FAQ's
Ulpotha in Sri Lanka - Questions & Answers
What's the weather like? When to go?
Being near to the equator, the temperature in Sri Lanka is fairly constant year round: mid 80's F (around 28/30C) in the daytime, dropping to mid 70's F (around 23C) at night. The weather varies little and holidays at Ulpotha are timed to coincide with the end of the rainy season. There can still be occasional refreshing tropical downpours. On those occasions big yellow umbrellas will magically appear at the huts in Ulpotha. It's fairly hot and humid, but not overbearingly so.
Ulpotha only takes guests for 6 weeks in June /July and for another 14 weeks from November to March. More of the owners' friends come at Christmas - so it's very lively, and there may be more children. Christmas and New Year is a time for celebration at Ulpotha. For those looking for a quiet retreat we suggest you avoid this period. It's very popular, so you need to book Christmas early.
Where is Ulpotha located?
In the heart of Sri Lanka by a lakeside at the foot of the Galgiriyawa mountains. You can swim in the refreshing lake! It's off the beaten track, about 1 hour drive North from Kurenagala or 2 hours Northwest from Kandy. It is in the cultural triangle, surrounded by ancient sites like the famous rock palace of Sigiriya and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa with the serene reclining Buddha.
Where do I fly to?
Colombo airport in Sri Lanka. Direct flights with Sri Lankan Airlines take about 10 hours and cost from £552 inc tax. Please be aware that departure tends to be the day before arrival and start of the holiday due to time difference and journey time. In order to ensure the best prices on flights we recommend that you book early.
Our recommended agent for scheduled flights from the UK to Colombo is Dash at Paradise Travel on 020 8434 0411. If you mention Ulpotha he will know that you would probably wish to be on the designated group flight in order to take advantage of the free transfer to Ulpotha - see transfer info below.
How do I get to Ulpotha from the airport? - transfers
You will be collected by a driver from Ulpotha. The car journey takes about 3 hours.
The airport transfer to Ulpotha is free for those arriving on the designated group flight. This is the direct flight from London Heathrow to Colombo with Sri Lankan Airways, UL506 departing Saturdays approx 10.30am, arriving Sundays approx 03:00am. The return flight is UL505 on Sundays at approx 02:55am.
If you are not on this flight, transfers will be arranged separately through us. The cost is about £30 which is paid directly to the driver in Rupees (Rp5000).
How much money will I need?
The equivalent of about £150 would be plenty for fees at ancient sites, donations at temples, the odd drink or snack on trips out; more if you intend to buy souvenirs etc. There is no bank or cash point near Ulpotha or the ancient sites so it can be advisable to bring extra cash/Pound Sterling or a British cheque book (the latter you can use at Ulpotha too)!
Ulpotha now offers personalised Ayurveda Treatment Plans after consultation with the resident doctor. Those treatments are pre-paid and pre-booked via us. Depending on availability you may or may not be able to book the usual minimum of a one-week package after arrival - see the Ayurveda Centre section for further information.
Otherwise you need very little! Once you are in Ulpotha everything else is included.
Do I require a visa?
UK residents can enter Sri Lanka for a holiday of four weeks without requiring a visa. A visa is required for longer stays. Your passport should be valid for at least another six months. Non-UK residents please check with your embassy.
What medical precautions do I need to take?
Recommended injections are Tetanus and Polio boosters, Hepatitis A and Typhoid.
Your GP or travel centre will also recommend Malaria tablets. Dr Jules Eden, the Flying Doctor from The Guardian suggests the new anti-malarial Malarone, particularly as you only have to take it for a week after your return and as it's so new, there is little resistance worldwide.
However we have been informed that Ulpotha is not in a known malarial zone and if you intend to only visit Ulpotha and its surrounding regions then Malaria tablets are not absolutely necessary. Though this is a very personal choice and it is up to the individual to make their own decisions on this matter. Please note that Neal's Yard Agency and the East Pole Foundation can not be held responsible for medical decisions or conditions.
For those wishing to choose alternative ways, there are Homeopathic options inc anti-malarial remedy available by mail order from Neal's Yard Remedies 0845 262 3145 or Ainsworths Homeopathic Pharmacy tel 020 7935 5330 or from their shops.
Is Sri Lanka a safe country to travel to?
There are peace talks between the Tamil Tigers and the Sri Lankan Government and there has been peace for some time now. Ulpotha is a very safe place well away from former trouble hot spots - which were located in the far North and East coast of the island. The great thing is you don't even need to go into Colombo if you don't want to - the transfer from the airport to Ulpotha avoids the city.
I'm travelling alone, will I feel awkward?
No, these holidays are perfect for singles! Ulpotha is also great if you come with friends or as a couple but the overwhelming majority of our guests come alone.
I'm not sure that I fancy sharing with a stranger? Can I have a single room?
All the huts at Ulpotha are allocated on a twin share basis. We will match you up as best we can with another guest. There are places for a maximum of 19 guests at any one time and no single huts are available.
People are surprised to discover that the huts are spacious and airy and that sharing with someone is actually very pleasant. The unusual jungle noises can be bit strange and its quite reassuring to have a companion sharing your space. In any case, you will find that you don't really spend much time in your hut and there are lots of places to retreat to if you wish, like open sided pavilions, tree houses and hammock by the lake or hill tops with vistas.
I've never done any Yoga before. Is this OK?
The teachers at Ulpotha are teaching all levels of experience and ability. Just go at your own pace and remember - that it's a holiday! It is important that during a class you take responsibility for your own wellbeing and do not stretch yourself beyond your limit.
Classes are usually held in the early morning and late afternoon. However, this schedule is not fixed and will depend on the needs of the particular group. Most guests are dedicated to practicing Yoga, though if you don't feel like going to Yoga classes that's fine. Everything is optional and you do as much or as little as YOU like!
Will I be bored?
There always is something to do if you want to, yet many people discover that the magic of Ulpotha is about finding enjoyment in simply being.
Often guests take loads of books and only read a few pages. Your day can be filled with twice daily Yoga classes, treatments, excursions or walks to special sites surrounding Ulpotha. There are always many interesting people to chat to. However, if you want to be alone - it's easy to find a peaceful spot, like a hammock or a tree house.
Treatments
1) At the Wedegedera (meaning healing centre) you can enjoy herbal steam baths any time. Just turn up, if someone is being seen, the wait is generally not long.
2) In addition, there is always a practitioner from the UK offering holistic massage and sometimes other therapies such as aromatherapy, reflexology, osteopathy, reiki etc. These treatments are available by appointment with the therapist. Please be aware that we are able to guarantee that you can have one treatment from this massage therapist each week, but you may get more and this is a bonus! It just depends on numbers of guests and demand.
There is no extra charge for the above treatments at Ulpotha.
3) Specialised Ayurvedic Treatment Programmes
Ulpotha is a particularly suitable place in which to undergo Ayurvedic treatment as the food and the environment will complement the therapies and serve to underscore the holistic approach of Ayurveda itself.
Now there are specialised Ayurvedic Treatment Programmes available after consultation with the Ayurvedic doctor. These are charged for separately and pre-booked as capacity is limited.
Guests can consult Dr. Sri Lal, Ulpotha¹s resident Ayurvedic doctor who will draw up a personalized detoxification and rejuvenation treatment programme for you.
Ayurveda programmes begin with clearing and detoxification therapies, which consist of preparatory and specialized elimination treatments. Preparatory treatments are called oleation and fomentation therapies and consist of oil applications, massage, steam and medicinal bath therapies. Specialised elimination therapies on the other hand consist of emesis, purgation, inhalation and enemas and treatments. All of these are used to bring the body¹s energies into balance. Which of these treatments are used in a personalised programme will of course depend on the outcome of a consultation.
Once a balance is achieved, nourishing therapies are administered to maintain that balance. These rejuvenation treatments consist of medication using traditional Ayurvedic remedies.
Ayurveda treatment programmes are available for a minimum of one week (£200). There are also 10 days (£300), 2 weeks (£400), 3 weeks (£600) and 4 week (£800). Obviously the longer the treatment series the more benefit you can feel.
Food
The food at Ulpotha is simply delicious and very healthy. It is almost entirely vegan, naturally wheat free, with an abundance of fresh vegetables, organic red rice and tropical fruit freshly picked from Ulpotha's gardens. A good opportunity to detoxify your system without fuss. There are always many different dishes served at each meal and you can easily pick and choose from those depending on your taste or dietary requirements.
What do I need to take?
Very little indeed. Repeat guests leave valuables and smart clothes at home: virtually nobody wears them and termites may nibble them. The sarong you're given on arrival makes a wonderfully cool and comfortable dress, or a Å’kilt¹ for either sex. Ulpotha also sells other sarongs in stunning colours. So people wear little else. Women need something arm & leg-covering when visiting temples or for occasional cool evenings. At Ulpotha itself it's OK to wear pretty much what you like, although topless sunbathing is not considered respectful of the local culture. One light fleece or jumper is usually fine for a rare 'chillier' evening.
You might also need 'uphill shoes' for walks or reaching the mobile phone spot and clothes for cycling or walking. Rain is rare but, when it comes, it deluges. Ulpotha has umbrellas but shoes that tolerate drowning are useful.
Some essentials are: a good torch, a spare bulb and plenty of batteries, a beach towel, flip flops, sunscreen, bathing costume and insect repellent, binoculars if you like to watch birds, and appropriate medication. There are also some good books at Ulpotha to borrow if you want to travel light.
All the beds have mossie nets, so you don't need to bring one. There are Yoga mats provided, but some guests like to bring their own.
If there is anything that you feel you cannot do without for 2 weeks (chocolate, cigarettes, alcohol, coffee and the like) we suggest you bring it with you as these things are not available at Ulpotha.
Electricity
Ulpotha does not have electricity by design. However there are small solar panels. If you have a digital camera or a mobile phone please ask the managers to recharge the batteries for you. Plug adaptors are available. Voltage is 220-240V.
Some useful contacts for travelling in Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka Tourist Board (for advice on travel in other parts of Sri Lanka etc.)
at Clareville House, 26-27 Oxendon St, London SW1Y 4EL, tel (++44) 020 7930 2627,
srilankatourism@aol.com or www.srilankatourism.org <http://www.srilankatourism.org>
- Railway Tourism Information Centre: tel ++ 94-11 2 435 838
- The Waypoint Travel Clinic is a health clinic in Colombo that was set up at the beginning of 2004 by Dr Will Cave. It is run by experienced British medical staff who have many years of experience advising and treating travellers in South Asia. The Clinic has it's own on-site pharmacy and laboratory, stocks a full range of children's and travel related vaccines. They will provide assistance or advice on any health matters arising during a trip to Sri Lanka or the region.
Dr Will Cave, Medical Director, The Waypoint Medical Center, 30/51 Longden Place, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka, tel: (94) 11 451 5770, fax: (94) 11 258 0592, www.waypointclinic.com <http://www.waypointclinic.com>
Some useful words in Sinhalese
mostly English is spoken, yet if you can say the odd Sinhalese word this is very well received
(pronunciation of vowels as in Italian)
ayurbowan = hello (meaning 'good life'!)
kohoma de? = how are you?
hondai = good, well or fine
ou = yes (usually with a shaking off the head confused by us with a no!)
ne = no (sometimes comes with side to side wiggle of head)
'nod with a friendly smile' = thank you
gihila enang = bye, see you (literally = I'll go and come back)
hamu vemu = bye (literally = we'll meet again) [in full: navatna hamu vemu]
Ambalama = 'travellers rest', open sided pavilion (usually lunch/dinner are served here, also acts as a 'living room'/gathering place)
Walauwwa = manor house
Kade= teahouse or hut (breakfast is served here, also tea and various snacks available throughout the day)
Wedegedera = healing treatment centre
Remember It may be best not to have too many expectations, as part of the pleasure is in the surprise! Most importantly we wish that you can go with the flow and enjoy your holiday!
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