
Tour Description
1. Rediscover Peace and Clarity at Rideekanda Retreat Center
Nestled in the serene hills of Sri Lanka, Rideekanda Forest Monastery offers a peaceful escape from the stresses of daily life. Surrounded by lush forests, this retreat center provides a tranquil environment for spiritual growth, mindfulness, and deep relaxation. With personalized meditation programs and a balanced daily routine, it’s the ideal space to reconnect with yourself and find inner peace.
2. Embrace Spiritual Growth with Tailored Meditation Programs
At Rideekanda, our experienced instructors guide you through traditional Theravada Buddhist practices to enhance your mindfulness journey. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced practitioner, we offer personalized meditation sessions such as Samatha and Vipassana to deepen your spiritual practice. Each session is designed to meet your individual needs, ensuring a transformative experience.
3. A Sanctuary in Nature for Inner Peace
Surrounded by the calming beauty of nature, Rideekanda Forest Monastery provides the perfect setting for self-reflection and renewal. The quiet sounds of birds and rustling trees create a serene atmosphere, allowing you to disconnect from distractions and focus entirely on your inner journey. It’s a place where you can let go of stress and embrace the present moment with a clear mind.
4. Experience Holistic Retreats for Every Goal
Whether you’re seeking a quick weekend getaway or a more immersive spiritual retreat, Rideekanda offers programs tailored to your needs. Our retreat options include weekend getaways for a refreshing reset, extended stays for deep meditation practice, and even online programs to learn from anywhere. No matter your schedule, Rideekanda ensures a meaningful and fulfilling retreat experience.
Included
- Accommodation: 3 nights in deluxe hotels with breakfast and dinner daily.
- Transportation: Private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur; including complimentary bottled water during transfers.
- Activities & Entrance Fees: Guided tours include entry fees for all listed attractions as well as cultural shows and local experiences.
- Additional Services: 24/7 customer support and airport pickup and drop-off.
Excluded
- International airfare and visa fees.
- Meals not specified in the itinerary.
- Personal expenses and tips.
- Travel insurance.
- Additional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary.
Touring Map
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Why Choose Rideekanda Forest Monastery Retreat Center?
Choosing the right retreat center is an important step on your journey to mindfulness, inner peace, and spiritual growth. Rideekanda is one of Sri Lanka’s most unique and transformative retreats, offering the perfect combination of natural beauty, wellness programs, and cultural authenticity. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect, recharge, and reconnect with yourself.
Authentic Buddhist Tradition
Learn meditation practices rooted in centuries-old Theravada Buddhism, guided by experienced teachers like Royal Pandit Ven. Anuradhapura Ariyajeeva Thero.
Personalized Guidance
Programs are tailored to your experience level, whether you’re a beginner or advanced practitioner.
Serene Natural Setting
Surrounded by forests and fresh mountain air, our peaceful environment helps you disconnect from distractions and focus on your inner journey.
Balanced Daily Routine
Experience a thoughtful mix of meditation, silent reflection, teachings, and traditional rituals for a holistic retreat.
Rideekanda Forest Monastery Retreat Center
In today’s fast-paced world, finding peace and clarity can feel like an impossible task. At Rideekanda Forest Monastery, we provide the perfect space to pause, breathe, and reconnect with yourself. Nestled atop a tranquil mountain in Sri Lanka’s Matale district, our retreat center offers more than just a break—it’s an opportunity for transformation.
Here, surrounded by serene forests and guided by experienced teachers rooted in the traditions of Theravada Buddhism, you’ll find a pathway to:
- Stress Relief: Let go of tension and overwhelm through calming meditation practices.
- Emotional Well-Being: Cultivate mindfulness to navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience.
- Deeper Focus: Train your mind to stay present and focused, enhancing clarity and productivity.
- Spiritual Growth: Explore the profound wisdom of Buddhist teachings and develop a deeper connection with yourself and the world.
What You’ll Experience at Rideekanda
At Rideekanda Forest Monastery Retreat Center, every aspect of your stay is thoughtfully crafted to guide you toward peace, clarity, and spiritual growth. Here’s what makes a retreat at Rideekanda truly special:
A Sanctuary in Nature
From the moment you arrive, you’ll be surrounded by the calming beauty of nature. Nestled in lush forests on a serene mountain, Rideekanda offers a quiet refuge where the only sounds are birdsong and the gentle rustle of trees. It’s a space to breathe deeply, let go of stress, and fully embrace the present moment.

Meditation That Meets You Where You Are
No matter your experience level, our instructors provide personalized guidance to help you grow in your practice. You’ll learn:
- Samatha Meditation: Quiet your mind, focus your thoughts, and cultivate inner calm.
- Vipassana Meditation: Develop deeper awareness and insight into your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
Each session is tailored to your progress, ensuring a meaningful and transformative experience.
A Daily Routine for Growth
At Rideekanda, each day follows a balanced rhythm designed to nurture your mind and spirit:
- Guided Meditation Sessions
- Silent Personal Practice
- Teachings on Buddhist Philosophy
- Traditional Monastic Practices
This structure creates a supportive environment for steady and meaningful progress.
Simple, Comfortable Living
Your accommodations are designed to help you focus on what truly matters. Dormitory-style rooms are clean, quiet, and intentionally simple, free from distractions, so you can immerse yourself in mindfulness and self-discovery.
A Path to Peace and Purpose
Beyond meditation, Rideekanda offers a space to reconnect with yourself, rediscover clarity, and cultivate the tools to navigate life’s challenges. By the end of your retreat, you’ll leave with a sense of renewal, calm, and a deeper understanding of yourself and the world.

Retreats for Every Goal
Whether you’re new to meditation or looking to deepen your practice, we offer programs that fit your needs:
- Weekend Retreats: A perfect introduction or quick reset for busy schedules.
- Extended Retreats: Immerse yourself fully in mindfulness and spiritual growth.
- Online Programs: Access the teachings of Rideekanda from anywhere in the world.
Experience the Rideekanda Difference
At Rideekanda, it’s more than just a getaway—it’s a chance to find lasting peace and rediscover yourself. Every part of the retreat is thoughtfully designed to help you embrace mindfulness, release stress, and connect with your true self. One of the most powerful experiences here is practicing Buddhist Vipassana meditation with monks, offering an authentic and transformative journey into spiritual growth and self-awareness. Are you ready to take the first step? Your journey begins here.
Are you ready to take the first step? Your journey begins here.
Programs Tailored to You
Weekend Retreats
Perfect for beginners or those seeking a short escape, our weekend retreats provide an introduction to mindfulness and meditation. Over two days, you’ll learn Samatha and Vipassana meditation while soaking in our serene mountain setting.
Extended Retreats
Dive deeper into your practice with immersive retreats. Embrace a daily rhythm of meditation, reflection, and study, gaining profound insights and spiritual clarity.
Counseling & Stress Relief
Specialized programs integrating meditation with Buddhist psychological principles to help manage stress, anxiety, or addiction while fostering emotional resilience.
Individualized Guidance
Personalized support from experienced instructors to align with your progress and goals. Select the right meditation technique and gain insights into your personal journey.
Open to Everyone
At Rideekanda Forest Monastery, we believe that the transformative teachings of mindfulness, meditation, and Buddhist philosophy should be accessible to all. Whether you’re new to meditation or an experienced practitioner, our doors are open to anyone seeking inner peace and clarity, regardless of religion, nationality, or background.
A Welcoming Environment
For Beginners
Compassionate teachers and structured programs provide a gentle introduction to mindfulness and spiritual growth.
For Experienced Practitioners
Deepen your understanding, refine techniques, and immerse yourself in a distraction-free environment.
For All Faiths
While rooted in Theravada Buddhism, we welcome participants of all spiritual beliefs and cultural backgrounds.
Customer Reviews

Mr.Finn - Netherlands
“Rideekanda offers a serene environment perfect for meditation. Located atop a mountain, it allows one to achieve tranquility. The monk is incredibly helpful, always ready to offer guidance. His dhamma talks are insightful and easily understood. I meditated in various spots, like under trees and on rocks. The surrounding beauty is unmatched, and I can’t wait to return.”

Mr.Travis - England
“At Rideekanda, the peaceful environment was perfect for meditation. The modern facilities added comfort to the experience. The monk’s guidance helped me progress in my practice. He provided clear explanations of the teachings. The villagers bring alms food in the mornings, and the rest of the day is for reflection. A truly transformative experience.”

Roger Schmidt & katya - Switzerland & Russia
“At Rideekanda, the peaceful environment was perfect for meditation. The modern facilities added comfort to the experience. The monk’s guidance helped me progress in my practice. He provided clear explanations of the teachings. The villagers bring alms food in the mornings, and the rest of the day is for reflection. A truly transformative experience.”

Mr.Ernest - Latvia
“Rideekanda is a truly special place for meditation and inner peace. The environment is calming and ideal for deep focus. The monk offers practical meditation instructions and shares profound wisdom. His teachings are clear, and he answers all questions. It was a peaceful time spent meditating in nature. I look forward to returning to continue my practice.”

Mrs.Aubrey - France
“Forest Monastery is a hidden sanctuary with breathtaking views. The environment is peaceful and perfect for meditation. The facilities are luxurious, and the people are kind. The teachings are rich, and I left with valuable knowledge. Bhante shares wisdom with great generosity. I will definitely return to this magnificent place.”