Spirit of the Heart Retreat
Victoria Lake, Sri Lanka | March 15-21, 2026
A week of heart-centered Bhakti yoga, adventure, and cultural immersion awaits.
Join me in 2026 for the latest group retreat in the stunning Victoria Lake region of Sri Lanka.
Located about a 50-minute drive from Kandy, enjoy an immersion in the area’s natural beauty, as well as opportunities for hikes, paddleboarding, and excursions. Enjoy all of this anchored by twice daily yoga and meditation and a very special opportunity to explore some of yoga’s mythology in an area straight out of the stories.
This is a truly once-in-a-lifetime retreat opportunity, and it will sell out fast! Don’t miss it!
What’s Included:
Twice daily yoga, meditation, and self-reflection programming led by Kelly
Accommodations in bright, modern rooms. Each room includes air conditioning, overhead fans, mosquito netting, and daily housekeeping
3 daily meals featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients and Sri Lankan flavors
Complimentary use of on-site paddle boards + wild swimming
Day group hike with packed lunch
Day trip to Kandy to explore the ancient Udawatakele Forest, Temple of the Tooth, and local markets.
On-site walking trails
Round trip transfer from airport to retreat center
(if traveling with the group during recommended travel windows)
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Optional excursions will be available throughout including a group trip to an elephant sanctuary, many local hikes in and around the knuckles. Options will be provided on-site.
There will also be an art activity and cooking class offered on-site at Rukgala.
You can also take advantage of Ayurvedic massage treatments available on-site.
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sample schedule subject to change and provided for informational purposes only
7am: coffee, tea provided
730-9am: morning yoga
9am: breakfast
hikes, excursions or time to relax
1pm: lunch
hikes, excursions or time to relax
430pm: Afternoon yoga programming
6pm: dinner
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Rukgala Retreat is located sitting snugly on the edge of Victoria Lake, close to the village of Digana and at just 45 minutes from Kandy. Kandy is a major city and cultural capital of Sri Lanka, and is located in the Central Province where the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a UNESCO world heritage site is located.
Out of a crumbly, empty old house a very bright and spacious Yoga Retreat Venue has been created with the help of local craftsmanship and noble materials to offer an ideal sanctuary for those wanting to host a fabulous retreat in a place of total calmness fully immersed in nature. There are plenty of open, communal spaces, a beautiful teak wood Yoga Shala, a swimming pool overlooking treetops and gorgeously designed twin/shared high-ceiling rooms to accommodate you in full comfort.
This is a truly peaceful getaway where you can connect with yourself and nature.
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The retreat center is focused on offering Sri Lankan flavors seamlessly married with creative vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
The chef has designed a delicious & cleansing plant-based menu and all of our recipes are based on fresh, local, seasonal, and healthy ingredients.
Breakfast consists of homemade granola, kurakkan bread, peanut butter, and fresh fruit. Lunch consists of a range of salads and grains, whilst dinner offers mostly traditional rice & curries.
Coconuts are served on arrival and after hikes. Tea, coffee and water are available free of charge all day long. Other drinks can be made and sourced on request.
Investment
Our home for the week features 8 spacious ensuite rooms in two buildings.
All rooms feature air-conditioning, overhead fans, and mosquito netting.
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This is you in a private room featuring a king sized bed and en suite bathroom.
1 available
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This is you and a partner in a private room featuring a king sized bed and en suite bathroom.
Pricing is per person.
1 available
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This is for one person in a shared room in a twin bed. Some of these rooms feature two twin beds, others feature a queen bed on the main floor and a twin bed on a mezzanine level. All feature en suite bathrooms.
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These shared occupancy rooms feature one double bed on the main floor and a lofted twin bed.
This reservation is for the QUEEN bed for one individual.
All rooms feature an en suite bathroom.
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The property features one room with four twin beds an an ensuite bathroom. This is for one individual.
Before booking please review cancellation policy and terms
Other Important Details
Travel to Sri Lanka REQUIRES A TOURIST VISA. You can apply online no more than 90 days before arrival. Your tourist visa will be valid for 30 days.
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Fly into Bandaranaike International Airport. From the airport transportation will be facilitated to the retreat center (by car or by train) and is included in retreat cost.
Please note a tourist visa is required for US passport holders to enter the country.
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Not included in retreat cost are:
optional excursions
gratuities
alcohol
flights
travel insurance
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Due to retreat center policies and the great deal of time and care that goes into planning retreats all deposits and payments are non-refundable.
We understand that circumstances arrive and life happens and as such we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment.
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Secure your space with a $500 deposit. Please review cancellation and refund policies prior to placing your deposit.
Payment plans available
Final balance will be invoiced 90 days prior to departure
Questions? Email kelly@kellyvyoga.com
