The Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka, is a small tropical island with a population of 21 million. Although small, it’s got an incredibly varied landscape. Tea plantations, beaches, the jungle… there is so much to see!
Best Sri Lanka Volunteer Programs & Backpacking Trips
Elephant & Wildlife Conservation
• 1-12 weeks
• Price from £1180
Sri Lanka & Maldives Adventure
• 14 days
• Price from £2,299
Sri Lanka Uncovered Overland Tour
• 10 days
• Price from £696
Gap Year in Sri Lanka
Are you keen to take a gap year somewhere exotic? Plan a trip to Sri Lanka!
It goes without saying that travelling around this little country is breathtaking and this country will steal your heart, the people, nature, beaches and wildlife make the whole experience of travelling in Sri Lanka special.
Here are some things you will love about Sri Lanka:
• Ancient history temples, ruins and monasteries
• Exotic wildlife like elephants and turtles
• Friendly culture and people
• Warm climate and beautiful beaches
Backpacking in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is one of the most up and coming destinations to visit on a gap year in Asia, and offers an alternative to more traditional hotspots like India and Thailand. It is also very cheap to travel here.
There are hundreds of trips and programs available to book, popular options include exploring the island on a tour, booking a safari, interning to gain work experience and volunteering to help communities and animals.
Sri Lanka might look small on a map but there are lots of places to see. You can find destinations for all interests, cities, wildlife parks, beaches and jungle. These are some of the highlights: Colombo, Kandy, Sigiriya, Galle, Nuwara Eliya, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Yala National Park and Negombo.
Sri Lanka Adventure Tours
Booking a tour of Sri Lanka allows you to discover the highlights of the island with an experienced guide. You’ll also get to meet other people from all over the world and see amazing places which you might not even know about.
Local and international travel operators offer a range of trips, from small group overland adventures to treks, to wildlife safaris.
Come and savour the island’s history and culture; you will be spoiled for choice with unforgettable Buddhist and Hindu temples to seven Unesco heritage sites to visit and relish, or treat yourself to an unforgettable shopping experience in the numerous intriguing colourful bazaars in the capital city, Colombo.
Volunteer in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is often overlooked in favour of other countries, but this country is one of our favourite volunteering destinations and there are so many rewarding projects.
Our top picks include helping elephants and sea turtles, although other popular options include teaching, community work and nature conservation.
You will get to meet friendly local people, help good causes, learn new skills, make new friends and also go sightseeing to see more of the island in your free time.
