Location
  • Sri Lanka
    • Kandy
Length
1 to 12 weeks

Program Details

Language
English
Timeframe
Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round
Housing
Guesthouse Host Family
Travel Type
Budget Family Older Travelers Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price
380
Price Details
Fully hosted experience from only $380 for 1 week - this includes accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, orientation and 24/7 in-country support.
What's Included
Accommodation Some Activities Airport Transfers Meals
What's Not Included
Airfare Travel Insurance Visa
May 01, 2024
Oct 08, 2024
13 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Trusted by 136,000+ volunteers, IVHQ offers the world's #1 rated volunteer programs in Sri Lanka and 50+ destinations worldwide.

For 6 years, we've won the "Top Volunteer Abroad Provider Award" from GoOverseas, so you can trust that you're in the safest hands with IVHQ.

Our affordable projects start from $27/day for your accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, project placement and local support. Projects run year-round, with durations from 1-12 weeks. Choose from 8 projects, ranging from Medical and Teaching to Turtle Conservation in the bustling city of Kandy, peaceful rural Hanguranketha, ancient Dambulla, remote Dambana, picturesque Ambalangoda, and wildlife-filled Wasgamuwa. Plus, you’ll stay with other like-minded, impact-focused travelers from around the world (private room options available).

With IVHQ’s superior pre-departure support services, you’ll gain exclusive access to your own Volunteer Travel Specialist, comprehensive preparation tools and volunteer training.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Cheapest volunteer programs from $27/day for your accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, project placement & local support.
  • Volunteer for 1-12 weeks, year round start dates most Mondays.
  • 15+ years experience & only B Corp certified volunteer travel organization.
  • Get free changes up to 14 days before you start with our flexible booking policy.
  • Affordable way to earn college credit - gain 5 credits for only US$500!

Popular Programs

Childcare Volunteer Project in Sri Lanka

Volunteers on this project assist at a childcare center in Kandy. You can gain experience in childcare while giving overworked local staff an extra hand and helping them provide high quality care and attention to their charges.

Medical Volunteer Program in Sri Lanka

If you're a medical student keen to learn and observe at a training hospital in Kandy - this is the opportunity for you! Volunteers shadow local staff in a wide range of departments and gain insight into many different clinical practices while the people of Sri Lanka get better access to affordable healthcare.

Construction and Renovation Volunteer Project in Sri Lanka

If you are physically able and love to get stuck into it then this project will allow you to assist with repairs and upgrades to Buddhist temples, schools and pre-schools in Kandy. Volunteers gain building maintenance experience while local infrastructure gets kept in good condition. Improvements to these community buildings can help make them safer, more functional and more attractive to the people who use them.

Sea Turtle Conservation Volunteer Program in Sri Lanka

Turtles are always a popular project - in this program you can help rehabilitate injured turtles and boost conservation around the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Gain conservation and reptile care experience while assisting with a wide range of tasks that contribute to the goal of increasing the turtle population in the area so these incredible creatures can thrive well into the future.

Program Reviews

4.85 Rating
based on 59 reviews
  • 5 rating 84.75%
  • 4 rating 15.25%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.6
  • Support 4.9
  • Fun 4.75
  • Value 4.7
  • Safety 4.85
Showing 1 - 8 of 59 reviews
Default avatar
Mary
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Good use of volunteers

I thought the volunteering in Sri Lanka was exceptional because the manager used the skills and experience of the volunteers (in my case anyway) so they were of maximum benefit to the community meaning I felt I had contributed to the community and done something worthwhile. The health interventions I set up are being duplicated and implemented in other groups now by other volunteers.

Similarly, the coordinators were educated and invested in the programs so could provide invaluable feedback and support. Thirdly the manager went above and beyond to make the individual requests of volunteers happen - no matter how off-beat. And lastly, a visit from an IVHQ coordinator, flown in from New Zealand, demonstrated the authenticity of IVHQ in knowing first hand about the experiences and places that they promote.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would stay longer to more fully establish the health promotion interventions
Pros
  • home cooked Sri Lankan food
  • interesting chats with locals during election
  • visit to tsunami museum
Cons
  • the accomodation could have been more comfortable
15 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Sharon
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

International Volunteer Headquarters made my Sri Lanka experience a lifetime treasure!

My experience with IVHQ in Kandy, Sri Lankan was amazing and had an impact on my view of the world. IVHQ provided extensive pre-trip information and preparation. From the moment I arrived at the volunteer house in Kandy I was supported by the local team as if I was family. The volunteering experience with Special Needs women and English tutoring with village children was beyond my expectations. It was also a great bonus to connect with other volunteers doing a turtle project. I would highly recommend INHQ and Sri Lanka in particular to anyone wanting to give back and learn more about Sri Lanka, it's culture, natural beauty and most of all the hospitality of the Sri Lankan people.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice is to thoroughly do all of the preparation work before arriving. Once at the program, trust the local team, keep an open mind, and soak it all in. You will be making such a difference in the lives of the people you encounter.
Pros
  • Having a local team was so valuable to navigate Kandy, understand the culture, and have a rich rewarding experience
  • IVHG made the process so easy and reassuring traveling to a country for the first time.
  • Volunteering while traveling makes the experience so authentic and rewarding
27 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Jay
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Sri Lanka

When I first signed up for volunteering it was simply just to give something back and help others. The process to register and the information provided was very thorough and super swift. Ashlea was always on hand to support any questions I had. She was just brilliant.

I chose Sri Lanka as I felt it was different yet close to my own Indian heritage (my parents are from India). I also felt I could completely immerse myself into the culture and lifestyle.
The local team in Sri Lanka couldn’t do enough for you, always looking out for you, giving you advise and support as you need, including being your local travel agent giving you sight seeing options.

I love children so decided that I would choose child development programmes - Well what can I say, the two programmes I supported were so different but the children I assisted and taught were some of the warmest, purest and kindest children I have ever met, especially the village kids. They greeted you every day with so much energy, enthusiasm and love, such beautiful souls.

I started the programme wanting to make a difference and give something back however I can honestly say that actually this programme has been a gift to me and I am blessed to have been able to experience something that many will never get the chance to do ever !!

The journey has been an honour, good and difficult times but volunteering with IVHQ has definitely altered my perspective on life, in a very special way. I am forever grateful for the opportunity and experience. I am now back home and I appreciate everything in my life much more than ever but a part of me stayed with them kids in Sri Lanka ♥️.

So I would say if you’re thinking about it - don’t, just do it!! There are a lot of children out there that just need your time.
Trust me it’s a life changing experience.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Just be open minded and embrace all elements. There will be difficult times but the good times are much better
Pros
  • People
  • Food
  • Support
Cons
  • No kitchen facilities
  • Bugs
46 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Ingeborg
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Regarding and inspiring 👍

My experience in Sri Lanka, my most recent volunteer project with IVHQ, was both exiting and valuable. Apart from spending time and being with pre-school children and also teaching English to older children in my placement, I had the most interesting and educational visits, such as the ‘Lion’s Rock’, seeing, being, feeding and learning about elephants, Buddhist temples, markets and tea manufacturing venues and a culture show.
I cannot say anything negative about the program in this country because embracing the culture and being open minded about differences and the new make such an experience amazing and worthwhile!

Pros
  • Kindness of people
  • Helpfulness of people
  • Seeing lots of elephants
Cons
  • Humidity
65 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Bonnie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

10/10 experience

I couldn’t fault my experience, from the beginning to the end everything was faultless.
IVHQ and the local team were absolutely fantastic, I always felt safe and everything was so well planned and explained, the food was incredible and their knowledge also!
It was a 10/10 trip for me
It was the best thing I have ever done, and no feeling compares to how I felt when volunteering! It’s the most rewarding and heart warming experience. I cannot wait to do it all again, and the people you meet and connect with along the way just top it off! I would recommend this to anyone, you will never regret it!

Pros
  • Rewarding
  • Happiness
  • Learning
70 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Chian Yu
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Being a volunteer at Sri Lanka

Introduction:
My journey as a volunteer in Sri Lanka was an eye-opening and deeply fulfilling adventure that left an indelible mark on my heart and soul. From the lush landscapes to the warmth of the local people, my time in Sri Lanka was a beautiful blend of cultural immersion and meaningful service.

Cultural Immersion:
Stepping into the heart of Sri Lankan culture was a mesmerizing experience. The vibrant festivals, aromatic cuisine, and traditional dance performances provided a window into the rich tapestry of this island nation. Engaging with locals allowed me to learn about their way of life, customs, and traditions, and I was humbled by the genuine hospitality and friendliness that welcomed me into their communities.

Meaningful Service:
My primary goal was to make a positive impact, and I found my purpose through various volunteer projects. Participating in educational initiatives, such as teaching English to eager young students, was incredibly rewarding. Witnessing their progress and enthusiasm was a testament to the power of education in transforming lives. Additionally, engaging in community development projects, such as building infrastructure in rural areas, highlighted the importance of sustainable growth and left me with a sense of accomplishment.

Challenges and Growth:
While my journey was filled with incredible moments, there were also challenges that tested my adaptability and resilience. Overcoming language barriers and adjusting to different living conditions taught me invaluable life skills. The experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to develop a newfound sense of independence and self-reliance.

Personal Transformation:
Volunteering in Sri Lanka not only impacted the communities I worked with but also profoundly changed me. The experience broadened my horizons, fostering a deeper appreciation for diversity and a greater understanding of global issues. I returned home with a renewed sense of purpose, a stronger commitment to making a difference, and a realization that even small acts of kindness can create ripple effects.

Conclusion:
My time as a volunteer in Sri Lanka was a life-changing adventure that allowed me to immerse myself in a beautiful culture, serve communities in need, and undergo personal growth. The memories, connections, and lessons I gained will forever shape my perspective and inspire me to continue contributing to positive change in the world. If you're considering volunteering abroad, I wholeheartedly recommend Sri Lanka as a destination that will not only provide you with an enriching experience but also leave a lasting impact on your heart and soul.

Pros
  • Local Coordinator
  • House we live
  • All the people help me complete this program
85 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Alexandr
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My treep to Sri Lanka

I enjoyed to the Turtle Conservation Project in Sri Lanka. Speshal person met me and other volunteers in airport. We went to Kandy.
I had introductory week. Personal in Kandy was great. The main person in crazy and very funny. I saw many new people from other countries. It was cool experience.
In weekend's I and other volunteers explored all Sri Lanka in the north.
My second week was in Ambolongoda. We lived in a big house with territory. That place was great. We worked in first half of the day after that we explored plases around Ambolongoda.
In evening after dinners we played cards.
I liked this treep. I will remember it for a long time.

Pros
  • New experience
  • New people
  • New emotions
Cons
  • High price
  • Hot weather
  • insects in the evening
88 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Mohamedali
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing experience

It was amazing seeing locals smile when we help to construct and renovate schools . Meeting volunteers from different cultures gave the chance to learn about other people cultures. During the project you will get the chance to see beautiful places in Sri lanka. The local team is very helpful they provide support whenever needed. After you end the project you will gane and develop many interpersonal skills such as communication anf team work. You will definitely enjoy volunteering with IVHQ program

Pros
  • Meeting people
  • discover new places
  • try local food
99 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers

Hi, I stayed in a volunteer house during my 3 week stay in Sri Lanka. It was the best experience as you make new friends whereby you go out on the weekends, play board games and go on walks after work each day. It's truly amazing meeting and being together with so many people from different countries. The girls who did home stay tended to come to the volunteer house after volunteer work as they...