Rukgala Retreat
Digana
A boutique yoga and wellness retreat space on the shores of the Victoria lake close to Kandy
Rooms and spaces
Rukgala Retreat has 10 guest bedrooms that mix up doubles and twins (with some having extra mezzanine levels for a third bed) so works really well for groups or private stays.
Bedrooms all open to views overlooking treetops and the Victoria Lake. The main house has a wide deck with dining room and a separate reading room that offers gorgeous views too.
Where we are
Victoria Lake, paddy villages and Kandy
Rukgala is fairly off the beaten path, about 45 minutes drive from Kandy. It runs right to the Victoria Lake (actually a reservoir) and so enjoys a feeling of real seclusion and open space.
We’re not far, too from the Knuckles Mountains and there are beautiful rice paddy villages that dot the lower reaches of that range.
Kandy is the island’s cultural and religious capital and still serves as a hub for tourists and pilgrims alike. A day trip to the city - with a little thought and planning - is worth making for those with a few days stay penned at Ruk.
Rukgala has a pretty informal menu - a mix of light western dishes and a varying selection of Sri Lankan options, mostly served in the evening.
The team tend to pick out what’s best available locally and then produce a daily changing meal plan for the day, chalked up on the blackboard on the main terrace.
Most guests like to go for what’s suggested but a selection of items from the ‘light’ menu can be an easy alternative.
Eating
and drinking
Moving and shaking
Yoga
Expert yoga - with classes in a beautiful purpose-built shala in the trees - is one thing that sets Rukgala Retreat apart. Group classes can be booked individually or as part of a 2- or 3-night package.
Paddle boarding
When the lake is full, paddle-boarding with the mountains in the background can feel a pretty magical experience.
Guided hikes
Ruk is really well positioned for gorgeous walks that overlook the Victoria Lake. It’s also about an hour’s drive from the Knuckles Mountains with stunning hikes that take in this lesser visited national park.
For most activities and experiences you can arrange once at Ruk.
Alternatively book on a set package that includes guided yoga classes, hikes and other activities.
House story and who’s there
Rukgala sat as abandoned shell of a house until its current owners bought it and over several years re-furbished and re-purposed it for guests wanting to enjoy this quiet and beautiful area.
With its origin as a space for private group retreats it still caters really well for that type of booking but throughout the year plays host to individual guests keen to enjoy a calm restorative stay.
Bhanuka
Bhanuka is the resident manager at Ruk and the go-to man for any questions or snags during your stay.
Miriam
Miriam is the wonderful in-house yoga teacher at Ruk.
Getting here
Ruk is about 45 minutes drive from Kandy. The guys at the hotel will happily help arrange transport - contact details below.
We’d recommend arriving before 6pm as the road on the last stretch is slightly bumpy and nervous travellers might be a little put off!
Important contact details
Rukgala main line - +94 76 341 1020
New House Hospitality - + 94 77 444 3901
e - reservations@newhousehospitality.com