Day 1, Negombo:
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Your adventure kicks off in the charming town of Negombo, conveniently situated near the international airport. Feel free to arrive at your leisure, as there are no scheduled activities until the welcome meeting at 5:30 pm. If you arrive early, take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the coastal vibes of Sri Lanka by observing local fishing activities and indulging in some fresh seafood delights. For those eager to explore the picturesque countryside, renting a bicycle is highly recommended. Dinner is the only meal provided today.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse (Mango Guest House or similar)
Day 2, Negombo
Volunteer with our partner organisation The Pearl Protectors, a leading marine conservation organisation in Sri Lanka, in the daytime and have free time in the evening to relax and unwind.
Accommodation: Same as previous day
Included activities: Volunteering
Note: Our contributions will be directed towards the areas of greatest need and impact. To ensure an effective and tailored volunteer experience, we will provide the organisation with each participant’s educational background and relevant experiences prior to our departure. This will allow them to assign the most appropriate and meaningful projects to our team. Examples of projects include research, strategy, analysis, sea turtle conservation, marine clean-ups (underwater or on shore), educational awareness & outreach. If our project is based in Colombo/Negombo we will volunteer at the beginning of the trip, however, if based elsewhere we will adjust the dates of our itinerary accordingly.
Day 3, Jaffna:
Travel to Jaffna, the vibrant heart of Tamil culture in Sri Lanka, by road (approx. 8 hours). Catch the sunset at Jaffna fort.
Why Jaffna? Its remote location makes it more of an ‘off the beaten path’ destination for travellers and its Tamil culture is distinct from the rest of the island. With the end of the civil war in 2009, its a unique place to better understand Sri Lanka’s rich history, cultural tapestry, and religious diversity.
Accommodation: Senthil Complex or similar
Included activities: Jaffna fort
Day 4, Jaffna:
Wake up early to visit the Thirunelveli local market, chat to vendors and understand local life. If you’re here in August we’ll be attending the annual Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil festival in the morning instead. Experience one of the largest festivals for Hindu devotees, drawing in huge crowds from around the world every year. In other months we’ll head to Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil Hindu temple in the afternoon. Take part in a game of cricket at sundown with a local club or school.
Accommodation: Same as previous day
Included activities: Thirunelveli Local Market, Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil Temple, cricket with local club
Day 5, Habarana:
Check into a guesthouse in Habarana in the morning.
In the afternoon, climb Pidurangala for stunning sunset views over Sigiriya Rock and the lush green vegetation of the surrounding landscape. Be prepared to scramble through boulders as you approach the peak!
Accommodation: Wild Hut Habarana or similar
Activities: Sigiriya Rock (optional), Pidurangala hike (included)
Day 6, Habarana:
After dropping your bags, channel your inner Lara Croft and experience the magic of ‘discovering’ an ancient Buddhist monastery hidden away in the jungle, Ritigala. Revel in being the only explorers there as this is more off-the-beaten-path than nearby sites like Sigiriya and Pidurangala. In the afternoon, you can either help out in the kitchen and learn to make traditional Sri Lankan dishes, or take part in an optional safari to Hurulu Eco Park. If you want to see elephants in the wild you have a high likelihood of seeing them here (although if you’re lucky you might spot them on the roads around Habarana too, or even in the garden of the guesthouse at night / in the early morning!)
Accommodation: Same as previous day
Activities: Ritigala monastery, cooking class, elephant safari (optional)
Day 7, Habarana:
Travel to the Polonnaruwa archeological site today, UNESCO world heritage listed.
Eight centuries ago, Polonnaruwa served as the bustling heart of Sri Lanka’s central plains, ruled by kings who left an indelible mark on its landscape. Today, the remnants of that illustrious era remain, offering glimpses into the city’s former grandeur. Delve into the archaeological wonders of the park, where a myriad of ancient structures await your exploration. From tombs to temples, statues to stupas, the compact core of the archaeological park is a captivating testament to Polonnaruwa’s rich history.
Accommodation: Same as previous day
Included activities: Polonnaruwa Archaeological Park
Day 8, Kandy:
Travel by road to Kandy in the morning. Check into the hotel and grab some food in the city centre before heading up to Helga’s Folly, home of the iconic Madame Helga de Silva Blow Perera, now an eclectic and truly unique boutique hotel. Explore the corridors and rooms completely decked in antiques and art (and dust and cobwebs!) and learn about the incredible history of the local area and the owner’s family. There will be some very familiar names.
Accommodation: Smile Hub Kandy or similar
Included activities: A beer or soft drink at Helga’s Folly, sunset at Arthur’s Seat
Day 9, Kandy:
Head 10 minutes up into the mountains for breakfast at Onchillah Cafe, with scenic views over Kandy. Be one of the first groups of travellers to go to an untouched set of waterfalls set amongst the hills. Don’t forget your swimsuit! This secret location will only get more popular over the next few years as other well-known hill country destinations in Sri Lanka become more crowded.
Accommodation: Same as previous day
Included activities: Secret waterfall hike
Day 10, Ella:
Experience one of the most scenic train rides in the world from Kandy to Ella. Walk along the railway tracks to get to the famous Nine Arch Bridge, as part of the Demodara loop (an engineering marvel). Instagram moments galore.
Accommodation: Dream Ville, Tunnel Gap Homestay or similar
Included activities: Nine Arch Bridge and Demodara Loop
Day 11, Arugam Bay or Weligama (depending on the season):
Travel by road to Arugam Bay (April – October) or Weligama (October – March), depending on the season. Relax in the afternoon.
Accommodation: HangTen Hostel, Wake Up Weligama or similar
Optional activities: Surfing or yoga lesson
Day 12, Arugam Bay or Weligama (depending on the season):
Get a taste for surfing with a trusted local surf school. If surfing is not possible due to the weather, alternative activities can be arranged (e.g. yoga).
If you’re travelling onwards from here we are happy to give suggestions for other places to visit in Sri Lanka.
Accommodation: Same as previous day
Optional activities: Surfing or yoga lesson
Please be aware that this itinerary is subject to potential changes due to factors such as weather conditions and road maintenance.