Transport

All transport is included in the Program Fee. The only exception to this is the return airport transfer and International Flights.

Meals

You will be served three meals per day across the whole four weeks of the gap year Sri Lanka experience. Most meals are traditional Sri Lankan dishes that can be typically quite spicy. Sri Lankan cuisine consists of a lot of rice and the meat is mainly fish or chicken – vegetarian options are always available. During the first two weeks of travelling, meals are mostly buffet format so volunteers can pick and choose what they want. When travelling, bottled water will be provided for each mealtime. Water outside of mealtimes and any soft drinks are at your own expense throughout the gap year Sri Lanka experience. At the Volunteer House, a weekly menu has been introduced that blends Sri Lanka cuisine with Western cuisine so you will know in advance what is on the menu for that day!

Others

- Accommodation - Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) - Airport Pick Up (09:30am Onwards) - In-country Orientation - Private Transport Across Sri Lanka - Private Transport To/From Project - Entrance Fees - Cultural Dance Show In Kandy - Temple Of The Tooth - Sigirya Rock & Its Ancient City - Polonnaruwa Bicycle Tour - Visit The Sacred City Anuradhapura - Tea Plantation Tour - Little Adam’s Peak & 9 Arch Bridge - Udawalawe National Park Safari - Baby Elephant Feed - Traditional Fishing In Waligama - Mirissa Beach & Galle Fort - PMGY T-shirt - 24 Hour In-country Support - 24 Hour Emergency Support - Dedicated PMGY Travel Mentor - Email & Telephone Support - Volunteer Handbook - Live Pre-departure Webinars - 100% Financial Protection - Regular Program Inspection - Certificate Of Completion

Accommodation

Travelling All your accommodation is organised by PMGY on the Real Sri Lanka Experience. During the travelling part of your trip, you will stay at guesthouses or hotels sharing a room with fellow travellers. All rooms will be single-sex, fanned and have western bathrooms. When travelling, our team will do their best to arrange twin rooms or single beds (guaranteed to be in place for the first night of your gap year Sri Lanka experience). However, from time to time some volunteers may be required to share double beds depending on availability. The guesthouses will be basic but clean, comfortable and have the amenities you need. Volunteer House During the last two weeks of your gap year Sri Lanka experience, you will stay in one of our Volunteer Houses in Ambalangoda. The Volunteer House is located just outside of central Ambalangoda on the south coast, in a peaceful part of town. It is just a 10 minute tuk-tuk journey into the main town, where you can find ATMs, supermarkets and local restaurants. You’ll be living with other PMGY volunteers from around the world, so you’ll make plenty of friends along the way! The accommodation is basic but comfortable and clean, fitting up to 10 people per room in single-sex bedrooms with bunk beds. Volunteers are provided with air conditioning in the room and bed linen. You will have cupboard space to store clothes and accessories as well as a personal locker to store your valuables. However, volunteers are still encouraged to only bring essential items during their gap year Sri Lanka experience. The bathrooms are shared, each with a shower and western style toilet. The water is cold but this shouldn’t be a problem if you volunteer in Sri Lanka, as the climate is hot and humid all year round! The house has a voucher-based Wi-Fi system and a communal area for international volunteers to relax, hang out with new friends or prepare lesson plans if you are teaching English. There is also a refrigerator to store any items you need to keep chilled. A member of our local team will also live at the house. This ensures you have round the clock support and security during your Sri Lanka volunteer program. We will transport you via tuk-tuk or private car to and from your volunteer work in Sri Lanka, which is usually between 5-30 minutes away from the house. This service is included in your Program Fee.

Not included:

Insurance

Travel insurance is not included.

Others

- Flights To Colombo - Travel Insurance - Return Airport Transfer - Visa - Criminal Background Check

Flights

You should arrive into Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo (airport code CMB) on the Monday start date. You can arrive at anytime after 9:30 am. International flights are not included in the price of the program.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Welcome To Sri Lanka
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Welcome To Sri Lanka

Welcome to Sri Lanka! You will be met at Colombo airport by a member of our local team who will be holding a name sign for everyone on the gap year Sri Lanka experience.

We will transfer you to a guesthouse in Negombo, a town just 10 miles from the airport. After that, you can relax, catch up with jet lag and meet fellow travellers on the PMGY Sri Lanka Intro Experience and Real Sri Lanka Experience.

Our local coordinator will provide you with an orientation outlining everything you need to know for the upcoming weeks on your gap year Sri Lanka experience. For example, safety issues, useful phrases in Sinhalese and what you can expect from the tour. Depending on the time of arrivals, it is likely that the full introduction will be given on Tuesday morning.
Day 2 Kandy - Temples & Cultural Dance Show
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Kandy - Temples & Cultural Dance Show

Over the next couple days, we will check out some of Kandy’s iconic sites, which will include a visit to the bustling Temple of the Tooth and Bahirawa Kanda Temple for a beautiful hill-top view of the city.

Located in the centre of the island, Kandy is the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. The city is surrounded by green hills and full of cultural and historical significance. It is also the southern tip of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. The city is world-famous as a pilgrimage site to the Temple of the Tooth, where the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha is found. The picturesque central lake on the other side of town offers a more relaxed feel than the busy town centre.

You’ll get to explore Kandy’s renowned cultural dance shows on your gap year Sri Lanka experience, as well as a visit to the ancient Temple of the Tooth. Kandy is also a great place to do some shopping and pick up some souvenirs along the way, with a vibrant mix of local markets, high street stores and a wide range of wood carving factories to choose from.

You have free time to relax with the group and do some souvenir shopping during your 2 days in Kandy. Our local coordinator will use their local knowledge to recommend things to do.
Day 3 Sigiriya - Lions Rock & Spice Plantation
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Sigiriya - Lions Rock & Spice Plantation

Next is an action-packed day! We will kick off the day by visiting a spice and herbal plantation on your gap year Sri Lanka experience. Here, you will learn about how a wide range of plants grow in Sri Lanka and how they are used for medicine across the world.

After lunch, you will head over to Sigiriya, known as ‘The Mount of Remembrance’. Sigiriya Rock Fortress contains the ancient city, built on top of a 180-metre granite rock known as ‘Lion Rock’. You’ll get to climb to the top of the towering Lion Rock and explore the wonders of this former cultural capital, complete with ancient graffiti and elaborately crafted water gardens. Be prepared for jaw-dropping panoramic views that last for days when you reach the top.

Finally, that evening we will take you to Polonnaruwa to spend the night. This ancient city is Sri Lanka’s splendid medieval capital, the next part of the Cultural Triangle.
Day 4 Polonnaruwa - Ancient City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Polonnaruwa - Ancient City

How does cycling around one of the greatest ancient cities in history sound? You’ll be up early for an amazing tour cycling around the ruins of Polonnaruwa – a royal complex of palaces and Buddhist temples, scattered over an extensive area of woodland. Polonnaruwa holds some of Sri Lanka’s most important religious sites – known as the Quadrangle. You will then have lunch and a chance to relax before heading out for the afternoon activity.

In the afternoon, we will go on a jeep safari through jungle villages to Parakrama Samudra, an exquisite artificial lake built by King Parakramabahu in the 3rd Century AD. Here, you’ll get to witness rural Sri Lankan life living within the jungle villages. We’ll end the day by watching the sunset over the lake before making our way back to the guesthouse.
Day 5 Anuradhapura - The Sacred City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Anuradhapura - The Sacred City

It’s time to hit the road again as we travel to the sacred city of Anuradhapura and the temples within – one of the most important cities of its age.

You’ll be up early to explore this great place, a city that oversaw the golden age of Sinhalese culture. Certainly, the sheer scale and vast history of the place are overwhelming. As a result, you’ll get a real feel of what life must have been like during the early development of Sri Lanka.

Later on, we’ll head back to Kandy for the night, before heading to Sri Lanka’s central highlands.
Day 6 Tea Plantations & Little England
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Tea Plantations & Little England

It’s time to see a different side of the country on your gap year Sri Lanka experience – the glorious southern hill country. The hill country is the highest, wildest and in many ways the most beautiful part of Sri Lanka.

Today, you’ll be heading off to Nuwara Eliya – located in the heart of Sri Lanka. Nuwara Eliya was established by British colonialists and is now often referred to as ‘Little England’. The town is surrounded by lush green hills and dotted with English country-style houses and half-timbered bungalows.

Next, you’ll visit a Sri Lankan tea factory where you’ll get the chance to take a tour of the tea plantations. Your group will learn about the process and different types of tea, including how they grow and ferment it. You can even try some freshly picked tea yourself!

It’s now time to say goodbye to Little England as we head to Ella – a quaint village, which has become a favourite for backpackers over the years. On the way to Ella, you will get to witness some of Sri Lanka’s most awe-inspiring scenery, including rolling hills and enchanting waterfalls.

You’ll have the evening to relax in Ella, have some dinner and enjoy the surrounding views!
Day 7 Ella - Little Adam’S Peak & Nine Arch Bridge
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Ella - Little Adam’S Peak & Nine Arch Bridge

After breakfast, we’ll take a trip to Little Adam’s Peak which is located just outside of Ella Town. It’s a relatively pleasant and not-so-strenuous 45 minute hike up to the summit of Little Adam’s Peak. The stunning views are well worth it – endless green valleys of tea plantations and waterfalls. What a great way to start the day!

Our journey continues on the gap year Sri Lanka experience as we stop off at the famous Nine Arch Bridge. Based on the Demodara loop, it is a spectacular feat of engineering and construction spanning 91 metres. The beautiful nine arches make it a very picturesque spot, especially as it is located in a dense jungle and agricultural setting. We will take a 20 minute walk off the beaten track down and around the bridges, with many picturesque views and photo opportunities along the way.

Next, we’ll head back to Ella town for a spot of lunch. You’ll have the rest of the afternoon free to explore Ella at your own leisure before joining for dinner. There’s plenty of spots for shopping, a relaxing massage or tranquil walks across this charming town.
Day 8 Ella Rock & Elephant Safari
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Ella Rock & Elephant Safari

We will be up nice and early as we embark on a sunrise hike to Ella Rock. Be prepared for breathaking view all around you as you make your way to the famous cliff located high above Ella town. From the top of the rock, enjoy panoramic views of the maginificant hillsides surrounding Ella. Unmatched scenery and the most breathtaking views across the hills of the country await you!

After having breakfast, we will make our way to Ravana Falls. This is you chance to witness more of Sri Lanka’s awe inspiring scenery. This 3-tier cascading waterfall is one of the most popular waterfalls in Sri Lanka to visit. Another chance for you to take in some majestic views and enjoy the soothing sounds and awesome sights of Sri Lanka.

We will then be making the 3 hour drive across to Udawalawe National Park for an afternoon safari. We will arrive in Udawalawe for lunchtime. After lunch, it’s now time for one of the highlights of the Sri Lanka Intro Experience as we head on a 3 hour afternoon safari into Udawalawe National Park.

The national park was specifically created to provide a sanctuary for wild animals displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir. The reserve thus provides an important habitat for many Sri Lankan elephants, crocodiles and amazing leopards, with many attracted to the park because of the reservoir.

With a herd of around 250 permanent resident elephants, the area is one of the most visited national parks in the whole country. Be sure to keep an eye out for many of the wild birds, sloth bears and reptiles that you can also encounter on the safari as well.

After an action-packed afternoon, we’ll settle in Udawalawe for the night with an exciting morning ahead to follow!
Day 9 Baby Elephants & Off The Beach!
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Baby Elephants & Off The Beach!

Be sure to be up nice and early for this mornings activity as it is not to be missed! At 9am, you will get the chance to see between 20-50 baby elephants at a nearby elephant orphanage to Udawalawe. This is the only place in the whole of Sri Lanka to see baby elephants feeding. Volunteers will spend an hour or so observing the morning feed of these wonderful animals.

Sadly it’s now time to leave Udawalawe, but don’t worry more excitement lies ahead on your gap year Sri Lanka experience. There’s a 3 hour drive to Mirissa, where you will have the afternoon to acclimatise to beach life!
Day 10 Mirissa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Mirissa

So far you would have experienced a lot in such a short period… it’s definitely time to use these couple days to kick back, relax and enjoy the much-needed beach break in Mirissa. This location is regarded as one of the best stretches of coastline in the whole of the island!

Your time in Mirissa is your oyster over the next couple of days! Mirissa has a number of water activities you can do to keep you entertained, such as bodyboarding, snorkelling and whale watching. Otherwise, you may wish to simply put your feet up and relax!
Day 11 Sticking Fishing & Galle Fort
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Sticking Fishing & Galle Fort

After some much-needed rest, we’ll make our way to the base of our volunteer programs in Ambalangoda. However, first things first… it’s time to go stick fishing in Weligama. This is your chance to learn about the traditional Sri Lankan art of stick fishing! If you’d like to try it out yourself, be prepared to get splashed!

It’s now time to head to Galle, a favourite amongst many travellers in Sri Lanka. The UNESCO World Heritage site of Galle Fort was originally built in the 16th Century by the Portuguese, then extensively modified by the Dutch a century later. There’s a winding maze of streets with Colonial-era architecture mixing old and new between the ancient Fort walls. You will spend time walking across the Fort, taking in the beautiful scenery and spotting turtles in the ocean beyond.

As the day draws to an end we’ll drive up the coast to Ambalangoda in time for lunch to meet your fellow PMGY volunteers and learn about the projects we support.

For the rest of your gap year Sri Lanka experience, you’ll be living at our Volunteer House in Ambalangoda, an oceanside town located on the south-west coast of Sri Lanka. Ambalangoda is traditionally a fishing community but is famous for being the major production centre for demonic wooden masks. The traditional masks were originally designed to be worn by performers in kolam and other southern Sri Lankan dances, but are now mainly used as souvenirs. Many families hang a mask on their front door to ward off evil spirits.

The town has all the amenities you should require such as banks, hospitals and shops. There is also a central bus and train station, which has good links to all the major destinations you are likely to go to. Plus, the beach is only a 5 minute tuk-tuk ride from the Volunteer House!

Life in Ambalangoda is slow and laid back. The local people are unbelievably friendly – you’ll receive smiles from the locals as you walk around town. If you’re looking for some places to go out in the evening then Hikkaduwa is only a 20 minute tuk-tuk ride away. This has a number of beachside restaurants and shops where you can hang out.
Day 12 Orientation In Ambalangoda
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Orientation In Ambalangoda

We’ll start the day with a full introduction into PMGY Sri Lanka volunteer programs, a tour of the local area and discussion about the plan for the next couple of weeks. You’ll get the chance to chat meet some more of the PMGY Sri Lanka staff network across the day as well.

Our local team will teach you more about life in Sri Lanka, the “do’s and don’ts”, the local culture and religion. Your Ambalangoda orientation will continue with an introduction to the transport system, safety advice and all the volunteer projects we support in the community.

On Sunday afternoon, our local coordinator will take you to see some of the famous sites around Ambalangoda, including the longest sleeping Buddha statue in southern Asia and an original blue moonstone mine. You will also have the chance to head into Ambalangoda town centre to stock up at the supermarket!
Day 13 Volunteering Begins!
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Volunteering Begins!

Today is your first day of volunteering on the gap year Sri Lanka experience! You will be transported to and from our projects daily by our transport network from the Volunteer House. Our project coordinators will be on hand to meet you at the project and introduce you accordingly. You may get the chance to meet other PMGY volunteers along the way too!

Depending on which project you chose in your online application will influence the daily timings you join us at the project. Generally speaking our wildlife conservation, renovation and medical experiences take place in the morning for 3-4 hours and our teaching and community programs take place in the afternoon for 3 hours.

The final weekend in between your volunteering experiences is free for you to explore how you wish to. If your dates match then there may also be the opportunity to join our Maldives Chill Out weekend trip!

You’ll be in personal contact with our local coordinators every day across your two weeks volunteering with us, so if you need anything we are there for you 24/7.
Day 14 Last Day
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Last Day

Unfortunately, your epic journey has come to an end! Saturday is your last day on the Real Sri Lanka Experience, so it’s time to say goodbye and head home or onto your next faraway destination.

If you are heading home after your gap year Sri Lanka experience then we can help you arrange your return airport drop off. Please note that this is not included in your Program Fee as some people will arrange their own onward travel. If fellow returning volunteers have flights at a similar time to yours you can choose to travel together and split this fee accordingly.

Alternatively, if you’d like to stay on with one of PMGY’s volunteer opportunities in Sri Lanka then we can certainly arrange this for you! Speak to one of our team members about your options.

+11

27 days tour

Pmgy Real Sri Lanka Experience

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Pmgy Real Sri Lanka Experience

Welcome To Sri Lanka

Kandy - Temples & Cultural Dance Show

Sigiriya - Lions Rock & Spice Plantation

Polonnaruwa - Ancient City

Anuradhapura - The Sacred City

Tea Plantations & Little England

Ella - Little Adam’S Peak & Nine Arch Bridge

Ella Rock & Elephant Safari

Baby Elephants & Off The Beach!

Mirissa

Sticking Fishing & Galle Fort

Orientation In Ambalangoda

Volunteering Begins!

Last Day

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