Ulpotha
Near Embogama, Cultural Triangle, Sri Lanka
‘Paradise’ is the word guests most often use to describe this unique, mountain-ringed village in the very heart of Sri Lanka, about 2 hours north west of Kandy. At Ulpotha you live close to nature in simple but comfortable one-bedroom adobe huts dotted among the flowers and fruit trees of this beautiful 22-acre organic farm. You swim in a lake half-smothered in tiny water lilies and lounge on cushions like a Roman Emperor to eat delicious home-grown organic curries and sambals.
Open to visitors about 20 weeks a year, Ulpotha is run as a warm, easy-going house party, combining both friends and 12-15 paying guests, and attracts an interesting mix of people in the arts, media and humanitarian professions, many of whom come alone. Most come for the yoga courses, but you can also come for a peaceful retreat (though the daily rate is the same). It's just as inviting for those who don't practice and the village is well placed for walking and visiting historic sights, though its profound sense of calm invites you to just relax and luxuriate in its gentle beauty.
Open to visitors about 20 weeks a year, Ulpotha is run as a warm, easy-going house party, combining both friends and 12-15 paying guests, and attracts an interesting mix of people in the arts, media and humanitarian professions, many of whom come alone. Most come for the yoga courses, but you can also come for a peaceful retreat (though the daily rate is the same). It's just as inviting for those who don't practice and the village is well placed for walking and visiting historic sights, though its profound sense of calm invites you to just relax and luxuriate in its gentle beauty.
Highs
- You'll find tranquillity, beauty and luxurious simplicity: a perfect way to reset and reinvigorate in times of uncertainty or stress
- We thought the yoga and Ayurvedic programmes were outstanding
- Living so close to nature is a very calming experience
- The village combines a friendly, house-party atmosphere with opportunities for solitude
- You can forget about money during your stay – everything within Ulpotha is included in the price (and tipping isn’t allowed): the ultimate luxury!
Lows
- Electric sockets are limited, and hot water is only available at the Ayurvedic centre (though rarely needed)
- Single guests share huts with other solo travellers, but it's a sociable kind of place and firm friendships are often forged
- Sounds can travel between huts - but they are generously spaced over 25 acres
Best time to go
Ulpotha is normally open to outside guests from October/November to March, and from June to August. The weather varies little and groups are timed to coincide with the end of the rainy season. More of the owners’ friends come at Christmas, so it’s extra lively but perhaps less restful than usual. You'll need to book well ahead for Christmas, as it’s very popular.
Most retreats last 1 or 2 weeks, from Sunday-Sunday.
Most retreats last 1 or 2 weeks, from Sunday-Sunday.
Our top tips
Bring very little with you as storage is limited. Yoga equipment and towels are provided, as are sarongs for wearing around the village, but you'll need to bring your own toiletries, plenty of insect repellent and a torch plus spare batteries. Binoculars for spotting wildlife are also useful.