Whether you enjoy the health benefits of botanicals, oil massages, strong flavours or the inner peace achieved by meditation, there are plenty of ways to make yourself feel good in Sri Lanka. So here is a brief overview of what can bring you happiness and relaxation in this beautiful country. 

Plants 

Sri Lanka has a great diversity of plants thanks to the country’s unique geography, which stretches 353 km from north to south and culminates at 2,524 m on Mount Pidurutalagala. Because of its great climate, it is the perfect environment for rich plant life to thrive. The humid part of the country, where lush tropical forests grow, is particularly favourable for the cultivation of plants used in traditional medicine. Indeed, you can find a good collection of medicinal plants and spices at the Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya, just outside Kandy. One of the best choices is cinnamon, which is great for the digestive system, and is also used in cosmetics as an antioxidant, to revive tired skin. And, of course, plants are often combined to be even more efficient. 

Oils

Ayurvedic massages are performed using oils, which are mainly coconut and sesame-based. Essential oils from plants can also be used, depending on your personal needs. And if you’re looking for ultimate relaxation, try shirodhara, an Ayurvedic treatment that consists of gently dripping warm oil (mostly sesame oil) on the forehead before massaging the scalp, which is guaranteed to help you unwind. 

The cuisine

Sri Lankan cuisine is bursting with flavour and is bound to go down a treat with anyone who likes their food well-seasoned. The most traditional dish is curry, which comes in many forms using various spices, and is usually served with rice. There are in fact pretty much as many kinds of curries as there are cooks, such as lentil dahl, which can be mild or spicy depending on the recipe. Like everything else in Sri Lanka, cooking is also deeply influenced by Ayurveda. The idea is that everyone needs to eat according to their constitution, determined by the three doshas (Vata, Pitta or Kapha), which are the three types of energy in our body that must be balanced in order to remain fit and healthy. 

Spices

Cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, pepper, turmeric... There are many different spices in Sri Lanka, and the best part is that they combine delicious taste and therapeutic properties. They are also easily accessible as you can buy them anywhere, in markets, grocery shops or spice gardens. The best way to purchase them, however, is probably from an Ayurvedic pharmacy, as you can also get advice on which ones to are right for you and how you should use them.

Massage

In Sri Lanka, you will find plenty of places offering massage, both for simple relaxation and to target a specific source of pain. Ayurvedic massages, for instance, are designed specifically for the person receiving them, whose constitution (prakruti) is analysed by a doctor beforehand. One of the most famous massages is known as “abhyanga” and is performed on the whole body using a hot oil infused with medicinal herbs. 

Meditation

In a country where 70% of the population is Buddhist, meditation is one of the most popular ways to achieve inner well-being. Of course, it doesn’t guarantee enlightenment, but it can bring great serenity. What’s more,Sri Lanka is just full of beautiful places (such as hotels, or specialised centres) where you can take part in a silent retreat, get back in touch with nature, and even practice some yoga. Surrounded by the sound of Tibetan bowls, birds singing and mantras, you are bound to leave the retreat feeling more at peace.