Overview

This community development project is based in villages in and around Kandy, where temples and Buddhist schools require urgent renovation. Volunteers work within rural communities to restore important community facilities and improve living standards in impoverished areas.

This volunteer abroad role gives you the opportunity to take a truly hands-on approach to volunteering in Sri Lanka. Roles can include cleaning and repainting temple buildings and school classrooms, repairing temple and school equipment, and assisting ongoing construction work.

This community volunteer work is ideal for anyone wanting to make a physical contribution to village life in Sri Lanka. Gap year and career break volunteers can immerse themselves in Buddhist culture and learn traditional methods of Sri Lankan wood carving, making it a truly unique volunteer experience.

Location

Country
Sri Lanka is a beautiful tear-drop shaped island located off the coast of the Indian subcontinent in the tropical climes of the Indian Ocean. Famed for its exotic landscapes and rich culture, Sri Lanka is a stunning destination for gap year and career break travel.

Region
This project is based in and around Kandy, which is the capital of the Central Province of Sri Lanka. Set in lush tropical hill country, Kandy is an easy-going city, rich in culture and history. Kandy’s picturesque lakeside setting, bustling markets and Buddhist heritage make it a pleasant place to volunteer abroad.

Local attractions
Kandy’s most famous landmark is the Temple of the Tooth, which is a pilgrimage site for Buddhists from around the world. The region’s natural beauty can easily be explored from Kandy, with Digana Forest Reserve and Horton Plains National Park within driving distance of the city.

Getting there
Volunteers fly into Colombo, which is located on Sri Lanka’s west coast. Kandy is a 2 hour journey inland from Colombo and volunteers will be met at the airport and transferred to their project accommodation.

Cost

This volunteer project lasts a minimum of one month. To give you greatest flexibility in your volunteer experience we give you the option of extending your stay on a week-by-week basis.

Programme Price
1 month = £990
Extra weeks = +£120 per week

What’s Included
• Pre-departure briefing
• Twin-share accommodation in local homestay
• Breakfast & dinner at homestay
• Meet at airport and transfer to project
• In-country orientation & 24/7 support

What’s not included:
• International flights
• Visas, vaccinations and travel insurance
• Local transport
• Personal expenses

How to Book

You can book this volunteer programme online by clicking on ‘Book Now’. After filling in our online booking form you will be asked to pay a sign-up fee of £150 via PayPal, which will confirm your place on the project. Alternatively you can book your place on the phone, by calling 08000 32 33 50 and speaking to one of our volunteer coordinators.

The £150 sign-up fee is not an additional cost and is taken from your total project cost. Your place is not confirmed until we receive this payment. Payments can be made online via PayPal, by phone or by bank transfer. If you have any queries regarding the booking process please get in touch.

Not ready to book?
If you’re not ready to book, but want to find out more about any of our volunteer opportunities, click on ‘Enquire about this trip’ and submit our online enquiry form, or phone us on 08000 32 33 50. Our volunteer coordinators will be happy to answer any questions you may have and advise you on what project best suits you.

What happens next?
Once we have confirmed your booking we will guide you through the application process and be in regular contact as we help you plan your trip of a lifetime!