Spiritual Tourism

Umandawa Monastery is in Melsiripura, Kurunegala, Sri Lanka, which is 134 kilometers (83 miles) east of Colombo. Kurunegala is one of Sri Lanka’s largest cities, and it is easy to get to by both rail and road. All of the major cities have train service to Kurunegala.

There are buses that go straight from Colombo to Kurunegala (you can check the bus timetable from the main bus station at Colombo Fort). You can take a bus from Kurunegala to Melsiripura, then a taxi from Melsiripura to Umandawa.

In Melsiripura, tuk tuks are the best way to get around. From the airport or Colombo Fort, you can also book a taxi. When you get to the Rawana Asapuwa, the front desk will sign you up for the activities once you get there.

The monks and bhikkuni who make their home in Umandawa use the activities of daily life as a form of meditation. Buddhist monks (bhikkhus) and bhikkuni (geshes) will lead the retreats and participants will work alongside them (mehenin wahanses).

Beginners are typically instructed in Maitri Bavana, or “loving-kindness meditation,” and Anapanasathi Bavana, or “breathing meditation,” before moving on to Vipassana, or “mindfulness meditation,” in which one learns to be present and aware in each moment.

There is complete freedom from the stresses of daily life, and everyone enjoys it. Everything has an impact on its surrounding environment. The practice of mindfulness is integrated into every aspect of daily life, from meals to walks to work to shared meals.

Participants can also stay in the picturesque Manel Asapuwa or Mayurashramaya chalets during the retreats. Triple occupants can enjoy the tree house’s special charm by staying in its three beds. With no walls to obstruct the scenery, guests may take in the breathtaking panorama of rice paddies and mountains.

The cottages are trailers that have been rebuilt to sit on a platform over the water. Every cottage in the village can accommodate two people. There are a total of 20 chalets available at Umandawa, and they range from ultra-luxurious to merely plush.

Retreats typically range in length from three days to seven days, but some extend even farther. The monastery furnishes all need. The ayurveda center, offering holistic care for the whole person, can be found in Ravana Asapuwa. The presence of a trained ayurveda physician is also helpful. Tea, coffee, herbal drinks, fruit juices, and refreshments are all available at Digayu Café.

The Digayu Café also serves dinner to retreat-goers each night. The café overlooks the water in Nandana Uyana, where visitors can also go on boat trips. Almsgiving, Dhamma talks, meditation, yoga, and other group activities take place in the Ambalama and Mayurasanaya, which are multipurpose halls.

On a nearby islet is a miniature version of the Great Pyramid of Giza. There is no official religion at the pyramid, therefore anyone is welcome to use the place for prayer or reflection. Daily routines, as well as special events and initiatives, help spread the practice of mindfulness. Galpaya, Madahapola Kanda, Udangaraya, and Alumgala mountain hikes, Hulangala day trips, boat rides and visits to adjoining reservoirs, bird viewing, and spotting wild elephants are just some of the activities available in the area.

The retreat includes trips to local mountain communities and educational institutions. During their time there, students can interact with locals, learn about village life, and provide schoolchildren with much-needed supplies.

To help preserve the planet for future generations, visitors can take part in tree-planting activities. Each retreat is tailored to the individual, can be scheduled at any time of year, and includes lodging, meals, and transportation. Umandawa also facilitates heliport landings for its guests.