100% customisable travel idea
Buddhism, yoga and Ayurveda Sri Lanka: body and soul
Sri Lanka - Sigiriya - Kandy - Anuradhapura
A moment out of this world
Your journey
Your driver deserves a mention. On a journey dedicated to zero stress, and to well-being and culture, they are essential. Thanks to them, you maintain relaxed relationships with the local area. They smooth out any potential difficulties and ensure your connections and daily communication. They are your practical point of contact - but not only that. Through them, the Sri Lankans will open up to you. There is an appropriate hotel at each stop-off, starting with a rural Ayurvedic retreat in Sigiriya where holism is key. In Kandy, it is a former residence of Lord Mountbatten. Afternoon tea and the British touch still linger in the Sinhalese atmosphere, and Sri Lankans make splendid use of them. Finally, your accommodation in Anuradhapura, the nerve centre of Theravada Buddhism on the island, illustrates the country's international outlook (which does not come without self-awareness). It goes without saying that comfort is everywhere. After an Ayurvedic introduction, your itinerary features a whole series of meetings and private tours: The Lion Rock of Sigiriya, the Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic - from the Buddha - in Kandy, and the Bodhi tree marking the Enlightenment in Anuradhapura, an introduction to meditation, and the ancient city of Mihintale. Proof enough of the richness of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, and of the excellent work carried out by the Department of Archaeology. Communication is primarily conducted in English. The pace of the journey - three / two / two (days) - allows you to take everything in at a relaxed rhythm. And to have time for yourself. The aim is to not allow stress to return at the end of the treatment. Finally, if an off-the-cuff wish or a minor setback arises along the way, you have the contact details for our on-site Concierge service to assist you.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Night on board, arrival the next day.
Meet your English-speaking driver-guide. Drive to Sigiriya. Settle in for three nights just north-east of the Kandalama reservoir. We are in the countryside, surrounded by rice fields. The cottages have thatched roofs. Yours has everything you need, offering simple but genuine comfort. The holistic approach of the accomodation is reflected in its harmony, without excessive sophistication. You feel at home right away. That's what matters. The rest follows. The cuisine, for example. As natural as possible, it benefits from a long tradition of healthyeating. Not only is there no harm in treating yourself, but there is good in doing so. And the house knows how to tailor the spices to the sensibilities of travellers. It measures them carefully, because meals are an integral part of the programme and physical and mental regeneration.
Scheduled - Ayurveda has ancient origins. They stretch back to the 2nd millennium BC. The consistency of this Indian school of healing, the richness of its observations and insights and its wisdom are impressive. Sri Lanka is a place where these practices have remained especially stable. Here, you’ll receive tailored service, which begins with an assessment. The practitioner will meet with you individually, carry out a series of assessments, and offer an fast-track treatment. He is well aware that the traveller is just passing through. Nevertheless, you’ll have a chance to experience the principle and procedures. The reasonable goal here is stress relief. To achieve it: walks in the countryside, massages, yoga, flower baths and meditation. In any case, this will put you in the best frame of mind for what’s to come. Optional - Alms for the monks.
Scheduled - Simhagiri, Lion Rock. The fortress of the mad king Kashyapa - parricide and usurper of the Anuradhapura crown - is perched atop the 180 metres (590 feet) of red gneiss of Lion Rock and dates back to the 5th century. The hydraulic engineering of the site is highly sophisticated, and the Demoiselles (royal concubines or apsaras) painted on the stone walls are exceptional - both for their beauty and because they are the only known female images from that period in Sri Lanka. UNESCO could not overlook such achievements. You’ll climb up via metal stairs. From there, the panorama is splendid. Your driver will accompany you on the tour.
Optional - Polonnaruwa by bicycle.
You’ll drive to Kandy and settle in for two nights in the hills. During World War II, Louis Mountbatten, then head of the South East Asia Command, came here to rest from his duties. The décor keeps this memory alive. The natural surroundings are splendid and abundant, beyond the manicured lawns. The interior strikes a balance between grand British style and contemporary rigour. It is always very well maintained and comfortable. The restaurant offers Sri Lankan and international cuisine, prepared with perfect skill. Afternoon tea follows tradition. The spa showcases the therapeutic benefits of tea. A lovely swimming pool is available.
Optional - a spice garden and yoga in Aladeniya.
Scheduled - A private visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya. They are renowned for their collections of orchids and palm trees, but also for their herb and aromatic plant garden, and their weeping fig trees. Laid out in the 1840s and developed by a series of gentleman botanists, this site stands out for its romantic design and the exuberant local greenery. The encounter makes for an exceptionally charming park. You’ll experience this in the company of a distinguished naturalist - combining science with wonder.
Also planned - In the former royal palace, the Temple of the Tooth preserves a tooth of the Buddha. It is a precious relic, and possessing it guarantees significant religious and political status, earning Kandy its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Every day, many pilgrims come to venerate it. Visit with your driver-guide.
Drive to Anuradhapura. You’ll then settle in for two nights in the southeast, in Thirappane. The listed historic residence, which houses the common areas, dates from the 19th century. Around it, you’ll find about twenty hectares of parkland and gardens. To ensure guests can make the most of it, the house provides bicycles for their guests. It also takes her environmental responsibility seriously. Your villa Sri Lanka today offers comfort, cleanliness and modern elegance. Large bay windows connect you with the surroundings, where peacocks stroll and little monkeys scamper. A special pool invites you to unwind. There’s a lovely spa too, by the way. As for the cuisine, it takes centre stage in the Cultural Triangle.
Already planned - A night visit to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in the Mahamevnawa gardens. This sacred fig tree (Ficus religiosa) is the oldest living tree with a known date of planting: 249 BC. It is said to have been propagated from the very tree under which the Buddha reached enlightenment, the Bodhi tree. This is a very sacred place in Sri Lankan Buddhism. And in the evening, the faithful place cut flowers and small lanterns around it, which very gracefully express their devotion. Visit with your driver-guide.
Scheduled - Ritigala: monastery, monks, meditation. About 40 km (25 miles) southeast of Anuradhapura, in a protected forest, lie the remains of an ancient monastery. Once again, the Sinhalese have shown themselves to be remarkable hydraulic engineers. And the monks showed a sense of critical humour: the carved urinals that can still be seen are said to have mocked the gentrification of other cenobites. A monk of today will talk with you about Buddhism and discipline. He will then lead an introductory meditation session.
Also planned - Mihintale and Isurumuniya. It was at Mihintale, in the 3rd century BC, that King Devanampiya - founder of Anuradhapura and Isurumuniya - is said to have received Buddhism from the Indian monk Mahinda. The first stupa in Ceylon was erected here. The beautiful Isurumuniya Buddhist temple is a royal sanctuary. Here you can admire a famous Gupta-style sculpted flirtation from the 6th century, and the Elephant Basin, which recalls Pallava art from the 7th century. Tours with your driver-guide.
Optional - Visit the archaeological site of Anuradhapura by tuk-tuk.
Transfer to Colombo airport and flight home.
À la carte
This suggested itinerary can be customisable down to the smallest detail, including duration, stops and content. An à la carte menu of experiences is also available to create a journey that reflects who you are.
Alms to the monks
Pindapata, or offering the bowl, is a precept and a practice that stems from the life of poverty led by Buddhist monks. The ritual of almsgiving is its enactment. This establishes reciprocity between the clergy and laypeople: the latter provide the necessary material goods, while the former offer spiritual goods. The practice thus helps to cement Buddhist society. Almsgiving is therefore a daily occurrence. Together with your driver-guide, you’ll join a family to help prepare and share a meal. This experience takes you to the heart of traditional Sri Lankan life.Polonnaruwa by bicycle
In the 12th and 13th centuries, Polonnaruwa was the capital of Ceylon. In the former garden city of Parakramabahu the Great, you will find remarkable structures and monuments, but the Buddha sculptures (standing, seated and reclining) of the Gal Vihara rock temple and the Lankathilaka temple, a royal foundation - all dating from the 12th century - are especially worthy of admiration. UNESCO World Heritage. Cycling offers both freedom to explore and enjoyment.Spice garden
In Matale, north of Kandy, you track down one of the ancient sources of Ceylon’s mystique: spices. From the garden to the kitchen, you work with cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, pepper, garcinia cambogia, turmeric, etc. The quality and blends of spices are a striking feature of Sri Lankan cuisine. You’ll uncover a few classic recipes so that, when you return home, you can surprise and delight your guests. A meal concludes the tour, which is conducted with a private guide.Yoga in Aladeniya
Park by the side of the road and set off on foot along the path that leads to the house of yogi Noyel Dharmajith. Once you arrive, you will have a private hatha yoga lesson under their guidance: postures and breath control. While this hour only allows you to touch briefly on the subject, it lets you do so in a meaningful way and gives you a concrete idea of what yoga is - and is not. It is essential to fit the criteria for this. This introductory activity requires participants to be in good physical condition.The archaeological site of Anuradhapura by tuk-tuk
The city was the country’s capital for nearly fifteen centuries. It’s no surprise that prestigious buildings were built in succession there. This is something that UNESCO values and readily inscribes on the World Heritage List. To start with a splash, let’s mention the twin ponds or Kuttam Pokuna, an admirable technical (design, masonry, hydraulics) and aesthetic achievement, most likely from the 6th century. The great Ruwanwelisaya stupa, dating from the 2nd century BCE, is also a marvel in its own right. In front of the more than one-hundred-year-old Thuparama stupa, you can see the stone columns that once supported the wooden roof of the vatadage, the protective enclosure around the dagoba. The tour by tuk-tuk is accompanied by your chauffeur.
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