up by taking a twisty turn up popular Adam’s Peak, rewarding yourself with the site of Buddha’s footprint preserved in the rock, or check out the famed “World’s End” escarpment edge in Horton Plains.
3. The Zen Vibes
Being yogis (or aspiring ones!) we know you’re keen to get your zen on, and Sri Lanka is the most pimped out place for peace and tranquility. With Buddhists making up 70% of the population, this land and its people resounds with a deeply restorative energy. As an inquisitive and seeking foreigner, you’ll find yourself warmly welcomed into homes and temples and dished out free food if you happen to be here on Poya Day (the full moon celebration each month). Not to mention, our yoga retreat program has been lovingly designed to introduce you to the best bits of Sri Lanka’s spiritual side.
4. Rice and Curry
Food is undoubtedly one of the best perks of travelling, and Sri Lanka knows how to serve it up real good. You’ll soon see the crown of the Sri Lankan culinary scene is the simple but understated rice and curry. Similar to the South Indian Thali – this dish can consist of up to nine curries arranged around a rather impressive mound of rice. Varieties change with the day but usually include dhal, coconut or onion sambal, poppadoms and a choice of vegetable curries from cinnamon pumpkin to roasted jackfruit seed or caramelized aubergine. Our daily retreat menus will have your mouth watering at the myriad offerings of healthy tropical bounty.
I could go on forever, but there you have it- the top reasons I love Sri Lanka.
So, if you’re down with pulling out the mat, finding your flow and making some new friends on your travels, come join my next retreat!
What I can promise is that you’ll fall as madly in love with this beloved island as I are! What I can’t promise is that you’ll ever want to leave!