The Island Hermitage is a monk’s hermitage in the Theravada forest tradition and was founded in 1911 by the first German monk, Venerable Nyanatiloka. Polgasduwa is located about 104 km from Colombo and about 5 km south of the seaside resort of Hikkaduwa.
For seriously interested men, it is possible on the island in Rathgama Lake to pursue Buddhist studies or practice meditation techniques from the Theravada tradition. There is an excellent library (German and English books) and a good practice atmosphere. The sanitary facilities are somewhat outdated.
Food is provided only through the monks’ alms round. Every Upasaka in white clothing is invited to join the monks in the morning around 6:30 a.m. The accommodations for lay followers are now completed. There are 4 very simple rooms, each with a bed. Since the mattresses are rather unusable due to humidity, it is recommended to bring a sleeping mat. The length of stay is limited to 1 month to give other meditators a chance. If necessary, other times can be arranged individually with the monks. It is usually hot and humid.