Sri Lanka: Culture + Elephant Experience | 21 Days

Experience Sri Lanka’s culture in Kandy, then help care for elephants in Mawanella on this 3-week journey.

The Program

Itinerary

What you get

Where you stay

Requirement

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Kick off your Sri Lankan adventure with an immersive week in Kandy, the cultural heart of the island. Dive deep into local traditions, from visiting sacred temples and learning Buddhist practices to trying your hand at Sri Lankan cooking and traditional handicrafts. This culture week sets the perfect foundation for understanding and appreciating the local way of life.

After soaking up the cultural highlights, head to Mawanella for two weeks working alongside gentle giants at an elephant care program. Support local mahouts in feeding, bathing, and walking elephants, learn about conservation efforts, and help ensure these incredible animals live in an environment as close to the wild as possible.

By combining rich cultural exploration with meaningful conservation work, this program offers a unique way to truly connect with Sri Lanka - its people, traditions, and wildlife.

Program Highlights

Explore sacred landmarks in Kandy, including the Temple of the Tooth and Kandy Lake
Experience authentic Sri Lankan life through cooking classes, handicrafts, dance lessons, and local markets
Learn about Buddhist philosophy and practice meditation in serene surroundings
Spend two weeks supporting elephant care: feeding, walking, and maintaining their enclosures
Gain insight into human-elephant conflict and conservation challenges in Sri Lanka
Stay in traditional accommodations, connecting with local families and communities
Enjoy a balance of hands-on impact and cultural immersion in one of Asia’s most captivating destinations

Week 1 – Culture Week in Kandy

Day 1: Arrival in Colombo
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to Kandy. Settle into your accommodation and enjoy a welcome dinner.

Day 2: Spice Garden & Tea Factory
Visit a lush spice garden and learn about Sri Lanka’s famous spices. Indulge in a traditional Ayurvedic massage, explore a tea factory, and enjoy local tastings.

Day 3: Markets & Cooking Class
Tour local markets, then dive into a hands-on Sri Lankan cooking class. Visit a local temple to observe Buddhist rituals.

Day 4: Buddhism & Meditation
Learn about Buddhism, join a guided meditation session, and savor traditional snacks. Begin creating Sri Lankan handicrafts.

Day 5: Temple of the Tooth & Dance Lesson
Explore the Temple of the Tooth, stroll around Kandy Lake, and join a Kandyan dance lesson after lunch.

Day 6: Handicrafts & Viewpoints
Finish your handicrafts, visit the White Buddha, and enjoy panoramic city views from Kandy’s viewpoints.

Day 7: Free Exploration & Preparation
Relax and explore Kandy at your own pace before preparing for your volunteer placement.

Weeks 2 & 3 – Elephant Experience in Mawanella

Monday – Friday (both weeks)

Learn about elephant conservation in Sri Lanka, including ecology, biology, and cultural significance.
Discuss and understand human-elephant conflicts and possible solutions.
Feed and walk the elephants, help clean them and their enclosures.
Assist with basic veterinary tasks if needed and learn traditional mahout commands.
Engage with local communities to understand the cultural connections to elephants.
Enjoy local village life, cultural exchange, and free time activities or excursions during evenings and weekends.

This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions, and unforeseen circumstances.

What’s Included

Accommodation from Sunday until Saturday noon of the last week
Pick up upon your arrival during the regular pick-up time and transportation during the program as per the scheduled activities
Daily meals — 3 meals on weekdays and 2 meals on weekends
Program materials, tools, and equipment needed
Supervision by experienced local project coordinators
Local team support 24/7

What’s Not Included

Flights and visa expenses
Travel insurance (required)
Personal expenses
Additional tours or activities not included in the program schedule

Location

Kandy
Nestled in Sri Lanka’s lush central highlands, Kandy is known as the island’s cultural capital. Famous for its sacred Temple of the Tooth, serene Kandy Lake, and bustling local markets, Kandy offers a vibrant blend of spirituality, history, and natural beauty. Surrounded by misty hills and tea plantations, it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s rich traditions and daily life during your Culture Week.

Ambalangoda
Located on Sri Lanka’s southwestern coast, Ambalangoda is renowned for its pristine beaches, traditional mask-making, and as an important sea turtle nesting area. This laid-back coastal town offers the ideal setting to engage in meaningful conservation work while enjoying the tropical seaside atmosphere. The turquoise waters, palm-lined shores, and warm community vibe make it a beautiful and inspiring place to contribute to marine life preservation.

Accommodation

In Kandy, you’ll stay in a local volunteer house or guesthouse. Rooms are shared (typically 4–6 participants per room, same-gender), with shared bathrooms, common areas, and basic facilities including hot water and Wi-Fi in common spaces. Meals are provided at the accommodation or nearby dining areas and include a mix of local and international dishes.

In Ambalangoda, accommodation is at a volunteer house close to the beach and turtle conservation center. Rooms are also shared (same-gender), with basic facilities, communal spaces for relaxing, and shared bathrooms. The atmosphere is friendly and social, creating a strong sense of community among participants. Bedding is provided in both locations, but please bring your own towel and personal toiletries.

Standard Requirements

Minimum age: 18
Maximum age: None
Minimum English level: Basic
CRB check required on signup
Passport copy required on signup

Other Requirements

Participants under 18 must have signed parental consent (accompaniment by an adult recommended)
Participants over 65 require medical clearance confirming fitness
Must purchase valid travel and medical insurance before arrival
Recommended vaccinations: hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, polio

Good to Know

Be prepared for physical activities and outdoor tasks in warm, humid conditions
Respect local customs and dress codes (cover shoulders and knees in religious sites)
Modest, comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes are essential for both cultural visits and elephant care
Your schedule may be adjusted based on local conditions or elephant needs