Planning your trip | Ashtanga Lanka

Planning your trip:

We wish you a smooth and pleasant journey. Remember to complete the electronic ETA form at least one week before your departure date. See below for more details.

If you have additional questions or concerns please contact us.

Planning your trip:

We wish you a smooth and pleasant journey. If you have additional questions or concerns please contact us.

Sri Lanka is now fully open for tourism. Vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers are welcome. If you’re vaccinated you’ll need to show proof of vaccination before boarding your flight. If you’re unvaccinated you’ll need a PCR or Rapid antigen test before departure. Self-tests are not allowed.

** Please check with your airline and the Sri Lankan government travel website for up to date information.

Frequently asked Questions:

Where do I fly?

Colombo International Airport (CMB) which is 30 km north of the city center.

We recommend you either travel directly to us after arrival or spend the night somewhere in Negombo. You do not need to travel all the way into Colombo city. From the airport it’s a 3 hour taxi journey to Ashburnham Tea Estate.

Do I need a Visa?

Most passport holders do not require a visa, BUT everyone MUST complete the Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) form before arrival. Use the following Sri Lanka address when it asks for where you’ll be staying:

Ashburnham Tea Estate

Elkaduwa, Sri Lanka, 21012

For the ETA form click: HERE

It is possible to complete the ETA on arrival but it will cost you more and take extra time.

How do I get to Ashtanga Lanka?

We can arrange a taxi pick-up for you at the airport or you can use public transportation. First you would go to Kandy and then to the small village of Elkaduwa. We are 1.5 km past Elkaduwa on road B461.

Can beginners join?

Yes. We love sharing this practice with new people. We recommend that you commit to at least two weeks. You will leave feeling more empowered. You” go home with a self practice that you can continue anywhere. One week is possible if your schedule does not permit more time.

I'm on a special diet. Is this a problem?

All meals are vegan with dairy options on the side. The Sri Lankan diet is riced based and it’s easy to be gluten-free. Please email us your exact dietary needs. We will do our best to accommodate you.

Is there A/C and hot water?

All the rooms have an en suite bathroom with hot water and an overhead fan. There is not A/C in the rooms, but the climate in the hill country is really perfect. The air is fresh and not humid.

How should I dress to respect the culture?

Around the property you can dress as you like. Bikinis are fine around the pool and waterfall. Naked swimming is not allowed.

When you leave the property, however, it’s good to be be a little more thoughtful. Shorts, skirts, dresses and T-shirts and sleeveless tops are okay as long as it is not too revealing. To be on the safe side it is always better to cover up more than less. Also bring a shawl to cover your shoulders if needed.

Is there an ATM nearby?

There are no ATM’s or banks in Elkaduwa. The nearest services are about 25 minutes down the hill.

Are smoking and drinking allowed?

Ashtanga Lanka is a smoke, drug and alcohol free area.

What day trips are possible?

There are multiple hiking options nearby. You can also plan a day trip to Kandy or a Tea factory. On the off day it’s also possible to organize a trip to Sigiriya.

Can my non-yogi partner join?

Yes. You can both stay in the house as long as you share a room and one person participates in the yoga program.

Can my kids come with me?

Please contact us for details. We may be able to host might your family or we can recommend nearby options.

Finding us:

Address & Phone number

Ashburnham Tea Estate

Elkaduwa, Sri Lanka

21012

Taxi Pick-Up @ the Airport

We can arrange a taxi pick-up for you at the airport. This is the quickest and most simple way to get from the airport to Ashtanga Lanka. The price is one-way and the car fits 3 people plus the driver. Check with us for the current price.

The drive is less than 3 hours door to door. The driver will have a sign board with your name (or Ashtanga Lanka) and greet you INSIDE the welcome hall. Please do not go outside. If you don’t see the driver right away keep looking around be patient. If you go outside it gets extremely difficult for the driver to find you.

By Train

Sri Lankan Railways offers train service from Colombo to Kandy. It can be a fun way to come to the hill country but first you’ll need to go into the city center and go to Colombo Fort railway station. Catch a train from “Colombo Fort” in the direction of Kandy.

See this link to view the daily train schedule: http://www.railway.gov.lk/

If you can purchase a 2nd class reserved or 1st class ticket you are guaranteed a seat. Otherwise you may end up standing the whole way.

By public bus

You can use public buses to reach us. This is by far the most affordable and in many ways adventurous. The first place you need to get to is: “Kadawatha” bus station. From there you can catch buses heading to Kandy.

From Kandy you can hire a tuk tuk or catc a bus to Elkaduwa and then a tuk tuk.