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 03, 2023
Dec 19, 2023
12 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Trusted by 125,000+ volunteers, IVHQ offers the world's #1 rated volunteer programs in Sri Lanka and 50+ destinations worldwide.

For 5 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

4.86 Rating
based on 56 reviews
  • 5 rating 85.71%
  • 4 rating 14.29%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.6
  • Support 4.9
  • Fun 4.8
  • Value 4.75
  • Safety 4.85
Showing 1 - 8 of 56 reviews
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
20 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
24 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
34 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
45 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
47 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Liam
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great experience in Sri Lanka!

I absolutely loved the time I spent in Sri Lanka. It is a great country with great people. Working on the sea turtle project was an amazing experience and felt impactful. The team at IVHQ were very supportive and helpful as was the green lion team! I would highly suggest this program for anyone who’s willing to work hard and wants to make an impact. Sri Lanka is a beautiful country but tends to fly under the radar for a lot of tourists so it is a great place to visit if you want something a little more off the beaten path while still being very safe and lovely.

Pros
  • Food
  • People
  • Impact
Cons
  • Heat
  • Bugs
59 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Ghaidaa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Experience!

I loved every minute of the experience, the accommodations were good, food was delicious and the staff was amazing!
Helping in the construction site felt unreal, and I would do it again!
We were living in Kandy in the volunteering camp, the Green Lion, Sri Lanka.
The weekend is free for all volunteers to travel and explore, so thats what we did. We took a 2 hour drive to Sigiya for to see wonderful temples. We also hiked up the lion rock for sunrise and went on an elephant safari. Meeting so many locals and tourists so was really enlightening.

Pros
  • Culture
  • Food
  • Safe
Cons
  • Bugs and insects
52 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Ellen
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Turtle Conservation - Sri Lanka

I had an amazing time taking part in the turtle conservation project in Sri Lanka. Although in my first week there were times when we had completed the tasks quickly so had some idle time with not a lot to do, during my second week I was the only volunteer, which meant I had much more involvement with the turtles and got to spend more time with them. I also got to release hatchlings into the sea, which was the most incredible experience and one I will never forget. It is a very relaxed project but also meaningful and rewarding - definitely something I would recommend!
My hosts were lovely and took amazing care of me, and although being the only volunteer for my second week meant the social scene was not quite what I had expected, I did feel this allowed me to have more interaction with the locals and by the end of my time there felt very welcome and very much part of the local community, which was particularly comforting as I was there during a lot of political and economic uncertainty.

Pros
  • Meaningful and rewarding
  • Peaceful and relaxed environment
  • Very lovely hosts and project coordinator
Cons
  • Was not told I would be the only volunteer prior to arriving
79 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...