Sri Lanka Escape
2-4 weeks
Your experience begins with a Culture Week in Kandy, where you’ll explore ancient traditions, temples and local life through a structured and immersive itinerary. After this, you’ll tailor the rest of your journey by choosing a project that aligns with your interests.
You can take part in hands-on turtle conservation on the south coast, working to protect and rehabilitate marine life, or contribute to restoration and renovation projects in Kandy, helping preserve important community spaces and cultural landmarks.
This flexible programme combines cultural discovery with meaningful impact, allowing you to shape a truly rewarding travel experience.
Our trips push you to go further – physically, mentally, and beyond – to spark discovery at every step. Short, flexible and customisable programmes designed for those seeking a unique, immersive and meaningful travel experience.
Activities & Experiences
Culture, community and conservation combined
Cultural immersion in Kandy – Discover temples markets traditional arts and cultural performances
Local experiences – Take part in cooking classes workshops and guided cultural activities
Explore at your own pace – Enjoy free weekends to visit landmarks national parks and nearby attractions
Tailor your own experience – Choose between turtle conservation on the coast or restoration and renovation projects in local communities
Accommodation
Simple stays in authentic local settings
Accommodation varies depending on your location and project.
You’ll stay in a mix of hostels and volunteer guesthouses, typically in dorm-style rooms with shared bathrooms. All accommodation is safe, social and locally run.
Meals
Experience Sri Lanka through its food
Meals are provided throughout your stay, with three meals on weekdays and two on weekends.
Expect a variety of traditional Sri Lankan dishes including curries, rice, vegetables, meat and fresh fruit, offering a true taste of local cuisine.
Transport
Independent travel with guidance
Airport pick-up is included, but you’ll need to arrange your own departure and transfers between project locations.
Local staff will provide guidance on the best routes and transport options. Travel during the program may include public transport and private vehicles.
Leaders
Support from experienced local teams
You’ll be supported by local program coordinators who will guide you throughout your experience.
They’ll assist with logistics, provide training and be available for support, with a 24-hour emergency contact in place.
Itinerary
WEEK 1: CULTURE WEEK
Discover the heart of Sri Lanka through culture, food and tradition
Day 1:
Arrive in Colombo where you’ll be met by the local team and transferred to Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka.
Day 2:
Begin with a welcome session followed by a Sinhalese language lesson and guided city tour. End the day with a traditional Kandyan dance performance.
Day 3:
Visit a local herb garden to learn about spices and Ayurvedic traditions, followed by a tea factory and gemstone museum. Enjoy a scenic boat ride on Kandy Lake.
Day 4:
Take part in a traditional Sri Lankan cooking experience before visiting a local temple to learn about Buddhist rituals and meditation.
Day 5:
Get creative with a Batik painting workshop, enjoy lunch with a local family and visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth.
Day 6:
Explore more sacred temples before enjoying a traditional lunch and finishing the day with a relaxing Ayurvedic massage.
Days 7–8:
Enjoy a free weekend to explore at your own pace. Visit nearby attractions such as the Royal Botanical Gardens, Sigiriya Rock Fortress or local national parks.
If you choose the turtle conservation project, you will travel to the coast on Day 7 and settle into your new location.
WEEKS 2–4: BUILD YOUR OWN EXPERIENCE
Choose your path and shape your journey
After your culture week, you’ll choose how to continue your experience.
If you’re joining for 2 weeks, you’ll take part in restoration and renovation projects in Kandy. Staying longer allows you to choose additional experiences or spend more time on one for a deeper level of involvement and impact.
There are two distinctive programs to further deepen your connection with Sri Lanka’s wildlife, communities and cultural heritage:
Turtle Conservation (Ambalangoda) – minimum 2 week project
Restoration and Renovation (Kandy)
Click below for more details on each experience.
TURTLE CONSERVATION
Protect endangered sea turtles and be part of vital coastal conservation work
Location: Ambalangoda
Join our Turtle Conservation program in Ambalagoda where you'll play a pivotal role in nurturing and protecting wounded sea turtles. Engaging in activities that vary based on the local weather and beach conditions, your week includes feeding the turtles, ensuring pristine tank conditions, pampering the turtles with gentle washes, participating in beach cleanups, and, if season and weather allows, assist in the awe-inspiring weekly release of over 100 newborn turtles into the vast ocean – a sight you'll carry with you forever. Seize this chance to make an impact and forge unforgettable connections with Sri Lanka's marine life. This project has a minimum duration requirement of 2 weeks, plus the culture week.
RESTORATION AND RENOVATION
Help restore community spaces and preserve Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage
Location: Kandy
Embark on a journey of preservation and rejuvenation as you contribute to restoring ancient temples, schools, and community centres in and around Kandy. Become a guardian of cultural heritage, leaving an enduring mark on the city's landmarks. Immerse yourself in a full day of activities that may include painting buildings, light construction, cleaning, mural work, and various artistic endeavours, ensuring your impact is not just about preserving the past but leaving an indelible mark on Kandy's future.
Who is this program for?
Perfect for cultural explorers and conscious travellers
This program is suited to anyone looking to combine travel with meaningful experience.
No prior experience is required. You must be aged 18 or over, complete a medical form, a criminal background check, and have a reasonable level of fitness. Swimming ability is required for water-based activities.
Prices
| Duration | Price |
|---|---|
| 2 weeks (14 days) | $1,350.00 |
| 3 weeks (21 days) | $2,000.00 |
| 4 weeks (28 days) | $2,650.00 |
Dates & booking
Currency:
Select start date
What's included
Pre-departure support
Airport pick-up
Local project coordinator
Local support staff
All accommodation & meals
Trips & activities as listed in brochure
24/7 emergency back up
Financial failure protection
Not included
Flights to/from destination
Return airport transfer
Inter-project transfers
Travel Insurance
Visa & Vaccinations
Spending Money
Tipping & gratuities
Criminal background (DBS) check
Spending money
You will need money for programs transfers, extra meals, drinks & snacks, as well as for any activities not on the itinerary. We advise you to budget for £140 / €160 / $200 per week (this is a guideline only).
Start your adventure
View Dates & PricesDownload Brochure
Need help choosing?
You can also check out our frequently asked questions
postcards
from previous trips
A Unique Gap Year Experience
I loved every second of my time in South Africa. The staff were fantastic, especially the rangers who were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about conservation.
There was a great balance between classroom learning, fieldwork and hands-on volunteer activities. The volunteer house was really nice, and it was great meeting people from around the world.
After qualifying, I stayed in touch with the reserve and even returned to intern and gain more experience. This was a 10/10 experience and I’d recommend it to anyone interested in the environment or getting into the guiding industry.
Game Ranger Course in South Africa |. Eve – United Kingdom
Click here to read over 100 reviews about our programs on the independant service.
Small Groups
Small groups, big connections.
Life-changing Experiences
Experiences that shape you
Adding True Value to Travel
Travel with real purpose
GapForce for Good
Adventure that gives back
Start your adventure
View Dates & Prices