Ayurveda holidays in Sri Lanka
| country: | Sri Lanka |
| departures: | This trip can be tailor made to suit your budget, interests and requirements |
| price: | From £930 (15 days) excluding flights |
the amazing things you'll be doing
This journey of 'Ayurvedic rejuvenation' takes you through the magnificent landscapes of this island nation.
Highlights include:
Ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura Magnificent Sigirya rock fortresses Dambulla’s serene Buddhist cave temples Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth Sinharaja’s tropical rainforest Negombo’s sandy beaches and catamarans Ancient healing wisdom of Ayurveda, yoga and guided meditation
Ayurveda spread to Sri Lanka from India around 6th century BC to become the main form of medical practice for centuries. The reigning monarchy on the island at the time contributed significantly to the development of Ayurveda with some even specializing as Ayurvedic Physicians.
Until the introduction of western medicine in the 19th century, it was the indigenous medical practitioners that attended to the health of the people. Even today, Ayurveda is very much a part of Sri Lanka’s National Health Care system and is monitored by the Department of Indigenous Medicine.
Ayurveda is a completely natural and holistic healing system which promotes general well-being and seeks not only to cure disease but also to rejuvenate the body. It has also proved to be very effective in curbing modern day stress and in promoting a positive mental attitude and relaxation of the mind. Hence, you don’t have to be sick to benefit from this ancient healing wisdom. The common medicinal ingredients used in Ayurveda therapies are herbal teas, powders, oils, herbal wines and pastes made out of local medicinal plants, fruits and vegetables. The Sinharaja rainforest in Sri Lanka’s central region is a natural `storehouse’ of these Ayurvedic medicinal plants. Some of the ingredients are also imported from the foothills of the Himalayas in India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
This journey of `Ayurvedic rejuvenation’ takes you through the magnificent landscapes of this island nation – dense tropical rainforests, tranquil rivers and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, paddy fields and mountain peaks. Along the way, experience the `unhurried’ lifestyle of rural villagers, the ancient cultural heritage and finally, a life nurturing experience of Ayurvedic rejuvenation that will leave you with renewed energy and inspiration.
Highlights include:
Ayurveda spread to Sri Lanka from India around 6th century BC to become the main form of medical practice for centuries. The reigning monarchy on the island at the time contributed significantly to the development of Ayurveda with some even specializing as Ayurvedic Physicians.
Until the introduction of western medicine in the 19th century, it was the indigenous medical practitioners that attended to the health of the people. Even today, Ayurveda is very much a part of Sri Lanka’s National Health Care system and is monitored by the Department of Indigenous Medicine.
Ayurveda is a completely natural and holistic healing system which promotes general well-being and seeks not only to cure disease but also to rejuvenate the body. It has also proved to be very effective in curbing modern day stress and in promoting a positive mental attitude and relaxation of the mind. Hence, you don’t have to be sick to benefit from this ancient healing wisdom. The common medicinal ingredients used in Ayurveda therapies are herbal teas, powders, oils, herbal wines and pastes made out of local medicinal plants, fruits and vegetables. The Sinharaja rainforest in Sri Lanka’s central region is a natural `storehouse’ of these Ayurvedic medicinal plants. Some of the ingredients are also imported from the foothills of the Himalayas in India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
This journey of `Ayurvedic rejuvenation’ takes you through the magnificent landscapes of this island nation – dense tropical rainforests, tranquil rivers and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, paddy fields and mountain peaks. Along the way, experience the `unhurried’ lifestyle of rural villagers, the ancient cultural heritage and finally, a life nurturing experience of Ayurvedic rejuvenation that will leave you with renewed energy and inspiration.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1-2: | Upon arrival, transfer to Villa Talangama, a secluded villa set on a quiet lakeside, in the suburbs of Colombo. The villa setting is best described as a 'village in the city' surrounded by paddy fields, lotus filled lakes and birds everywhere perched on the veranda, trees and on the buffalo that relax on the lakeside. |
| Day 3-4: | Head to the foothills of the central hills where you will spend two nights at the Rainforest Edge, a new eco-themed hotel located just minutes away from the Sinharaja tropical rain forest. Sinharaja covering an area of about 11,000 hectares of low land rain forest - is a biological treasure trove which provides diverse habitats for numerous species of endemic fauna and flora, not found anywhere else in the world. |
| Day 5-6: | Head to the hill capital – the small lakeside city of Kandy. Check into Villa Rosa with stunning views over the wide, brown Mahaweli River. In the evening visit the Temple of the Tooth where a sacred tooth relic of the Lord Buddha is enshrined since 4th Century A.D. The temple has decorative walls, a golden roof and fine woodwork. Religious services (pooja) are held daily at dawn, mid-day, and in the evening where guests can participate. The services are accompanied with traditional music and drumming. |
| Day 7-8: | Travel to the Cultural Triangle village of Dambulla where you will stay two nights at the Thilanka Resort and Spa. Visit the magnificent ruins of Anuradhapura - Sri Lanka’s first capital, which was the greatest monastic city of the ancient world and was ruled from the 4th century B.C. to 11th century A.D. Ayurvedic knowledge of healing played a vital role in these ancient times and ruins of hospitals, medicinal troughs, and baths still remain within these UNESCO protected World Heritage Sites. |
| Day 9-14: | Head to the west coast town of Negombo for five days of rejuvenation at the Ayurveda Pavilions. Situated amidst tropical trees and well laid out gardens, the Ayurveda Pavilions is a tranquil health resort with a deep rooted philosophy that emphasizes positive health and the balance between mind and body through a combination of ancient philosophies - Ayurveda, Yoga, and meditation. |
| Day 15: | Rested and rejuvenated, depart in good time to the Bandaranaike International Airport to Catch you’re return flight home. The drive from the hotel to the airport is just 20 minutes. |
tailor made holiday
This trip can be tailormade to create a unique holiday for your individual requirements by travel experts with intimate knowledge of the destination. It is a more luxurious trip that will suit those who enjoy immersing themselves in new cultures and environments before relaxing in comfort in some of the best and most characterful local accommodation! Quality and value are the hallmark of these trips.how this holiday makes a difference
 Environmental and socially committed hotels: `Ayurvedic Rejuvenation’ takes you to some of Sri Lanka’s most tranquil and eco friendly villas and hotels with a focus and natural well being. Rainforest Edge, situated minutes away from the Sinharaja forest reserve, fosters a positive relationship with the surrounding village allowing guests to experience traditional rural village life. Fruits and vegetables grown in their own organic home garden are served daily. Guests are encouraged to use lanterns and solar energy powered hot water showers, thus minimizing the reliance on the main electricity supply. Ayurveda Pavilions nurtures and promotes the awareness of this ancient form of healing and well being through numerous activities aimed at the general public including retreats, workshops, cookery demonstrations and awareness on the benefits of various medicinal plants that they grow in their own home garden. Guests are encouraged by the chef to participate in the in-house cookery programme which begins with a visit to a fishing village nearby to purchase fresh seafood, followed by a visit to the local market for vegetables. Once back at the hotel, guests are invited to the kitchen for an Ayurvedic cookery demonstration using fresh herbs and condiments. Local employment and Responsible tour operations: The tour operator uses only experienced local drivers and guides who are ever willing to share their knowledge with you. All drivers are employed on fair terms, ensuring they receive a proper wage for their services and have access to acceptable facilities, including good, clean, comfortable accommodation. In addition local staff is employed for Sales, IT and technical development, web production, writing, and handling holiday enquiries. |
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