Rukgala is a charming boutique establishment situated on the tranquil shores of Victoria Lake near Kandy. Originally an old private house, they have transformed the property into a delightful retreat, featuring cozy and inviting rooms as well as picturesque spaces where guests can unwind and rejuvenate.
Beyond their physical accommodations, Rukgala main focus is to provide a one-of-a-kind and invigorating encounter with Sri Lanka. Located in a serene and stunning region of the island, they specialize in extending heartfelt hospitality, serving delicious cuisine, facilitating exceptional yoga sessions, and offering optional leisurely adventures for those who desire them.
Details
2- and 3-night Personal Retreats have the same inclusions (though of course 3 nights accommodation for the longer retreat). Included in the booking price is:
- Twice daily group yoga classes
- 1 (per person) x 60 minute full body therapeutic massage
- Guided walk and climb to Bambaragala temple and Pettigala viewpoint
- All meals from our healthy set menu
- Soft drinks
- King coconuts after morning yoga
- Free use of paddle boards and wild swimming gear
- 2- or 3-nights accommodation
The 5-night Personal Retreat includes:
- Twice daily group yoga classes
- 2 (per person) x 60 minute full body therapeutic massage
- Guided walk and climb to Bambaragala temple and Pettigala viewpoint
- All meals from our healthy set menu
- Soft drinks
- King coconuts after morning yoga
- The option of a Sri Lankan cooking class or art therapy session
- Free use of paddle boards and wild swimming gear
- 5 nights accommodation
Excludes
- Pick-ups and transfers (we can help you arrange)
- Any other experiences like cooking classes or guided paddle-boarding
- Guided hikes other than to Bambaragala
- Options from the small dishes menu*
*but if you let us know in advance we’ll swap stuff in for you no problem/no charge. - Extra private yoga classes
Food
Breakfast – most days Rukgala serve breakfast up on the top deck; a great morning spot. To give their kitchen guys a bit of head space (and to encourage a little adventure) they rotate between Sri Lankan breakfasts (rotis, dhal, kiri-bhat, egg hoppers, chutneys and sambals) and a small selection of lovely more Western-inspired options.
They serve up the same home-prepped granola, spreads, curd and treacle each day.
Lunch – with breakfast never terribly early we tend towards quite light lunches – big fresh salads and light pastas; normally Western stuff but all freshly made and with local ingredients.
If the sun’s out we might try and serve lunch in the garden or even down by the boat shed with views over the lake – a nice cool shady spot in the middle of the day.
Dinner – for dinners they celebrate Sri Lankan flavours with delicious curries.
Types of Accommodation
Top House Bedrooms
Rooms in the Top House are slightly larger than in the Garden Cottage. They have four-poster beds (with mosquito nets – more decorative than functional we’ve found) and private balconies (as above) that look out over the trees and to the lake. They have:
- Air conditioning and ceiling fan
- Ensuite bathroom with shower
- Large wardrobe space
- Private balconies
- Four-poster double beds
- Writing desk
Garden Cottage bedrooms
The Garden Cottage is a tiny hop from the main house. Bedrooms here (we have two double and two twin rooms) are slightly smaller but do have nice little private gardens and feel perfectly spacious. The bedrooms have a mezzanine level which works well for people wanting a slightly more private shared bedroom. They have:
- Air-conditioning (and standing floor fans)
- Ensuite bathroom with bath tubs and (in-bath) showers
- Large wardrobe space
- A mezzanine space (with extra single bed)
Gallery
