Niyagama House

Introduction

Niyagama House is a seven-bedroom holiday retreat with an emphasis on yoga and meditation in the village of Niyagama, 9 kms inland from Galle and its nearby beaches. Niyagama House offers nutritious cuisine and the opportunity for yoga and meditation in a tranquil hilltop setting. Set on a nine-acre working tea and cinnamon plantation, it looks down on to the surrounding tree canopy that attracts many birds and the occasional monkey. There is no minimum stay requirement and yoga and meditation is not a must here. For those who wish to immerse in more intensive mind and body wellness, special yoga packages are on offer for beginner and intermediate level. Niyagama House can accommodate up to 18 guests and can be rented as a whole for special group holidays or yoga retreats. German/Sri Lankan owners.

Accommodation

There are seven well-appointed rooms and suites named after Sri Lanka’s precious gem stones – Amethyst, Ruby, Padparadscha, Topaz, Tourmaline, Sapphire and Pearl. Room interiors are individually decorated based on gem-inspired colours. Some rooms have private balconies. Room interiors are comfortably furnished with king-size four-poster beds and wardrobe. Sapphire and Pearl Suites are spacious and are furnished with a king-size and single bed and can accommodate up to three guests. In-room facilities include a/c, overhead fans, mini-fridge, complimentary wifi, laptop-size safe, room service from 7.00 am to 10.00 pm; and laundry service. Ensuite bathrooms have h/w rain showers and locally produced all natural toiletries.

Facilities

Yoga is conducted in a purpose-built yoga room. Two yoga classes are conducted each day with additional private sessions on request. Energetic Vinyasa Flow, Hot Yoga (a variation of Bikram Yoga),restorative Yin Yoga or classic Sivananda Hatha Yoga is conducted. Flexibly-dated packages include a three-day Yoga Mini-retreat; five-day Yoga Wellness Retreat; seven-day Yoga Immersion Retreat. These include yoga sessions, guided meditation, relaxing massages; workshops, movies and discussions on Yoga & Ayurveda and also include walks and excursions. Yoga packages do not include accommodation and meals. Yoga is conducted by the owner – Elke de Silva, a certified yoga teacher. From time to time, international guest teachers also visit Niyagama House. For more information contact your Red Dot sales consultant. Dining is in the ground floor verandah overlooking the swimming pool. Traditional Sri Lankan cuisine and western dishes are served. Nutritious meals are prepared with fresh fruit and village vegetables; seafood and meats and local herbs and condiments. Alcohol is not available, but guests can BYO. Other facilities include the Niya Spa offering Ayurvedic massages, a small library, complementary wifi, an 18 chlorine-free swimming pool, guided walks, bird watching, traditional Sri Lankan cooking classes, guided bike tours. Trishaws or the in-house jeep can be arranged for those wanting to head to the beach or Galle’s Dutch Fort.

Why We Like It

Elke is a great yoga teacher and that adds to the attraction of this highly-rated sanctuary within a short drive of the Galle Coast.

Location

The journey from Niyagama to Colombo’s international airport will take about 2.5 hours or take the air taxi. If you are heading into the hills, we offer competitive rates on a sea plane service from Koggala to Hatton.