3-Day Ayurveda and Yoga Trekking Holiday in Kandy, Sri Lanka

The Kandy Samadhi Centre is run by a Sri Lankan family on a former tea estate, about 50 minutes from the centre of Kandy and 20 km from town. The property is spread over 20 unique rooms and apartments, all decorated with antiques and locally made art. There is a four-sided open yoga shala, a 360-degree open-air restaurant by the river, and gardens where the centre grows herbs used in its Ayurvedic treatments.

Each day follows a gentle rhythm. Mornings begin with a yoga and meditation session led by Maheshe Kodikara, a resident teacher with over 40 years of experience in yoga, Tai Chi, and Qigong. After breakfast, you might have an Ayurvedic consultation with the on-site doctor, receive one of the two included 1–1.5 hour massages, or join a 2–3 hour guided trek through the jungle to a waterfall. The treks are proper hikes, not strolls—you follow a local guide through the wilderness with good views along the way.

The Ayurveda here is authentic and tied to the land. The doctor grows many of the herbs on site, and treatments such as Shirodhara and synchronized massages are done in a dedicated spa centre. Guests have praised the yoga teacher highly, though some felt the Ayurvedic doctor consultation could have been more attentive. It is worth going in knowing that the medical side is basic, while the massage and yoga are genuinely good.

Meals are organic and mostly grown on the property. The kitchen serves Kandyan cuisine with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, and features 13 varieties of ancient heirloom rice farmed in the centre's own paddy fields, cooked over traditional fires. Dietary requests like vegan, gluten-free, and diabetic-friendly are accommodated with notice.

The setting sets this retreat apart. Direct access to the river for bathing, bird watching from your balcony, and the feeling of being deep in the jungle while still reachable from Kandy make it feel more remote than it is. The centre frames itself as a sanctuary for art, culture, and wellness—and the decor reflects that, with every room a small gallery of Sri Lankan heritage.

What's included

- 2 nights accommodation in a private room - 3 daily delicious and nutritious meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks) - Daily yoga classes with a 40-year experienced teacher - Welcome drink - Water, tea, and coffee served throughout the day - 2 x 1–1.5 hour Ayurvedic massages - Cooking class - Nature hikes with a trusted guide - Wifi connection - Parking - Luggage storage - Pre and post retreat support from the team

What's not included

- Airport transfers (can be arranged at extra cost) - Travel insurance - Flight costs - Visa fees - Additional Ayurvedic treatments - Personal expenses