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Ulpotha is open for guests for six or more months each year, hosting yoga retreats every two weeks that begin and end on Sundays. For the months when Ulpotha is closed to paying guests, it reverts to being what it was meant to be at the outset.

A private hideaway that also happens to be a piece of paradise. Albeit a fairly busy place as it takes a lot of work to maintain a place as vast and pristine as Ulpotha happens to be.

Ulpotha holidays, and particularly the yoga classes, are optimally designed to run over two weeks. Ulpotha is unlike other hotels: you are immersed in an ancient way of life that may feel very different from life back home and may take you a few days to adjust to. Rest assured that not only will you adjust to your new surroundings, but you will also thrive in this peaceful haven more and more as the days progress.

Friendships are formed during yoga and in lamp-lit evening conversations in the Ambalama. Ayurveda takes time to balance your body and soul. The incredible vegetarian (and often Vegan) food and daily Yoga classes take time to re-energise your body. It sometimes happens that eggs are served, but whether or not they are is a function of whether they are available and whether no one objects to it. Something the Founders care about is to shy away from dogma and stay instead in the realm of good sense.

It is not at all unusual to see guests who come for a week regret knowing that they are leaving, envying those who are staying.

Guests wishing to experience the full benefits of Ayurvedic treatments can stay longer.

For the richest experience, we suggest planning your stay during one of our two-week yoga retreats, which offer a complete course of practice. Joining a retreat is never required, but it can help you get the most from your time here. If you would like to visit at other times, simply get in touch to discuss alternative dates.

Children are welcome at Ulpotha, though we ask parents to be mindful of others who come here for rest and quiet. There are no specific facilities for children, and bringing babies is not advised as it can be difficult in this setting, especially during yoga practice.

Please purchase travel insurance for your trip to Sri Lanka. Our 40% deposit is non-refundable, so if anything happens, we ask that you purchase your own travel insurance.

Children under 12 receive a 50% discount on the standard rate at Ulpotha. They cannot participate in yoga classes without the specific consent of the yoga instructor. However, all other general facilities are available to them, though no specialised amenities for children are provided.

If the start date of your retreat is more than 8 weeks away, a 40% non-refundable deposit is required within 5 days of booking confirmation to reserve your space, the balance payment is due 8 weeks prior to your arrival date at Ulpotha. This payment method will not apply for early bird discounted rates which need to be paid in full, in one transaction, within one week of your booking being confirmed.

A retreat at Ulpotha includes accommodation on a shared basis (sharing with someone of the same gender if coming alone), all meals, snacks, drinks, daily yoga classes with world-class teachers (there is no yoga on Sunday mornings and Thursday afternoons), a free 1-hour massage from one of our visiting therapists per 7-nights stay, transport provided for optional ad hoc excursions, laundry service and the use of bicycles, hot water bathing area and taxes. All taxes and statutory charges are included as well.

Since gracious and priceless hospitality is what Ulpotha offers, tipping is not accepted and there are no additional service charges.

The following are not included in the retreat package: travel to and from Ulpotha, insurance, Ayurveda treatments, entrance fees to cultural sites, meals taken outside during excursions, single hut supplements (when available), or extra massages with visiting therapists beyond the one included each week. Additional massages are available at US $90 per hour, subject to availability.

We will meet you at the airport upon arrival and ensure your return at the end of your retreat.

Airport transfer costs are as follows:

• US$ 100 each way by car
• US$ 120 each way by van

For transfers from hotels in Negombo, the rates are the same as above.

From Colombo city (approximately 4 hours’ drive), the rates are:

• US$ 120 each way by car
• US$ 140 each way by van

If you need a transfer from or to a location in Sri Lanka other than the airport, please email us for pricing details.

All meals, snacks, fresh fruit juices, and teas are included in the price of your yoga retreat at Ulpotha.

Cancellation must be notified to us in writing. The cancellation charges are as follows, with the 40% deposit being non-refundable:

• Up to 56 days before arrival: loss of 40% non-refundable deposit
• 55 to 28 days before arrival: loss of 70% of total cost
• 27 days or fewer before arrival: loss of 100% of total cost.

Please note that we offer no refunds for Ayurveda bookings, and we cannot make changes to existing Ayurveda bookings during your stay due to limited capacity and high demand. We therefore request that you take out your own travel insurance.

Should you wish to reschedule your yoga retreat, replacement dates are available, including during the Christmas and New Year period, subject to availability and the rates at that time.

If you’ve been to Ulpotha before, we offer you a free one-hour massage per week from one of our therapists.

Our yoga and Ayurveda retreats are ideal if you are a solo traveller; most of our guests arrive on their own. Almost without exception, conversation and personal connections flow easily in Ulpotha's convivial atmosphere. We have many solo travellers visiting Ulpotha year-round.

Ulpotha is equally enjoyable if you come with friends, and it can be wonderfully romantic if you come as a couple.

Though there are no purpose-built single huts, you can pay a supplementary fee that amounts to 80% of the full single price per week. However, please note that this is subject to availability.

With regards to sharing, it’s worth noting that for nearly thirty years most people have come to Ulpotha on their own and have shared a hut. Many discover that sharing is part of the experience here, and often a welcome one. We do our best to pair hut mates by age and language, and more than a few lasting friendships have begun this way.

The mud huts are designed this way because it is safe to do so, and that safety allows one of Ulpotha’s greatest joys: living and sleeping surrounded by nature. Few places in the world let you feel so close to nature and so secure at the same time. It is both rare and magical.

There is always something to do at Ulpotha if you feel like it, yet many discover that the true magic here lies in the pleasure of simply being. People often arrive with stacks of books and find they barely get through a few pages.

Your days at Ulpotha can include daily yoga, Ayurveda treatments, ad hoc excursions, walks to nearby sites, swimming in the lake or exploring the area by bicycle. There are always interesting people to talk to, but if you prefer solitude, it’s easy to slip away to a hammock or the tree house for quiet time.

Ulpotha is electricity-free by design, and Wi-Fi is minimal: just enough to be in touch with loved ones, with 4G in certain areas. While that may sound daunting at first, most find it to be one of the greatest gifts of staying here. This is a rare place where you are free from the constant pull of being online, and that disconnection feels liberating. A stay at Ulpotha is a natural digital detox.

We ask that you limit your phone use to your hut or the 4G spot by the entrance, and use it only as a torch or camera in public areas.

Beyond the main house there is no electricity: the mud huts are lit by lamps and lanterns, with no sockets, fans or air-conditioning. The main house has electricity to charge mobile phones, torches, cameras, power banks, toothbrushes, tablets, and computers.

Yes, it is. You will receive the usual preparatory treatments consisting of oil applications and gentle massages, as well as steam baths, saunas, herbal baths and other detoxification treatments. The eliminations treatments that follow will be inhalation and purgation therapies as per the traditional Ayurveda practised in a village rather than a hospital setting.

A minimum of three weeks (plus 48 hours if arriving directly from overseas).

Yes, Ayurveda treats specific conditions very well, as it seeks to address the cause rather than the symptoms, though positive results can take time. Examples of conditions that respond well to Ayurveda are:

• Digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic constipation, bloating, and colitis.
• Pain and joint Inflammation resulting from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis; this is an area in which our resident doctor specialises.
• Chronic low back pain.
• Mental well-being issues such as anxiety, insomnia, stress, and mental fatigue.
• Skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, acne, and chronic itchy skin.
• Metabolic and lifestyle diseases, including type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity.
• General detoxification and rejuvenation.

If you feel you have any of the above ailments, please contact us to let us know. If necessary, our doctor may request a review of your personal health details. The duration of your treatment plan will be based on the nature and severity of your symptoms. If your interest is in panchakarma’s general detoxification benefits, you can simply bring yourself to Ulpotha.

Yes, there are various shorter wellness treatment options available, ranging from a single day to two weeks (and more).

Below is an example of the 7-day Sanasuma treatment, which will start after your consultation with our doctor.

• Day 1: A full head, face and body oil application called Abhyanga, which soothes the outer layers of the body, followed by a herbal bath. You may also be given Ayurveda remedies to take each day to support your treatment.
• Day 2: A deeper tissue oil application known as Angamarda Abhyanga, followed by a sauna or steam bath.
• Day 3: Shirodhara, a steady stream of warm oil poured onto the forehead and head.
• Day 4: Inhalation therapy with a head and face oil application, followed by a face steam.
• Day 5: Sarvangadhara, similar to Shirodhara but for the whole body, followed by a steam bath.
• Day 6: A full-body oil application using poultices made from milk rice cooked in medicinal decoctions, followed by a warm water bath.
• Day 7: A herbal facial with cleansing scrub, steam, massage and a herbal pack. Men may prefer a relaxing foot massage instead.

For the Ayurveda treatment programmes, an additional cost is added to your retreat stay. You can select which treatment length suits you best when booking. Panchakarma treatments range from three to four weeks, but can be longer, subject to your specific needs:

Panchakarma Treatments

• Samadhiya (Profound) · 21 days · $1,500
• Mokshaya (Redemption) · 28 days · $2,000

Shorter treatments are also available that complement your yoga retreat:

Ayurveda Treatments

• Santhushti (Happiness) · 3 days · $250
• Ashinsanaya (Benediction) · 5 days · $375
• Sanasuma (Satisfaction) · 7 days · $500
• Namskaraya (Salutation) · 10 days · $750
• Aswesilla (Solace) · 14 days · $1,000

Each season brings a different style of yoga to Ulpotha. Take a look at our Retreats page to see which teachers and practices will be offered when you plan to visit.

Our world-class yoga teachers are highly experienced and qualified to guide all ages and levels of practice. If you’re new to yoga, the first week of a retreat is often the easiest place to start, as you will benefit from the foundation teachings. You’re always free to go at your own pace and to remember that this is a holiday too. If you decide to skip a class, that’s perfectly fine! Everything at Ulpotha is optional, and you can take part as much or as little as you wish.

Most days at Ulpotha include two yoga classes: a longer session of around ninety minutes to two hours in the morning and a lighter class in the afternoon. Class times are flexible and are set according to the group’s schedule.

Yoga begins on the first Sunday evening of each retreat and finishes with the evening class on the final Saturday, giving you time to pack before leaving on Sunday morning at 10:30. There’s no class on Sunday mornings or on the afternoon of the weekly half-day excursion, usually held on Thursdays.

No, Ulpotha provides high quality yoga mats for use during your stay, if you choose not to bring your favourite one from home.

Ulpotha offers a wide range of therapies throughout the year, with the treatments available depending on the visiting therapists at the time. To see who will be here during your stay, please check the Retreats page.

One free 45 minute massage is included for each 7-night stay at Ulpotha. If you wish to book more, these can be arranged with the individual therapists at the rate of $90 per hour, subject to availability.

You fly to Sri Lanka’s main international airport, Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (also known as Katunayake Airport), located 1 hour north of Colombo city and 3 hours southwest of Ulpotha. Direct flights from Europe with Sri Lankan Airlines take approximately 10 hours.

Ulpotha is a secluded retreat situated in the heart of Sri Lanka, nestled beside a lake at the base of the Galgiriyawa Mountains. On a north-south axis, it’s exactly in the middle and on an east-west axis, it is slightly to the west of the middle.

Travel times are approximately one hour north of Kurunegala, two and half hours northwest of Kandy, three hours northeast of the airport or three and a half hours northeast of Colombo.

Yes, you can get a tourist visa for Sri Lanka online. The Department of Immigration and Emigration has an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system where you can apply for a visa online prior to arrival: www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa.

You can also apply for a visa on arrival, but it’s generally recommended to apply online for convenience.

Please be wary of third party websites which may seem similar to the government one but will charge you over $100 to process your visa on your behalf. Ensure that the website address has ‘.gov’ somewhere in its address.

Please make sure that your passport is valid for at least 180 days before your date of entry into Sri Lanka otherwise you may be refused entry into the country.

You don’t need to bring much to Ulpotha, as the retreat price covers most expenses.

Bring around $100 for entrance fees to ancient sites and temple donations.

If you plan to pay for transfers (airport: $100 each way; Colombo: $120 each way), purchase souvenirs, or book extra massages ($90 per hour), consider bringing additional funds.

Sri Lankan Rupees can be exchanged in Ulpotha for US Dollars, pounds, Euros, or a credit card.

Please note that the East Pole Holidays cannot be held responsible for medical decisions or conditions. If you’re taking medication, please bring it with you.

Recommended injections are a Tetanus booster and Hepatitis A. The World Health Organisation declared Sri Lanka malaria free in October 2012, so Malaria tablets are not necessary.

For comfort, it’s recommended you bring along some Lavender and Tea Tree Essential oils as these are useful for calming any bites that you might get during your stay.

You really don’t need to bring much with you to Ulpotha. Many returning guests leave valuables and smart clothes at home. The sarong you receive on arrival at Ulpotha is light, cool and comfortable for everyone to wear, and there are more to buy at Ulpotha in beautiful colours.

The season is mostly sunny and dry, though showers can come at times. Pack a light waterproof jacket and a thin jumper for the evenings, which can occasionally feel cool. For yoga, cotton tops and shorts or leggings are best. Our tailor also makes light cotton fishermen’s trousers and tops, which are perfect for yoga practice.

When visiting temples, women are required to cover their arms and legs, ideally in white or light colours. Bring shoes for walking uphill or cycling. Flip-flops are useful as shoes are not worn in the huts or the main house, and they are easier to slip on and off than lace-ups. Towels are provided, though a beach towel is handy.

Other useful items include a good torch (rechargeable if possible), a hat, sunscreen, a bathing costume, insect repellent, and binoculars if you enjoy birdwatching. Remember to bring any medication you take regularly.

There are plenty of books to borrow at Ulpotha if you would like to travel light, or you may wish to bring a Kindle pre-loaded with your favourites.

Ulpotha retreats, and particularly the yoga classes, are optimally designed to run over two weeks. Ulpotha is unlike other hotels: you’re immersed in nature and an ancient way of life that may feel very different from life back home, and it may take you a few days to adjust. Rest assured that not only will you adjust to your new surroundings, but you will also thrive in this peaceful retreat more and more as the days progress. Friendships are formed during yoga and in lamp-lit evening conversations in the Ambalama. Ayurveda takes time to balance your body and soul. The incredible Vegan food and daily Yoga classes (usually two) help re-energise your body. Almost without exception, those who come for only a week regret leaving early. If you want to experience the full benefits of Ayurvedic treatments, you can stay longer.

Yes! Ulpotha is off-grid in the heart of Sri Lanka’s dry zone. We encourage no phones (the Wi-Fi is minimal, just enough to be in touch with loved ones), though we do have phone chargers in the house and there is weak reception in certain areas.