Sri Lanka is an island country lying in the Indian Ocean. It is a combination of incredible beaches, majestic elephants, delicious teas, and friendly people. The physical environment makes Sri Lanka one of the world’s most scenic countries. It is known for its diverse landscapes, including lush greenery, mountains, and beautiful beaches. Vibrant coral reefs can be found in the waters surrounding the country which makes it a very popular destination for snorkeling and diving. Sri Lanka is also famous for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and a variety of bird species.
The country boasts a very rich history and is home to many ancient cities, historic temples, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Sigiriya, which is an ancient rock fortress with well-preserved frescoes.
The capital city of Sri Lanka is Colombo. Sinhala and Tamil are the official languages of Sri Lanka, though English is also commonly spoken. Due to the proximity to the Indian subcontinent, there has been a cultural exchange since ancient times, affecting the society and way of life in Sri Lanka as a whole. Despite its natural and cultural richness, Sri Lanka still faces many social difficulties and the majority of people live in rural areas, depending on agriculture for their livelihood.
Although English is spoken in tourist areas, learning some basic phrases in Sinhala or Tamil will definitely improve your connection with the local community.
The local climate can be hot and humid so take that into consideration when packing clothes. Also, remember your insect repellent and sunscreen!
Sri Lankan culture values politeness and humility so be sensitive to cultural differences and avoid behavior that could be considered disrespectful.
Respect the natural beauty of Sri Lanka and follow environmentally friendly practices.
Be sure to check the program-specific price as there may be different prices and different services included. The trip itself is only as expensive as you make it. Sri Lanka is known for being fairly inexpensive though it will depend on how much travel you do and the level of comfort and luxury you want. Urban and tourist-centric areas may have higher prices than rural or less touristy regions.
Sri Lanka is considered to be a safe travel destination. Nevertheless, you should still be careful and exercise caution, especially when in busy or unfamiliar areas and when using local modes of transport like tuk-tuks or private hire vehicles. Be wary of scams and overly friendly strangers as well.
Sri Lanka can also experience monsoons and earthquakes so stay informed about weather conditions.
In order to volunteer in Sri Lanka, you must be 18+, have at least proficient English, have a valid passport and have travel insurance.
Volunteer opportunities in Sri Lanka are many. Discover our environmental and animal protection programs. Join an elephant rescue program, dog rescue program, or a sea turtle protection program. Inequalities in education and living conditions are significant, which is why there are several programs to help disadvantaged communities.
Sri Lanka is popular for its wildlife, especially its population of wild elephants. Volunteers can help with preserving wild elephants and working with local communities. Sri Lanka is also home to a number of sea turtles, making sea turtle conservation another popular volunteer opportunity in Sri Lanka. Volunteering in a dog shelter is another interesting option for animal lovers, since a number of stray dogs in Sri Lanka suffer from hunger or abuse.
Join a humanitarian trip in Sri Lanka!
You can apply for your visa in advance on the Sri Lanka's official electronic travel authorization site - ETA. The tourist visa lasts for 30 days and costs US$30.
Please check with your doctor or travel clinic in regards to the vaccinations you need for your project destination. You can also check the pasteur institute for the up-to-date health recommendation per destination at
For any international project, Freepackers Care requires the purchase of travel insurance including accident, sickness, repatriation and civil liability in case of third parties.
You can subscribe online with our partner CHAPKA, which offers a 5% discount with this link. If you take out another insurance, we will ask you to send us a copy of your attestation in English.
For comprehensive coverage for studies and internships abroad, you can purchase Cap Student insurance online by following this link. <nbsp;This insurance also includes civil liability in the context of an activity.
Responsible tourism is about making travel better for everyone involved. That includes local communities, the environment, and travelers themselves. It’s not just about where you go and the next photo-op. It’s about minimizing negative impacts, maximizing positive contributions to local communities, respecting local cultures and ecosystems, and supporting sustainable, locally led initiatives that continue even after you leave.
Experiential travel is a type of travel focused on immersive activities in a destination, in comparison to sightseeing, crossing landmarks or countries off a list. The goal is to connect with local communities, culture, food, traditions, nature, or daily life. Almost as if a small travel group is taking the role of anthropologists! The goal is travel that gives more meaning, experience, and connection.
Experiential travel is characterized by:
Family volunteering is a meaningful travel experience where parents, children, and relatives volunteer together while exploring a new destination. These programs allow families to give back, learn about different cultures, and create lasting memories together. Programs are usually designed to be safe and suitable for different ages, making them a great way for families to combine travel, education, and positive impact.
