THE TRAVEL YOGI
Sri Lanka Yoga Adventure
Trip in One Word: Mesmerizing
What You’ll Experience In Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a treasure trove of culture, aromatics, nature, Buddhism, historical wonder and more. On this yoga adventure, you’ll feel the hum of city life in Kandy and Colombo, smell (and taste!) the curry, hike, immerse, dine with locals, spy for leopards and sink your toes into the ocean. You’ll experience Buddhism, ancient and contemporary, and admire the Dutch and British colonial architecture of the past. You’ll ride the rails and wander the tea plantations. Sri Lankan history and culture are topped only by its natural beauty—from verdant forests to diverse mangroves, coral reefs and vast nature reserves. On this yoga retreat in Sri Lanka, you’ll learn why this island is called the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.
How You’ll Experience Sri Lanka
On this yoga retreat in Sri Lanka, you’ll explore Sigiriya Rock Fortress, visit the ancient monastery at Ritigalato, trek Little Adams Peak, Nine Arches Bridge and spend time at the Dambulla Cave Temple and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic—all with locals to help you navigate the terrain and language. You’ll explore Colombo’s food stalls and markets, embark on a spice exploration to satisfy even the most curious palate, cook Sri Lankan dishes with a local: a unique opportunity to discover Sri Lanka through all senses. Wait, did we mention you’ll also relax by the beach and safari through a nature reserve?! You’ll let the (curry) dust settle after each day of adventure with yoga sessions amongst new friends.
How You’ll Feel When You Return Home
You’ll return home mesmerized by the diversity of Sri Lankan culture, inspired by new recipes (that will help you relive your adventure when you cook at home!), and inspired by centuries of endemic and trader-route culture and religion. After this yoga retreat in Sri Lanka, you’ll know travel is truly the spice of life.
Adventure Details
Negombo
Sigiriya
KANDY
TANGALLE
COLOMBO
Yoga Retreat in Sri Lanka Upcoming Dates
Janet Corvino
Janet Corvino
Janet is a yoga instructor, yoga teacher trainer and Life Alignment coach. Born and raised in NYC and now living in the mountains of Whistler, BC, Janet is part homebody and part gypsy. She loves her home in the mountains as well as exploring the world through travel. As a result, Janet has been travelling the world and teaching internationally.
Janet as a yoga instructor offers a playful, sweaty, deep practice with soul-searching teachings. Janet teaches “real life yoga for everyday living” by encouraging her students to explore yoga philosophy through themed classes and take their awareness into
their life. Janet as a Life Alignment Coach is soulful in her approach using yoga philosophy and Co-Active teachings to evoke deep insights. Janet’s candor, confidence and humour creates a playful, supportive environment to dive into action. You will be inspired to live deeply rich life filled with possibility.
She is generous with her support and deeply devoted to her students. Coaching and Yoga are pathways to living a life of harmony and fullness. Janet will journey with you there.
Jennifer Prugh
Jennifer Prugh
Jennifer Prugh is passionate about guiding students toward discovering what is possible in life when we bring our whole selves to each moment. She is the founder of Breath Together Yoga, a yoga studio, tea house and wellness center that offers over 100 classes a week for every level of practice, as well as the founder of the Joy of Yoga 200 and 300/500 hour teacher trainings.
Jennifer leads yoga adventures and retreats all over the world. A professional artist with a master’s degree in Art and Consciousness Studies, she was an associate professor for eight years at Cogswell College where she taught storytelling, mythology and creativity. She began practicing yoga in 1989, and teaching yoga after in 1999 following the death from cancer of her greatest mentor, her father. in 2021 she published a large format photography book, River of Offerings, 12 journeys following the path of the Ganges River, which you can find at your favorite bookstore or on Amazon.
Jennifer left higher education to teach yoga exclusively, in the words of Joseph Campbell, “ to follow her bliss.” Her online classes can be found on yogaanytime.com and YouTube @BreatheTogetherYoga. Jennifer is president of the board at the Tibetan Children’s Education Foundation, and because education changes the world, she enthusiastically encourages people to sponsor the education of Tibetan children and children of refugees from neighboring Indian countries.
She lives with her husband Will, their son Liam, and their golden retriever, Hobbes and River.
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What's Included
- Thirteen days with English-speaking expert, local Sri Lankan guides
- Specialist guides on unique cultural extras
- Breakfast each morning at our hotels
- All lunches including local eateries, hands-on experience and restaurants
- All dinners in a local restaurant, a local home or at our hotels
- Morning and evening yoga on most days (please see the full itinerary for yoga schedule)
- Luxury accommodations
- Trek to Little Adams Peak & Nine Arch Bridge
- Train ride through Sri Lanka’s hill country
- Experience Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home
- Safari through Udawalawe National Park
- Full guided exploration of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle
- Exploration of Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Cultural cooking with a local restaurant owner
- Cultural visit to the ancient monastery at Ritigala
- Explore the Dambulla Cave Temple
- Spice market exploration with a local
- Visit and guide through the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- Beachfront relaxation
- Experience at Colombo’s food stalls and market
What's Not Included
- International flight to Colombo, Sri Lanka (CMB)
- Personal travel insurance (recommended)
- Alcohol and drinks at meals
- Video or still camera fees assessed by the monuments or places of interest
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature (phone calls, souvenirs, spa services, etc)
- Compulsory Electronic Travel Authorization fee for arrival visa
Yoga Retreat in Sri Lanka Accommodations
Our Sri Lanka adventure travel will take us through bustling cities and tucked away gems all with luxurious accommodations. Each location has been chosen for its comfort and amenities as well as its ability to keep us close to the action and authentic Sri Lankan culture. Please note that rooms with two beds are not the norm across the island. We will always accommodate those looking for two beds but in some locations this may mean one large bed and one smaller bed (though never smaller than a twin).
Itinerary
Feel the hum of city life in Kandy and track elephants, leopards (with any luck), and wildlife in Udawalawe National Park. Sri Lankan culture is topped only by its natural beauty; revel in our one-of-a-kind experiences and chill-out beach days. The day to day itinerary below gives you the highlights of our yoga retreat in Sri Lanka and the adventure that awaits:
1
DAY ONE
- Ayubowan! Welcome to your magical yoga retreat Sri Lanka
- Transfer from the airport to Negombo
- Check in and chill out before a relaxing deplane-ing yoga session
- Enjoy a welcome dinner and a recharging night’s sleep
2
DAY TWO
- Explorations begin early today as we jump into the heart of Sri Lanka and the cultural triangle
- Venture into Dambulla and awe at a site that has been venerated for over 22 centuries
- This cave temple complex’s artistic intricacy beggars belief with carvings and murals that depict the life of the Buddha
- 153 Buddha statues, as well as those of gods, goddesses and kings and queens adorn the five caves of this complex
- Watch out for curious and mischievous macaques (ha!)
- Head to Sigiriya and absorb the day’s adventure on your mat
3
DAY THREE
- After morning yoga we’ll head out for a cycling trip to explore the day-to-day in local villages
- Get ready for a day on the backroads and enjoying a big part of what makes Sri Lanka such a beautiful place: the people!
- Stop into homes for a welcoming cuppa and time learning about the local industries run from the village/homes
- Cycling from village to village will work up an appetite for a mouth-watering rice and curry lunch in a local home
- After lunch, and a small rest, it’s time to stretch out and bowl your best googly
- While not exactly a fair contest, this afternoon is a cricket match-up between us and village locals (prepare to inspire some giggles)
- After what we can only assume will be a proper cricket-whooping, we’ll head back with fun photos and smiles with dinner at ‘home’
4
DAY FOUR
- This morning we’ll start early with a hike to the top of the stunning Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- We’re starting out early to beat the crowds up the 1,200 steps so that reaching the top gives you unadulterated access to the crazy amazing view
- Beautiful frescos and giant lion paws guarding the main gateway are two highlights of ‘Lion Rock’
- Heading back to the hotel we’ll unwind and relax from the climb and stunning morning adventures
- Enjoy lunch with views out to Sigiriya and enjoy the afternoon in the pool, the spa or catching a nap
- With renewed energy we’ll head for some grounding time on our mats
5
DAY FIVE
- At almost the halfway point in the adventure, we’ll have a day to relax, sleep in and choose your own adventure (or relaxation)
- Later morning yoga class and leisurely breakfast
- Enjoy a stroll down memory lane with a retired planter and his stories and history
- With today at your disposal you can lounge by the pool or book a mountain bike or walking trek, explore Aligala caves or hit the spa. With plenty of adventure still ahead, today’s choice is yours
- A lovely group dinner at the hotel closes out this relaxation day
6
DAY SIX
- Welcome the morning with a flow and a beautiful sunrise
- Depart for Kandy and a day of local culture and tradition
- Upon arrival in the colonial city of Kandy we’ll enjoy lunch and explore the local market and stalls
- This afternoon we’ll meet up with our local Kandyan friend and his wife at their home and enjoy local tea, sweet treats and smiles
- Go light at lunchtime so you can enjoy and indulge in the exquisitely homemade konda kavum, kokis and undu walalu
- With friendships solidified over tea and treats, our friends will take us to the Temple of the Tooth Relic. With their help we’ll go through the local methods of adoration of this sacred Buddhist shrine and reliquary
- From an afternoon of local culture, sweet treats and smiles, we’ll head back to the hotel for evening grounding yoga and dinner
7
DAY SEVEN
- Enjoy the morning with a flow and delicious, river-side breakfast
- This morning we’ll drive into the countryside and jump aboard a train
- Traveling like the locals in 2nd class (first class is for tourists) we’ll chug through the Sri Lankan hill country and its stunning train-only villages and vistas
- We’ll disembark in the hilly lushness of Ella in time for some relaxation or a light hike before a late afternoon yoga class
- Enjoy an evening dinner surrounded by the sounds of nature and a stunning sunset
8
DAY EIGHT
- This morning we’ll be up early for a hike up to the two most famous sights in Ella: Little Adams Peak and Nine Arch Bridge
- Our early morning hike to Little Adams Peak will beat the heat and other hikers for the best views and photos of this gorgeous green giant
- We’ll trek back for breakfast, but keep the trek shoes on as we set off for Nine Arch Bridge
- A beautiful bit of architecture from when Sri Lanka was known as British Ceylon, we’ll arrive just in time to see a train cross the iconic bridge (pro tip: have your cameras ready)
- We’ll head back for lunch and this afternoon is all about tea
- Giving the large plantations a miss, we’ll head to a small, family run, estate to learn how they hand-produce local artisanal tea. Depending on the point of production, we may get to give plucking or rolling a go – tea tasting will be a must!
- Back ‘home’ we’ll enjoy some hamstring relaxing yoga and a wonderful dinner in the hilly jungles of Ella
9
DAY NINE
- This morning we’ll head to support the helping hands at the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home
- The rehabilitation center for injured and orphaned baby elephants is a research and conservation based center
- Dedicated staff heal and train these babies with the skills their mom/herd would have given them so that they can be released into the wild to survive and thrive
- We’ll hit a feeding time and watch these little guys run in to (loudly) slurp up their fill
- With hearts full from the little ellies we’ll head out on safari in Udawalawe National Park
- This elephant-centric national park steers clear of the crowds and traffic jams of Yala and allows nature to take center stage
- Elephant sightings are the main attraction in Udawalawe but keep your eyes open for wild buffaloes, jackals, crocodiles and (if we’re lucky) maybe even the elusive sloth bear or leopards
- Leaving Udawalawe we’ll take off for the coast
10
DAY TEN
- Morning yoga on the stunning Sri Lankan coast and a relaxing breakfast
- These next two days will be all about relaxation and/or (your choice) beach action
- We’ll be staying right on the beach and you can choose to swim, surf, stroll the gardens, hit the spa, SUP, visit Bundala National Park or simply take a dip in the pool and chill
- Arrival signals some well deserved time to sink your feet into the sand and relax
- We’ll come together for evening yoga (if you can pull yourself away from the beach!) and group dinner
11
DAY ELEVEN
- Today is your last day to chill and make the most of the beautiful Sri Lanka coast
- This morning we’ll start yoga a bit later to start the chill-day off on the right foot
- We’ll enjoy a post-yoga breakfast together and then today’s activities are up to you
- Lunch will be on property and wave hopping will be sure to get you in in time to fill your hungry belly
- With sandy toes we’ll come together for this evening’s yoga retreat practice and seaside group dinner
12
DAY TWELVE
- This morning will be our closing yoga practice for the trip and a goodbye to the coast as we make our way to Colombo
- Take in the Sri Lankan countryside as we head towards the largest city, and capital, of this island nation
- En route to Colombo we’ll stop at the Galle Fort which has seen over 400 years of Sri Lankan history
- This remarkable fort bears the influence of the Arab merchants, Portuguese sailers and colonizing Dutch who all set foot or made claim to this Indian Ocean island
- Reaching Colombo we’ll head out to explore the ‘unseen Colombo’ with our local expert
- As the sun sets we’ll head out on a leisurely walk through the Galle Face green and into the local neighborhood known as Slave Island
- Colombo is an ever evolving city and the architectural gems of Slave Islands and its Dutch colonial past may not survive the renovation
- Our final group dinner will be out on the amazing streets of Slave Island where we’ll partake in the not-to-be-missed street food of Colombo
13
DAY THIRTEEN
- Today is goodbye to our Sri Lanka travel and each other
- Breakfast this morning is our chance to collect emails for photo sharing and final packing
- Transfers to the airport, hugs and a close to our yoga retreat Sri Lanka
TESTIMONIALS
ADVENTURE WELL(NESS)
ADVENTURE WELL(NESS)
ADVENTURE WELL(NESS)
ADVENTURE WELL(NESS)
Frequently Asked Questions
For U.S. travelers both a passport and visa will be required for entry into Sri Lanka. Your passport will need to be valid for at least 6 months after your date of departure from Sri Lanka and will require at least one blank page per entry stamp. Visa’s must be processed by the traveler online prior to arrival. You can click here to access the Electronic Travel Authorization System of Sri Lanka to begin the process. (Please note that there are false ‘mirror’ sites to this one so please only use the visa link supplied here) Entry information can change, so for up to date information please visit the State Department’s page for Sri Lanka. Nationals of all other countries should check entry requirements with their government.
No shots are required at this time for Sri Lanka. The only current exception is proof of a Yellow Fever vaccination if you are coming from, or have traveled to, an infected area. Of course we recommend that you be up to date on all of your vaccinations. Any specific inoculation or health questions should be directed to your personal physician.
In general, yes! Vegetarians will have no difficulty and all other requests should be able to be accommodated as long as we have sufficient notice of at least four weeks prior to departure. Please contact The Travel Yogi with any dietary questions.
We will always answer “yes” to this question. Protecting your travel investment from life’s unforeseen events is always a good idea. However strongly recommended, we do not require travel insurance for this trip. Please make sure you have a policy purchased before departure and, ideally, at the time of booking. While we recommend Travel Guard, you may purchase your insurance through any reputable company.
On this adventure, yes, you will need to bring your own mat. Your mat and luggage will be transported for you once on the trip, but you will need to bring a mat from home. The Travel Yogi teachers that embark on this adventure will be designing classes that do not require props, so no need to bring a strap or a block unless you want/require one.
Yes! While we encourage you to unplug and soak up the beauty of Sri Lanka, we understand the need to stay connected to home and/or work. All of our accommodations will have wifi access.
