Discover

Sri Lanka

A warm welcome to the Pearl of the Indian Ocean! You will meet your Gapforce Leader at the airport in Colombo and then drive to Habanara for some rest and recovery after your flight as well as an initial briefing 

Step into rural Sri Lanka with a morning village walk along a scenic reservoir (“wewa”), alive with birdlife and daily local life. Wade through streams, cross by catamaran, and explore Chena cultivations (jungle farmer’s plot). Enjoy authentic farmer hospitality and a traditional lunch. Later, hike Pidurangala Rock for a breathtaking sunset over Sigiriya and the lush valleys beyond. 

Today we climb the awe-inspiring Sigiriya Rock Fortress, where ancient engineering, royal history, and stunning frescoes come alive. Marvel at the views, water gardens, and mysteries of this ancient marvel. 

In the afternoon, connect with local students at a rural school. Lend a hand with light improvements and share laughs during a rewarding cultural exchange experience. 

Start your day exploring Dambulla’s bustling market before visiting the awe-inspiring Rock Cave Temple - five ancient caves filled with over 150 Buddha statues and vivid murals. Soak in sweeping views toward Sigiriya. Then head to Kandy, stopping en route at Matale’s fragrant spice gardens to learn how Sri Lanka’s world-famous spices are grown and used. 

Start your day with a relaxed visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya. Wander through lush landscapes once reserved for Kandyan royalty, now showcasing orchids, spice plants, and historic trees. In the afternoon, explore Kandy’s cultural charm - bustling streets, markets, and sacred sites that reveal the rich heritage of Sri Lanka’s hill capital. 

Journey to Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka’s “Little England,” where cool air, tea-covered hills, and colonial charm await. Explore a working tea plantation and factory for a hands-on tasting experience. We then take a scenic train ride to Ella, enjoying waterfalls, misty mountains, and the chance to mingle with locals in Sri Lanka’s stunning Hill Country. 

After breakfast, hike the gentle trail to Little Adam’s Peak. Enjoy stunning views over tea plantations, Ella Gap, and Ravana Falls from the summit. Return to the hotel to relax, then spend your afternoon connecting with locals through a friendly game of cricket - a perfect way to experience authentic Sri Lankan culture and community spirit. 

We will visit Ravana Falls, a picturesque 82-foot-high waterfall with a mythical background. We then continue our journey south, stopping at the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe where injured or 

orphaned elephants are given treatment and care before being relocated back into the wild. If we’re lucky, we’ll see the calves being fed! 

Rise early for an exciting jeep safari in Yala National Park, home to elephants, leopards, and diverse wildlife. Afterward, journey to Galle, check into your hotel, then explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site on a guided tour. Wander its Dutch colonial streets, ancient fortifications, and charming alleys, soaking in centuries of history and coastal charm. 

After breakfast, embark on a boat safari through Madu River’s 64 mangrove-covered islands, spotting unique wildlife. This serene, nature-rich river is a must for wildlife lovers - just watch for crocodiles! Later, visit a Turtle Hatchery to learn about vital conservation efforts for these endangered sea creatures. 

Spend the day unwinding on the stunning crescent-shaped beach with golden sands and turquoise waters, with the optional extra of going on a whale watching excursion in Mirissa, an ocean-side experience with excellent chances of spotting majestic whales in their natural habitat - best enjoyed with a responsible tour early in the morning. 

After days packed with discovery, it’s time to journey home. As you make your way to the airport and reflect on all you’ve experienced – the challenges you embraced, the landscapes you explored, and the people you met – you’ll realise how much you’ve seen and achieved in a short time. 

This trip will broaden horizons, strengthen skills, and offer a deeper connection to the world. Students return not only with memories, but with perspectives and experiences that will continue to shape their futures.