Overview
A 3,000-year-old medical system, practised by doctors, in retreats that treat rather than pamper.
What you will experience
- A consultation with a registered ayurvedic physician
- A treatment plan of oils, herbal steam and shirodhara
- A prescribed diet cooked to your dosha
- Yoga and meditation sessions morning and evening
Best locations
- Beruwala and Bentota, the classic ayurveda coast
- Ahungalla and Wadduwa, larger resort programmes
- Kandy hills, quieter clinical retreats
- Weligama and Talalla, yoga-led wellness
Best season
Year round, though traditional practice favours the cooler, wetter months for detox programmes.
Safety information
Choose centres with a doctor registered with the Sri Lanka Ayurvedic Medical Council. Declare medications and pregnancy at consultation. A genuine panchakarma programme needs at least fourteen days; anything shorter is a spa treatment, and honest centres will say so.
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