A note on the situation in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is returning to normal. After a turbulent 2022, the new government is putting things in order. The food crisis never eventuated, fuel, gas and other essentials are now available, and the prices are coming back to normal.
It’s still quiet, so may be the best opportunity to visit Sri Lanka. Big open beaches, calm cafes, and half-empty world-class surf spots. We love it, and we think you will as well.
For any questions about the current situation or visiting Sri Lanka, contact us here: [email protected]
General
Where is Lanka Yoga?
We are located a few kilometers inland from the southeast coast of Sri Lanka between Galle & Ahangama. With the new highway completed, it takes about 2.5 hours to get us from Colombo International Airport.
How do I get to you?
To get to us from overseas you’ll be flying into Colombo International Airport. From here it’s an easy 2.5 hour cab ride in which we can organise for you, usually about 85Euros, or you can find your say to us with the adventure of Sri Lanka’s public transport system. If you life us to organise this for you it’s not a problem.
What travel documents do I need?
You’ll need a passport valid for a least six months after your planned departure date.
You can apply for a Sri Lankan visa before you fly, and with some passports get a visa on arrival. Apply on the official homepage and pay via Master Card (Credit Card doesn’t work).
What food do you serve at Lanka Yoga?
Do you supply towels?
Yes we supply towels for your room and towels for the swimming pool, please bring your own beach towel.
What is the currency? Can I get cash?
Sri Lankan Rupees is the national currency.
ATM’s and Exchange Facilities are plentiful, including in the airport arrival hall. We accept LKR, EUR, AUD and USD.
How can I pay my bill at Lanka Yoga?
At Lanka Yoga we have a no-cash policy, any expenses are collated to your bill, paid at the end of your stay.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes! It’s fairly reliable but as we are in a rural village in Sri Lanka, expect the odd dropouts and slowdown.
We can get you a local sim if you would like to more connectivity, they’re cheap and work well.
What voltage and plugs do you use?
Electricity is at 220v in Sri Lanka. Our sockets are universal sockets that take all international plug types.
Elsewhere in Sri Lanka, you find a mix of 3 pin round sockets and 3 pin square, UK-type, sockets.
What else is there to do?
There are endless activities, particularly with the lake at our doorstep.:
Boat tours
Surf lessons and board hire
Whale watching, mainly from November to April
Tea plantations tour
Yala National Safari Park visit (a long but do-able day)
Galle – historic fort town, now a cosmopolitan arty hangout
Bike tours
Ask us in advance and we can help arrange a day trip or you could tag some extra days before or after your stay with us.
What do I need to bring?
You really can travel light but here is a quick reminder list of some basics to bring.
Yoga gear, light and plentiful
Swimwear
Beach towel
Waterproof sunblock and zinc
Light clothing
Some long-sleeved and leg-covering clothes to protect from the sun
A personal first aid kit
A decent mosquito repellent
Comprehensive travel insurance
What are the local medical facilities like?
We are about 20 minutes from Galle, which has a good selection of private hospitals. Although the administration is very different to Europe, the standard of medical care is good. For minor issues there are good english-speaking doctors in Habaraduwa, just 5 minutes from us.
What are the arrival and departure times?
Check-in is from 3 pm and check-out is 11 am.
What is the weather, surf and water quality like?
The south of Sri Lanka is tropical and reletivelly warm and humid all year long, but never unbearably hot.
May through October is the monsoon with more rain, onshore winds and humidity.
The peak tourist season, and the driest months, are December to February. It still rains, but less, it’s a little less humid, and the sun shines more. The surf around this time is also the best.
The months pre-and post-monsoon (November, March & April) Here it’s a little elss pradictable, some times of rain, some weeks without. It’s a nice Melbourne like veriation.
Water temperatures are pretty consistent at 27º-29º so you can surf in board shorts the whole season long. The water quality is pretty good, except during storms when the rivers wash out into the sea.
Yoga Teacher Training
Are there any requirements for participating in the YTT?
Recommended 6 months continued (at least 2-3 times each week) yoga practice, a passion for yoga and a desire to study deeply. The program requires you to dedicate significant portions of time to your studies and you will frequently be in the studio for practice and lessons. It’s super important that you are preparing yourself ahead of time in order to get the most out of the course.
Is the course certified?
Yes it is! Our school and this course is registered with Yoga Alliance, the world’s biggest and most respected yoga organisation. This means that after graduation, you will be able to teach anywhere in the world as an RYT200.
What is there to do when I’m not in class?
Luckily the South Coast is a compact playground of fun activities. There’s surf down the road, massage on site, adventures to hidden beaches, snorkelling, and our vegan restaurant just two minutes walk down the road.
What does an average day at the YTT look like?
9.00 – 10.00 am | Breakfast
10.00 – 1.00 pm | Review, workshops and lectures
1.00 – 3.00 pm | Lunch/Free Time
3.00 – 4.00 pm | Something different and exciting
4.00 – 5.00 pm | Lectures and workshops
5.00 – 6.00 pm | Practice teaching work
6.00 – 6.30 pm | Closing circle
6.30 pm onwards | Dinner and free time
What if I have a special diet?
All food served at Lanka Yoga is vegan, so no need to worry if you’re plant based or vegetarian. We also offer a gluten free option for every meal. If you have any other needs at all when it comes to food, please let us know and our kitchen team will adapt the menu for you.