Ulpotha, the traditional Sri Lankan village, takes you back in time. Life is easy and slow here: surround yourself with nature, paddy cultivation and the local community, and learn how the farmers cultivate their crops, coexist with nature, and live by Buddhist principles.
The stillness and being close to nature strips away the unnecessary as you walk barefoot, take dipsin the lotus-ringed lake or cycle through the village. Ulpotha is an ideal place to reconnect with yourself and be removed from the stresses and strains of fast-paced modern life.
Sleep in traditional wattle-and-daub huts and dine on healthy local meals, prepared in a wood-fired kitchen using fresh produce from the village.
Ulpotha usually operates as an Ayurveda and yoga retreat for extended stays of a week or two. Our shorter journey there allows you to live like a local, lose yourself in nature and rediscover what is most important in your life.
There is no set schedule for the stay at Ulpotha and most of your time will be at leisure. We recommend self-guided yoga or meditation in the morning, then whiling away the afternoon by picking a book from the mini library, cycling around the vicinity and taking a dip in the lake, before climbing a rock nearby for sunset.
We recommend at least 3 or 4 nights here to fully appreciate and immerse yourself in the slow village lifestyle. The minimum stay is 2 nights.
Location:
Closest town is Ambanpola / Galgamuwa
Meal plan:
Local meals included from lunch on the day of arrival to breakfast on the day of departure. Herbal teas, coffee and fresh fruits are also included. All meals are vegetarian.
Important to know:
- By design, there is no electricity at Ulpotha, and life is lived to the rhythm of the day. Solar power is available to charge electronic devices if necessary.
- The traditional wattle-and-daub huts have comfortable beds, voluminous mosquito nets, cupboards, fresh water, towels and a sarong to wear and take home.
- Ulpotha adheres to the Sri Lankan village tradition of keeping loo spaces separate from living spaces. The enchanting showers are open to the stars and the toilets are comfortable and modern.
What to bring:
- Comfortable clothing
- Active wear
- Bathing suit