Local Sri Lanka Experience

Individuals on this experience trip have the unique chance to explore the whole of this diverse island, from the ancient Cultural Triangle to the relaxing waves of Mirissa and the lush green scenery of the central hill-country. Your adventure will pan across the best sites in the entire country, before dedicating your time to meaningful volunteer projects on the south coast. Across this 27 day itinerary, be prepared for breathtaking sites, friends for life and complete cultural immersion. The gap year Sri Lanka experience is perfect for anyone looking to travel within a safe, structured and social environment.

From one destination to the next, you won’t need to worry about a thing. All your in-country transport and accommodation will be arranged by our local teams on the gap year Sri Lanka experience. This helps to ensure that your experience abroad is as smooth as possible. Our team will arrange numerous activities for you to enjoy and engage in during your trip. For any spare time, our local experts will be able to help you discover the impressive range of activities you can get involved in during your trip to Sri Lanka. A portion of your time will also be dedicated to making a difference within a community in Sri Lanka. This will allow you to put your skills and enthusiasm into practice to make a meaningful difference to local communities overseas.

The trip’s group set-up makes the gap year Sri Lanka experience an exceptional social occasion. You have the chance to meet individuals from across the globe, forming friendships that will last a lifetime. You will stay together for your entire adventure, sharing moments and memories that will stay with you forever. You will also have the chance to immerse yourself with members of the local community, making your gap year programs in Sri Lanka even more special.

As exquisite as Sri Lanka might be, it’s certainly had its share of challenges, from years of war to overpowering tsunamis. However, the country has been moving forward quickly, which puts Sri Lanka now firmly on many travellers itineraries. In fact, it has been a favourite destination of PMGY volunteers and adventurous travel tours for many years, almost like a best-kept secret!

Sri Lanka may be small but it has more than 2,000 years of culture, 8 (yes 8!) Unesco World Heritage Sites, endless beaches, lush rainforests, welcoming people, rolling surf, cheap prices, fun trains, famous tea, oodles of elephants, wonderful food and so, so much more. With travelling distances so short and sights to see aplenty, it means your 2 weeks are spent enjoying the huge diversity of this island without having to spend lots of time in transit during your gap year Sri Lanka experience.

Firstly on your travels, you’ll get to learn about the rich history and kingdoms of the Cultural Triangle at the famous Temple of the Tooth, cultural dance show, Sigiriya Rock, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura ruins. Next, you'll explore the tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya and experience spectacular views, walks and waterfalls in Ella. After that, spot leopards, elephants and a sloth bear on Safari in Udawalawe National Park. Finally, a chance to relax and bodyboard on Mirissa beach plus explore the streets of Galle Fort!

During the last two weeks on the gap year Sri Lanka experience, you will be based in Ambalangoda with other volunteers on the Sri Lanka volunteer program. This town is traditionally a fishing community but is famous for being the major production centre for demonic wooden masks.

Your group will travel together by private minibus visiting some of the best destinations Sri Lanka has to offer, as well as some of the hidden gems most visitors never see! A PMGY coordinator will accompany you throughout your gap year Sri Lanka experience, so you’ll get the chance to learn so much about the country’s culture and history.

PMGY’s volunteer work in Sri Lanka runs throughout the year, so you’ll be joining our development work in Ambalangoda alongside existing PMGY volunteers. Over the course of the final two weeks of your gap year Sri Lanka experience, you’ll have the opportunity to join our projects teaching English. You can also opt to join one of the Wildlife, Medical or Renovation & Community projects.

Volunteer in Sri Lanka to truly immerse yourself in the local culture, spending time in the community and learning about what life is like for the Sri Lankan people. Getting involved in our local community development projects ensures that you’ll make a positive impact during your time on the gap year Sri Lanka experience.

The one thing that every volunteer in Sri Lanka will never forget is the genuine friendliness and warmth shown by the locals. Just walking through the village you’ll be greeted with smiles and waves – it really does feel like a second home on your gap year Sri Lanka experience.

You can choose which project you’d like to do during the online application process. The following projects are available for you to take part in, but please note some do require an additional fee:

• Dog Rescue
• English Teaching
• Medical 
• Renovation and Community
• Sea Turtle Conservation