Yoga retreat and discovery of Sri Lanka - Private tour

Head northwest towards Kurunegala . Along the way, a stop that changes everything: the Silver Temple, or Ridee Viharaya , a Buddhist monastery over 2,000 years old nestled in the verdant hills. Its name comes from a silver mine whose riches are said to have financed one of the country's great stupas. The gilded Buddhas, the lacquered ceilings, the silence of the monks going about their practices—everything here invites you to slow down and look inward.

Tonight, you won't be sleeping in a hotel. You'll be welcomed into the guesthouse adjoining the monastery, just steps from the prayer halls. A unique experience, reserved for those seeking something more than an ordinary trip.

Night at Ridee Viharaya Monastery, Kurunegala

Departure after breakfast towards Sigiriya , in the heart of the Cultural Triangle. En route, a tuk-tuk ride through the villages and artisans of Ritigala. Tool forging, coconut oil extraction, pottery—skills passed down through generations in workshops rarely seen on standard tours. The ride concludes at the little-known ruins of Ritigala, a vestige of pre-Buddhist Sri Lanka nestled between an ancient temple and lush jungle.

Arrival at the hotel in the late afternoon, check-in and first yoga session.

Overnight stay in Sigiriya at the Ayurvi Sigiriya Hotel

Wake-up call at 4:30 a.m. In the still-cool darkness, you begin the ascent of Pidurangala Rock . A thirty- to forty-five-minute walk through an ancient Buddhist monastery and its caves adorned with statues leads to the summit, and before you, Sigiriya slowly emerges from the golden mist of sunrise . One of those moments that you don't really photograph, because you know that no image can truly capture its power.

Return to the hotel for breakfast, then drive to Polonnaruwa . This ancient royal city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, can be explored by bicycle or on foot, wandering among the ruins scattered throughout a verdant park on the banks of the Parakrama Samudra River. The Gal Vihara, with its three gigantic Buddhas carved from granite, is the highlight of a visit that will leave you speechless. The royal palaces, temples, and monuments, dating back approximately 900 years and remarkably well-preserved, offer a glimpse into the city's splendor at its peak.

Lunch at an organic farm with Sri Lankans : traditional curry, unusual vegetables, and the simple generosity of those who cultivate their land.

Evening yoga classes at the hotel.

Optional: Safari in Minneriya National Park (2.5 hours) — elephants, water buffalo, deer, elusive leopards. +€185/person

Overnight stay in Sigiriya at the Ayurvi Sigiriya Hotel

Morning yoga classes

The road to Kandy offers two major stops. First, Dambulla and its five sacred caves : 130 Buddha statues lined up against walls covered with 2,000-year-old murals , 150 meters above the surrounding countryside. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991, this cave sanctuary recounts a history dating back to the 1st century BC.

Then there's the spice garden of Matale , with its cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, and vanilla, where the senses awaken one by one, amidst intoxicating aromas and the island's history. The farmers, organized into a cooperative to guarantee fair prices, show you how these treasures are cultivated and processed. You can even take some spices home with you.

Arrive in Kandy in the late afternoon, the former capital of the kingdom and center of Sri Lankan Buddhism, built around a magnificent lake nestled among the hills. In the evening, visit the Temple of the Tooth, Dalada Maligawa, during the evening ceremony, when devotees flock there with their hands full of offerings. A moment of pure collective devotion.

Then a performance of Kandyan dances and a demonstration of fire walking.

Overnight stay at Kandy Hotel Polwaththa Eco Lodge

Free day in Kandy.

Kandy is best savored slowly. Enjoy a morning yoga session in the verdant setting of your hotel, then the rest of the day is yours. Some will return to the Temple of the Tooth at dawn, when the atmosphere is more intimate. Others will set off towards the three 14th-century temples: Embekka, Gadaladeniya, and Lankatilake , traversing rice paddies and dirt paths to admire the intricately carved wooden pillars and steps hewn from the rock. Still others will choose the Peradeniya Botanical Garden or a terrace overlooking the lake.

Optional: Three Temples Tour by tuk-tuk — +€80/person Optional: Village walk and river swim — rice paddies, forest gardens, village houses, natural pool. +€40/person

Overnight stay at Kandy Hotel Polwaththa Eco Lodge

This journey is one of the most beautiful train trips in the world (subject to availability) . From Nanu Oya, the train winds its way for four hours through tea plantations, waterfalls, and tunnels of greenery, landscapes that unfold like watercolor paintings. One of those moments when you put away your camera and simply observe.

Arrival in Ella , a small town nestled in the hills, renowned for its absolute calm and breathtaking panoramas.

Check-in at the hotel, yoga session in the late afternoon.

Overnight stay at Ella Hotel Zion View

In the morning, you'll set off to meet the tea pickers . Accompanied by the women who have worked these plantations for years, you'll learn the art of harvesting , leaf by leaf, at the slow pace of the misty hills. The morning ends with a tasting: black, green, and white teas, each with its own story and unique aromas.

**The afternoon is free.** You can hike to Little Adam's Peak for a panoramic view of the valley, explore the Nine Arch Bridge at sunrise, or simply relax in a hammock with a book – Ella is perfect for that.

Yoga classes at the hotel at the end of the day

Overnight stay at Ella Hotel Zion View

From the mountains to the ocean, via the jungle. Along the way, a stop at Buduruwagala , a Buddhist sanctuary nestled in the heart of the dense southern vegetation. Seven statues carved directly into the rock in the 10th century, including a 16-meter standing Buddha , the largest rock-carved statue in Sri Lanka. Time seems to have stood still here. The jungle has reclaimed its territory all around, and the unique silence of forgotten sacred places envelops every visitor who takes the time to linger.

Arrival in Tangalle in the late afternoon. First contact with the Indian Ocean, the changing air, the slowing pace of life. Yoga class at the hotel at the end of the day.

Overnight at Tangalle Talalla Retreat

Enjoy a sunrise yoga session overlooking the ocean at Talalla Retreat. This pristine cove, with its turquoise waters, golden sand, and coconut palms, is one of the wildest and most secluded beaches in southern Sri Lanka. The resort also features a spa where guests can indulge in an Ayurvedic treatment (optional).

Midday excursion to Galle . This stunning coastal city, whose Dutch fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, blends 17th-century ramparts, cobbled streets, colonial houses, and contemporary art galleries. Stroll around, browse local designer boutiques, and enjoy a coffee on the ramparts overlooking the ocean. Optional: Massage or Ayurvedic treatment at the Talalla Retreat spa.

Overnight at Tangalle Talalla Retreat

Last day by the water. Yoga session in the morning, then time to yourself: swimming, reading, meditating by the waves. A day to let the journey settle within you before heading home.

Overnight at Tangalle Talalla Retreat

Morning yoga class . Then private transfer from Tangalle to Colombo International Airport. Your driver will drop you off at Colombo Airport 3 hours before your flight. We wish you a pleasant journey home!