School Trips To Sri Lanka


Introduction

Sri Lanka is emerging after a period of civil conflict to offer a new and exciting School trip destination. Sri Lanka School trips are one of our fastest growing locations.

Sri Lanka has the largest concentration of leopards in the wild and Gapforce volunteers have the opportunity to see them and other astonishing wildlife such as elephants and buffalo at Udawalawe National Park.

Those who want to see marine wildlife are in the right place. Sri Lanka excursions by boat give pupils the chance to have an unforgettable encounter with shoals of dolphins and flying fish, and if they’re lucky blue whales, who travel past the golden Mirissa coastline on their migration.

We specialise in Sri Lanka school trips that focus on specific subjects, such as geography, biology or world religion as well as arranging traditional adventure tours. Whatever you decide, your pupils will have an amazing experience.

Suitable for: History School Trips, Geography School Trips, Outdoor Education School Trips, World Religion School Trips, World Languages School Trips

Support we offer on school trips to Sri Lanka

We support schools embarking on trips to Sri Lanka in a variety of ways, including:

  • Tailormade itineraries to match your school’s learning objectives
  • A launch evening at the school for parents, students and teachers
  • One point of contact for planning and preparation
  • A comprehensive pre-departure briefing
  • A highly qualified Expedition Leader to accompany your group

For more information regarding planning and executing an expedition to Sri Lanka with your school, see our comprehensive guide on how to plan a trip here.

Day 1

Arrive Sri Lanka

Arrive into Colombo International Airport where you will be met in the arrivals hall by your Gapforce Expedition Leader.
You will be transferred to your accommodation in Sigiriya for a welcome dinner and briefing.

Day 2

Sigiriya

This morning you will climb the 650 feet high rock fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
In the afternoon you experience rural village life in Habarana including a traditional cart ride followed by canoe ride on the lake, and ending with cooking demonstration.

Day 3

Dambula Caves - Kandy

This morning you will explore the amazing Dambulla Cave Temples where some 150 Buddha images adorn the five caves, with fascinating frescoes and paintings on the walls and roofs.
The onward to Kandy where you will have an opportunity to visit the vibrant markets and end with an evening visit to the “temple of the tooth”.

Day 4

Elephant Project

Today we will visit of the Millennium Elephant Foundation and learn about these amazing creatures up close.
Working alongside the dedicated project staff, you will spend a full day volunteering to improve the lives of elephants or help on one of their ongoing conservation efforts.

Day 5

White Water Rafting

After a morning spent volunteering, it’s time to wake up your adventurous soul, it’s time for rafting!
Kitulgala is famous for white water rafting in the Kelani River and is the actual area where the movie “Bridge on the river Kwai” was filmed

Day 6

Nuwara Eliya - Ella

Before breakfast you can take a final elephant walk before heading to Nuwara Eliya, visiting the beautiful waterfall at Ramboda and a tea factory.
In the afternoon, you will take a stunning train ride to Ella through tea plantations and uphill country.

Day 7

Ella - Udawalawe

You start the day with a short climb up little Adam’s Peak for breath-taking views, and then to a hidden forest temple where monks come to meditate.
The last stop today is the Buduruwagala Buddha Statue, a huge 51 feet tall statue with the the Abhaya Mudra gesture at the centre.

Day 8

Edawalawe Safari

This morning you will take a safari in Udawalawe National Park, filled with wildlife including elephants, buffalo, deer and wild cats.
In the afternoon you continue your journey south to Mirissa on the coast.

Day 9

Mirissa

Today is a free day to enjoy the beach, coconuts and sun!
Optional activities include whale and dolphin watching - blue whales, fin whales, sei whales, sperm whales, orcas, dolphins, flying fish, turtles, manta rays and whale sharks can all be seen a few miles off the South Coast.

Day 10

Galle - Bantota

Today we head to Galle and take a tour of the impressive Dutch Fortress - conquering the waves of the Indian Ocean.
In the afternoon you can visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery and if interested also do a river boat safari on the Bentota Ganga which is one of the last remaining mangrove forests in the world.

Day 11

Colombo - Airport

After breakfast, you will travel to Colombo where you will be able to enjoy some sightseeing from the bus.
You will then continue onto the airport for your return flights home.

Day 12

Return Home

Your flight home will be overnight, arriving back into the UK in the morning.
Welcome home!

Whats included poster

Gapforce Sri Lanka Expedition Leader

Throughout your expedition you will be accompanied by a Gapforce Sri Lanka Expedition Leader. Gapforce is renowned for the select team of enthusiastic leaders who run our worldwide expeditions.

We hire great people experienced in delivering inspiring and safe travel experiences, many of whom have graduated from our intense 3-month Expedition Leader Training which includes:

  • Mountain Leader Training
  • RGS Off-site safety management
  • RLSS Water Safety
  • QA Level 2 Activity First Aid
  • Rescue Training
  • Wilderness Medical Training
  • Advanced Survival Training
  • Expedition Planning
  • Incident Management