Mid Merry Yoga Sri Lanka Yoga Retreat 2020 Information
I know a lot of you are seasoned travelers, but it's always helpful to have check list or some tips from someones whos been to the country before.
I've put together this info to help you plan your adventure to Sri Lanka. Let me know via the form below if you have any questions or issues and I'll get back to you ASAP!
My top tip is to travel light, lighter than you think.
Happy planning, Mid x
I've put together this info to help you plan your adventure to Sri Lanka. Let me know via the form below if you have any questions or issues and I'll get back to you ASAP!
My top tip is to travel light, lighter than you think.
Happy planning, Mid x
Travel information
The airport you will fly into is Colombo Airport .
We will be staying at Talalla Retreat and you can see more info HERE.
Sri Lankan currency is Sri Lankan Rupee and its always best to pick up some before you get into Colombo. I usually pick mine up the airport before I fly out.
I leave my ATM card at home and get two different travel cards that I can load with money via an APP on my phone. I only load a few $100 at a time, that way if my card gets stolen, I'm not left with nothing.
ATM's are easy to find and you can even ask the driver or Tuk Tuk Drivers to stop when you need more cash.
Mobile Phones - Internet is usually fast and SIM cards are cheap. I typically get this done at the local shop but you can easily get it done at the airport on arrival if you'd like. Saves you paying huge daily fees with your provider back home.
Offsetting Travel Emissions
I love to travel but I FULLY aware the HUGE impact it has on our environment. Flying is one the biggest contributors to Greenhouse Gas Emissions, yet I do believe that travel gives us so much and helps us become more awake and aware.
I've done a lot of research on the topic and through 2040 the Movie, decided that GOLD STANDARD are probably one of best and most trusted offsetters you could get.
If you're keen to offset your emissions ( I will be) please head HERE, OR HERE to calculate your emissions and then to
GOLD STANDARDwww.goldstandard.org/take-action/offset-your-emissions to offsett.
Important Dates:
The Retreat experience begins at 4pm on January 18th 2020, with a welcome ceremony and circle, gentle Yoga and movement to alleviate all that travel, followed by Restorative Session and then a fabulous first group dinner.
The Retreat experience ends with morning Yoga session, and Breakfast on 25th January 2020, with check out at 12pm.
If you choose to stay a night before or after the retreat, please organise/contact Talalla directly. They'll be happy to help out.
Getting to the Retreat
Talalla Retreat is located approximately 3 hours from Colombo. The easiest and quickest way to get there is via a transfer that can be arranged by Talalla. This is the best option as the drivers know where they are going. You can choose to get a transfer straight from the airport or choose to stay one night in Colombo and then get a pick up the next day.
Please let me know what transfer you require (either from airport or hotel) and I will arrange this for you. Approximate cost ( depending on number of people is around $100 US but its payable in local rupee to driver)
If You fly in late, my recommendations are to Stay at either SriLaxStay ( above Cafe Kumbuk, ) DRIFT HOSTEL or PranaLounge Colombo. (I've not stayed at DRIFT but have heard great things from fellow Yoga Teachers) Both have amazing brekkies and are close to explore Colombo if you wish & Prana Lounge is a Yoga Studio . SrilAx Stay is the new BnB above the newly moved and renovated Cafe Kumuk, consistently voted the BEST coffee in Colombo along wiht its sister Cafe/Restaurant, Plus Nine Four!
Then the following day, you can arrange transport down to Talalla. If you choose to fly in late and take a transfer straight away please be aware that Talalla Retreat is located approximately 3 Hours drive from Colombo Airport, so it makes for a long day, but at least you wake up in the jungle and by the beach!!! Either way is a cool option.
For the more adventurous, you could choose to take the train from Colombo to Galle (or further along to the gorgeous village called Ahangama) and stay in one of the many lovely Colonial villas that have been converted into guest houses. The train takes about 2-4 hours and there can be delays. You may have to stand for the majority of the time but the experience is a lot of fun. It travels mostly along the coast and is then bordered on the otherside by the jungle. (not for the faint hearted though!) It will cost about $5-10 AU for a 2nd Class Seat. Here is where you can the latest schedule for trains from Colombo Fort Station.
My Recommendations for accommodation in Ahangama are The Kip, The Lighthouse and Gitano House. (each of these have several room options) There are several other places, but these are super nice. The Kip Especially is my FAV. the BEST coffee aywhere by far!!! Then you can make your own way to Talalla the next day to join us.
Before or After the Retreat
If you're lucky and have some time ( even 2-3 days) before or after the retreat, here are my recommendations.
A lot of Sri Lanka can be like the Aussie east coast or Bondi Beach in Summer. SUPER crowded.
SO here are my TOP TIPS to get the most out of your time before or after retreat.
1. Head to the Mountains; stay in Ella, Nurywa Ella or somewhere out of Kandy.
From there you can hike amongst Tea estates and eucalypt plantations and see glorious waterfalls, birdlife and even hike into Cloud forest, its truly a unique experience.
2. For National Parks, bypass Yala, and head to the more remote Horton Plains or Gal Oya NP. Superb. Quiet. Peaceful.
3. Feeling like you need to stretch your legs?
Hike Sri Pada ( Adams Peak) , its only like 5000 Steps, easy. But the BEST views and its a sacred mountain to the faiths of Buddhism, Islam, Christianity and Hinduism. Its a bit of an effort to get to Dalhousie to stay the night, and you then summit around 2-3am so you're on the peak for sunrise. Make sure you avoid Sri Lankan New Year or the Full MOon, if cna take 5-10 hours to summit! Holy moly!
Or you can do Little Adams peak in Ella. Much less effort to get there, and still pretty amazing views.
Further afield there are ancient ruins and Sigiriya ( Lions Rock) and many more but I found some respite by being up in amongst the mountains and on quieter locations.
OR Wait till 2021, when I will be returning to lead a retreat to the mountains !!
What to Bring:
Simple Summer Clothes ( like Loose/comfy pants or long skirts/ dresses & easy to wear tops - I usually bring loose linen pants, a long skirt and a beach dress)
Sleepwear ( or not!)
Yoga clothing (yoga pants/leggings and tanks/t-shirts) You can get Laundry done or do it yourself
Light sweater/jumper & a Shawl/Sarong for evenings and mediation
Bathers/togs whatever you call them!
Travel Towel or Sarong to use as beach towel ( otherwise Talalla provide them), Hat & Sunnies & High protection sunscreen.
Sandals or thongs
Reusable water bottle
Tea tree oil for insect bites or similar
Mozzie armbands if you tend to attract them AND Natural bug repellant (Thursday Plantation is my FAV but you can buy the local stuff here which is great too!)
Toiletries
Notebook, journal and pens
Adaptor for phone charger
If you're staying longer and want to hire a scooter, get your International Drivers License. ( We won't be using scooters, it will be all tuk tuks and buses baby!)
IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER:
Passport ( is it valid?? I know I know, but seriously IS IS VALID FOR 6 Months from your leave date in Australia!!))
Visa - Currently we don't need a VISA to enter but check HERE before departure as this could change. Its can be done online prior to arrival and saves time at security
Travel insurance information
Vaccinations (check with your Doctor) CHECK HERE ( its a US based site but it's exactly what my DR here advised. Malaria is not an issue in Sri Lanka )
Keep photos on your phone and a photocopy of your Passport and DL for identification just in case.
Suggested Items that I find useful for travel:
Any personal medications, remedies or supplements you might need for your health - most things though can be found in the local shops or even the Ayurvedic Shop
(my top tips for above are Advil/Nurofen, Charcoal tabs, Probiotics - SB in case of gastro, Lavender oil for sleep, Oregano oil for any colds/flu and gastrolyte)
Airplane neck pillow
2 x Travel ATM cards
Noise-cancelling headphones ( my PERSONAL FAVOURITE)
Weather:
December is the peak of the dry season in Sri Lanka, with the best weather and so it very rarely rains. Day time temperatures will be gorgeous 26-30 degrees, falling to a lovely & balmy 19-22 degrees overnight. If it does rain, it's often a beautiful but short shower.
Local Culture:
Sri Lanka is predominantly a Buddhist country (although Hinduism and Islam are present) and people generally conservatively, especially around where we will be staying in the local villages. Bathers/bikinis are totally fine within the resort compounds and the beach, but be mindful if you explore further afield to the local villages. In temples you will need to wear a long sleeved top and sarong to enter. Remember to be respectful of local the custom.
The airport you will fly into is Colombo Airport .
We will be staying at Talalla Retreat and you can see more info HERE.
Sri Lankan currency is Sri Lankan Rupee and its always best to pick up some before you get into Colombo. I usually pick mine up the airport before I fly out.
I leave my ATM card at home and get two different travel cards that I can load with money via an APP on my phone. I only load a few $100 at a time, that way if my card gets stolen, I'm not left with nothing.
ATM's are easy to find and you can even ask the driver or Tuk Tuk Drivers to stop when you need more cash.
Mobile Phones - Internet is usually fast and SIM cards are cheap. I typically get this done at the local shop but you can easily get it done at the airport on arrival if you'd like. Saves you paying huge daily fees with your provider back home.
Offsetting Travel Emissions
I love to travel but I FULLY aware the HUGE impact it has on our environment. Flying is one the biggest contributors to Greenhouse Gas Emissions, yet I do believe that travel gives us so much and helps us become more awake and aware.
I've done a lot of research on the topic and through 2040 the Movie, decided that GOLD STANDARD are probably one of best and most trusted offsetters you could get.
If you're keen to offset your emissions ( I will be) please head HERE, OR HERE to calculate your emissions and then to
GOLD STANDARDwww.goldstandard.org/take-action/offset-your-emissions to offsett.
Important Dates:
The Retreat experience begins at 4pm on January 18th 2020, with a welcome ceremony and circle, gentle Yoga and movement to alleviate all that travel, followed by Restorative Session and then a fabulous first group dinner.
The Retreat experience ends with morning Yoga session, and Breakfast on 25th January 2020, with check out at 12pm.
If you choose to stay a night before or after the retreat, please organise/contact Talalla directly. They'll be happy to help out.
Getting to the Retreat
Talalla Retreat is located approximately 3 hours from Colombo. The easiest and quickest way to get there is via a transfer that can be arranged by Talalla. This is the best option as the drivers know where they are going. You can choose to get a transfer straight from the airport or choose to stay one night in Colombo and then get a pick up the next day.
Please let me know what transfer you require (either from airport or hotel) and I will arrange this for you. Approximate cost ( depending on number of people is around $100 US but its payable in local rupee to driver)
If You fly in late, my recommendations are to Stay at either SriLaxStay ( above Cafe Kumbuk, ) DRIFT HOSTEL or PranaLounge Colombo. (I've not stayed at DRIFT but have heard great things from fellow Yoga Teachers) Both have amazing brekkies and are close to explore Colombo if you wish & Prana Lounge is a Yoga Studio . SrilAx Stay is the new BnB above the newly moved and renovated Cafe Kumuk, consistently voted the BEST coffee in Colombo along wiht its sister Cafe/Restaurant, Plus Nine Four!
Then the following day, you can arrange transport down to Talalla. If you choose to fly in late and take a transfer straight away please be aware that Talalla Retreat is located approximately 3 Hours drive from Colombo Airport, so it makes for a long day, but at least you wake up in the jungle and by the beach!!! Either way is a cool option.
For the more adventurous, you could choose to take the train from Colombo to Galle (or further along to the gorgeous village called Ahangama) and stay in one of the many lovely Colonial villas that have been converted into guest houses. The train takes about 2-4 hours and there can be delays. You may have to stand for the majority of the time but the experience is a lot of fun. It travels mostly along the coast and is then bordered on the otherside by the jungle. (not for the faint hearted though!) It will cost about $5-10 AU for a 2nd Class Seat. Here is where you can the latest schedule for trains from Colombo Fort Station.
My Recommendations for accommodation in Ahangama are The Kip, The Lighthouse and Gitano House. (each of these have several room options) There are several other places, but these are super nice. The Kip Especially is my FAV. the BEST coffee aywhere by far!!! Then you can make your own way to Talalla the next day to join us.
Before or After the Retreat
If you're lucky and have some time ( even 2-3 days) before or after the retreat, here are my recommendations.
A lot of Sri Lanka can be like the Aussie east coast or Bondi Beach in Summer. SUPER crowded.
SO here are my TOP TIPS to get the most out of your time before or after retreat.
1. Head to the Mountains; stay in Ella, Nurywa Ella or somewhere out of Kandy.
From there you can hike amongst Tea estates and eucalypt plantations and see glorious waterfalls, birdlife and even hike into Cloud forest, its truly a unique experience.
2. For National Parks, bypass Yala, and head to the more remote Horton Plains or Gal Oya NP. Superb. Quiet. Peaceful.
3. Feeling like you need to stretch your legs?
Hike Sri Pada ( Adams Peak) , its only like 5000 Steps, easy. But the BEST views and its a sacred mountain to the faiths of Buddhism, Islam, Christianity and Hinduism. Its a bit of an effort to get to Dalhousie to stay the night, and you then summit around 2-3am so you're on the peak for sunrise. Make sure you avoid Sri Lankan New Year or the Full MOon, if cna take 5-10 hours to summit! Holy moly!
Or you can do Little Adams peak in Ella. Much less effort to get there, and still pretty amazing views.
Further afield there are ancient ruins and Sigiriya ( Lions Rock) and many more but I found some respite by being up in amongst the mountains and on quieter locations.
OR Wait till 2021, when I will be returning to lead a retreat to the mountains !!
What to Bring:
Simple Summer Clothes ( like Loose/comfy pants or long skirts/ dresses & easy to wear tops - I usually bring loose linen pants, a long skirt and a beach dress)
Sleepwear ( or not!)
Yoga clothing (yoga pants/leggings and tanks/t-shirts) You can get Laundry done or do it yourself
Light sweater/jumper & a Shawl/Sarong for evenings and mediation
Bathers/togs whatever you call them!
Travel Towel or Sarong to use as beach towel ( otherwise Talalla provide them), Hat & Sunnies & High protection sunscreen.
Sandals or thongs
Reusable water bottle
Tea tree oil for insect bites or similar
Mozzie armbands if you tend to attract them AND Natural bug repellant (Thursday Plantation is my FAV but you can buy the local stuff here which is great too!)
Toiletries
Notebook, journal and pens
Adaptor for phone charger
If you're staying longer and want to hire a scooter, get your International Drivers License. ( We won't be using scooters, it will be all tuk tuks and buses baby!)
IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER:
Passport ( is it valid?? I know I know, but seriously IS IS VALID FOR 6 Months from your leave date in Australia!!))
Visa - Currently we don't need a VISA to enter but check HERE before departure as this could change. Its can be done online prior to arrival and saves time at security
Travel insurance information
Vaccinations (check with your Doctor) CHECK HERE ( its a US based site but it's exactly what my DR here advised. Malaria is not an issue in Sri Lanka )
Keep photos on your phone and a photocopy of your Passport and DL for identification just in case.
Suggested Items that I find useful for travel:
Any personal medications, remedies or supplements you might need for your health - most things though can be found in the local shops or even the Ayurvedic Shop
(my top tips for above are Advil/Nurofen, Charcoal tabs, Probiotics - SB in case of gastro, Lavender oil for sleep, Oregano oil for any colds/flu and gastrolyte)
Airplane neck pillow
2 x Travel ATM cards
Noise-cancelling headphones ( my PERSONAL FAVOURITE)
Weather:
December is the peak of the dry season in Sri Lanka, with the best weather and so it very rarely rains. Day time temperatures will be gorgeous 26-30 degrees, falling to a lovely & balmy 19-22 degrees overnight. If it does rain, it's often a beautiful but short shower.
Local Culture:
Sri Lanka is predominantly a Buddhist country (although Hinduism and Islam are present) and people generally conservatively, especially around where we will be staying in the local villages. Bathers/bikinis are totally fine within the resort compounds and the beach, but be mindful if you explore further afield to the local villages. In temples you will need to wear a long sleeved top and sarong to enter. Remember to be respectful of local the custom.