FAQs

Yoga + Surf + Ayurveda + Meditation

FAQs on Yoga and travel in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a beautiful country. With friendly people and impressive landscapes, you’ll find yourself in good company with stunning scenery wherever you go. Surf safaris in tuk-tuks, delicious curries, and fun waves for every ability of surfer — this is surfing Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka has two very different surf hubs operating on opposing surf season schedules, so you can score fun waves in Sri Lanka any time of the year. In this guide on surfing Sri Lanka, we’ll fill you in on the basics, when to go where, surf trip costs, transportation, where to stay, the food situation, and other essential info to help you plan your next surf trip to Sri Lanka.

What Is Yoga?
The word yoga, from the Sanskrit word yuj means to yoke or bind, and is often interpreted as "union" or a method of discipline. A male who practices yoga is called a yogi, a female practitioner, a yogini.

The Indian sage Patanjali is believed to have collated the practice of yoga into the Yoga Sutra an estimated 2,000 years ago. It outlines eight limbs of yoga: the yamas (restraints), niyamas (observances), asana (postures), pranayama (breathing), pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), dharana (concentration), dhyani (meditation), and samadhi (absorption). As we explore these eight limbs, we begin by refining our behavior in the outer world, and then we focus inwardly until we reach samadhi (liberation, enlightenment).

Today, most people practicing yoga are engaged in the third limb, asana, which is a program of physical postures designed to purify the body and provide the physical strength and stamina required for long periods of meditation.

What Does Hatha Mean?
The word hatha means willful or forceful. Hatha yoga refers to a set of physical exercises (known as asanas or postures), and sequences of asanas, designed to align your skin, muscles, and bones.

Hatha yoga is a powerful tool for self-transformation. It asks us to bring our attention to our breath, which helps us to still the fluctuations of the mind and be more present in the unfolding of each moment.

What Does Om Mean?
Om is a mantra, or vibration, that is traditionally chanted at the beginning and end of yoga sessions. It is said to be the sound of the universe.

Somehow the ancient yogis knew what scientists today are telling us—that the entire universe is moving. Nothing is ever solid or still. Everything that exists pulsates, creating a rhythmic vibration that the ancient yogis acknowledged with the sound of Om. We may not always be aware of this sound in our daily lives, but we can hear it in the rustling of the autumn leaves, the waves on the shore, the inside of a seashell.

As we chant Om, it takes us for a ride on this universal movement, through our breath, our awareness, and our physical energy, and we begin to sense a bigger connection that is both uplifting and soothing.

Do I Have to Be Vegetarian to Practice Yoga?
The first principle of yoga philosophy is ahimsa, which means non-harming to self and others. Some people interpret this to include not eating animal products. It is a personal decision that everyone has to make for themselves.

How Many Times Per Week Should I Practice?
Yoga is amazing even if you only practice for one hour a week, you will experience the benefits of the practice. If you can do more than that, you will certainly experience more benefits.

Starting with two or three times a week, for an hour or an hour and a half each time. Don't let time constraints or unrealistic goals be an obstacle, do what you can and don't worry about it. You will likely find that after a while your desire to practice expands naturally and you will find yourself doing more and more.

How Is Yoga Different From Stretching or Other Kinds of Fitness?
Unlike stretching or fitness, yoga is more than just physical postures. Patanjali's eight-fold path illustrates how the physical practice is just one aspect of yoga. Even within the physical practice, yoga is unique because we connect the movement of the body and the fluctuations of the mind to the rhythm of our breath.

We become more aware of our experiences from moment to moment. The awareness that we cultivate is what makes yoga a practice, rather than a task or a goal to be completed. Your body will most likely become much more flexible by doing yoga, and so will your mind.

Is Yoga a Religion?
Unlike stretching or fitness, yoga is more than just physical postures. Patanjali's eight-fold path illustrates how the physical practice is just one aspect of yoga. Even within the physical practice, yoga is unique because we connect the movement of the body and the fluctuations of the mind to the rhythm of our breath.

We become more aware of our experiences from moment to moment. The awareness that we cultivate is what makes yoga a practice, rather than a task or a goal to be completed. Your body will most likely become much more flexible by doing yoga, and so will your mind.

I'm Not Flexible Can I Do Yoga?
Yes! You are a perfect candidate for yoga. Many people think that they need to be flexible to begin yoga, but that's a little bit like thinking that you need to be able to play tennis in order to take tennis lessons. Come as you are and you will find that yoga practice will help you become more flexible.

This newfound agility will be balanced by strength, coordination, and enhanced cardiovascular health, as well as a sense of physical confidence and overall well-being.

What Do I Need to Begin?
All you really need to begin practicing yoga is your body, your mind, and a bit of curiosity. But it is also helpful to have a pair of yoga leggings, or shorts, and a t-shirt that's not too baggy. No special footgear is required because you will be barefoot. It's nice to bring a towel to class with you. As your practice develops you might want to buy your own yoga mat, but most studios will have mats and other props available for you.
What are the health benefits of Yoga?
Quantum Physics has proven that any activity, when done with a heightened level of awareness, bears a greater transformative potential. Just by being more conscious, our cells vibrate with increased healing intention. Combine this with the therapeutic practice of yoga, and we have the ability to rewire our minds for the better.

Increased serotonin levels
A true Quantum yogi masters the harmonisation of breath and movement, and the concentration required to fully do so can lead to a meditative or trance-like state, welcoming increased serotonin levels and in turn feelings of positivity and happiness.

Appreciation of the now
As a practice that promotes a conscious and loving interaction between the body and mind, yoga allows us to be grounded in the present moment, promoting an increased awareness of self, a connection to the world around us and an appreciation of the now.

Physical benefits
Moving beyond our spiritual and mental wellbeing, the benefits of yoga extend to our physical bodies too. The practice offers a plethora of benefits, including improved motor skills and coordination, increased energy levels, flexibility and strength, better posture, greater muscle tone and agility.

FAQs on Surf and travel in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a beautiful country. With friendly people and impressive landscapes, you’ll find yourself in good company with stunning scenery wherever you go. Surf safaris in tuk-tuks, delicious curries, and fun waves for every ability of surfer — this is surfing Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka has two very different surf hubs operating on opposing surf season schedules, so you can score fun waves in Sri Lanka any time of the year. In this guide on surfing Sri Lanka, we’ll fill you in on the basics, when to go where, surf trip costs, transportation, where to stay, the food situation, and other essential info to help you plan your next surf trip to Sri Lanka.

How is the weather in Sri Lanka?
WEATHER: The weather in Sri Lanka is like you’d expect on a tropical island. Mostly hot and humid with some tropical thunderstorms rolling through here and there to cool things down a bit.

For both the eastern and the southwest provinces, if you’re chasing the best surf your timing will coincide with the hotter and drier season.

This means temperatures will likely be in the 86-104 degrees Fahrenheit range or 30-40 degrees Celsius. And it can often feel hotter than what your average weather app is telling you, so you might want to stick with surfing in the mornings and evenings as often as possible to avoid the brutal sun and heat.

What is the currency used in Sri Lanka?
MONEY: The unit of currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee. As of August 2019, 1 US Dollar = 180 Sri Lankan Rupees, 1 Euro = 199 Sri Lankan Rupees, 1 British Pound = 232 Sri Lankan Rupees, and 1 Australian Dollar = 122 Sri Lankan Rupees.
Tipping in Sri Lanka
TIPPING: Tipping in Sri Lanka is not expected but is always appreciated. Some restaurants will add on a 10-12% service charge, but you can’t count on that money going to your server. Leaving around 10% of the total bill directly with our server is what we typically did.

Usually, there would be no need to tip a tuk-tuk driver, but you can always tip for exceptional service.

What if to come to Sri Lanka in the Offseason?
If you’re planning to visit either of the surf provinces in their monsoon season, it’s considered to be “off-season” and will be significantly slower with fewer eating and sleeping options available. Many hotels and restaurants completely close up shop.

Although the monsoon season definitely brings more rain and storms, keep in mind that the weather forecasts are not very accurate for the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. The forecasts may likely show thunderstorms all day every day, but the reality could be a quick rain in the early morning or afternoon.

We found the southwest coast to be a welcome relief when we visited in the off-season. It was 10 degrees cooler than up in Arugam Bay and much quieter, which was a nice change of pace.

What are the types of surf breaks in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has a variety of surf breaks to choose from and something for everyone. You will find sand bottom points, beach breaks, reef breaks and other interesting little setups along the way.

For the most part, many of the breaks are fairly user-friendly, making Sri Lanka an excellent option for the beginner to intermediate surfer. If you’re an advanced surfer seeking a bit more juice or some hollow barrels, you can find that too. However, don’t go expecting Indonesia type consistency, quality, and power.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Once again, Sri Lanka is a great place to learn to surf or to hone your skills and advance into some more serious waves. With a variety of user-friendly waves and some really great surf instructors to help you progress, surfing in Sri Lanka caters to all levels of experience.

SEASON AND SWELL INFO: There are two main surf hubs in Sri Lanka– on the Southwest Coast around Ahangama and Weligama, and in the Eastern Province around Arugam Bay.

What to know when you are surfing in Southwest coast (Ahangama / Weligama / Hikkaduwa) ?
On the Southwest Coast, there is such a great variety of waves to choose from in close proximity that you can avoid the worst of it if you’re willing to drive around a bit to check the various breaks for the smallest crowds.

If you’re an advanced surfer you might even find yourself scoring Rams Right barrel with only a handful of others out since there are a lot of beginner and intermediate surfers around who won’t be too keen on surfing a fast hollow shallow reef break.

What are the types of waves in Eastern province (Arugam Bay) ?
The surf season around Arugam Bay is from May through September. This is when the scattered right-hand sand bottom points of this dry and arid region come to life with the passing southeast/southwest swells. A few of the breaks in this area are Arugam Bay, Pottuvil Point, Whiskey Point, Peanut Farm, Elephant Rock, and Okanda.

During the peak season, Arugam Bay is graced with many offshore mornings and there are several nearby breaks which have headlands that provide some wind protection and keep things fairly clean and ridable throughout the day.

During the offseason in the Eastern Province (October – April), it’s likely to be flat and not worth a visit if you’re looking for waves.

CROWDS: At the best breaks on both coasts you can certainly count on finding hefty crowds much of the time.

What to know when your surfing in Eastern province (Arugam Bay) ?
In the Eastern Province, Arugam Bay is the main attraction and located directly in town. You’ll likely find dozens of surfers out at all times. Eager surfers are up and on it long before first light to beat the crowds and the heat, mostly the crowds.

Don’t be surprised if you think you’re the first one to paddle out while it’s still dark only to find a healthy lineup of others with the same idea. That being said, it’s definitely worth a shot and you just might avoid the worst of it.

A hint for surfing the Eastern Province. The further away you get from Arugam Bay, the fewer surfers you’re likely to encounter. There are still places you can surf all alone at least for a period of time before a few others show up.

In both regions, there are still waves out of sight and farther than most people are willing to go searching for waves. So if you’re feeling adventurous, you’ll likely be rewarded if you go searching off-the-beaten-path.

What is the water temperature in Sri Lanka?
The water temperature in Sri Lanka ranges from about 80 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit or 27 to 29 degrees Celsius all year long. So be prepared to enjoy all those board shorts and bikini sessions, although you might want to wear a rash guard from time to time for some extra protection from the powerful sun.
How to get to the beach or the surf points?
Hiring a tuk-tuk driver is the easiest way to get to the surf in most cases and also part of the fun of surfing in Sri Lanka.

Most hotels and resorts will be more than happy to help you sort it out. Or you can always chat and negotiate prices with local drivers yourself.

If you don’t use tuk-tuks to get around, try to stick with someone who is experienced with driving in Sri Lanka as you will quickly learn that the roads are chaotic, to say the least. Think Mad Max without the explosives. Okay maybe not that bad, but let’s just say everyone from tuk-tuk drivers to bus drivers pull seriously erratic and risky maneuvers… especially those crazy bus drivers.

How much will it cost to go on a luxury surf trip in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has some really incredible hotels and surf retreats on offer. From food to tuk-tuk rides, everything is included and taken care of.

Grand total: around $200 USD per day and up.

What to eat when in Sri Lanka?
Curry, roti, a mix of international western options, and more curry. A lot of the restaurants in the tourist hubs of Sri Lanka try to be everything to everyone. Many menus offer everything from local dishes to burgers, noodles, and more.

Sri Lankan curries are delicious! And roti are tasty easy snacks you can find at street vendors all over the country.