10 Must-do Activities in Sri Lanka for Volunteers of 2024-25

Last Updated: July 19, 2024

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Ever wondered as an International volunteer where and what you could do in Sri Lanka? Are you also planning on volunteering in Sri Lanka - the beautiful island nation, but don’t know what activities to perform as an international volunteer?

Sri Lanka also known as the pearl of the Indian ocean offers wide ranges of unique opportunities for the volunteers to make a positive impact in the society while immersing themselves in its natural beauty and cultural heritage. We present to you these 10 must-do activities that will allow you to make the most out of your international volunteering experience in Sri Lanka.

What Can I do as a culturally immersive volunteer traveler in Sri Lanka

Your journey is going to be even more entertaining and exciting in Sri Lanka if you are someone who loves to explore new cultures and traditions. Sri Lanka is a beautiful island country rich in cultural heritages and breathtaking landscapes where every corner is sure to amaze you.

As a culturally immersive volunteer traveler, you can engage in various activities that allow you to experience the heart and soul of this vibrant island nation. Here are some of the rewarding ways you can contribute and immerse yourself in Sri Lankan culture:

Homestay with a local family

Living under the same roof as the people you don’t know sure sounds scary, but thrilling at the same time. Homestaying is the best possible way to enjoy your journey while volunteering. It is very affordable compared to hotel stays and you get to experience something new and trilling. By connecting with the local people you will be able to learn more about the local traditions and cultures of the country. 

Take a cooking class

Taking a cooking class in Sri Lanka as an international volunteer offers a wealth of benefits, from cultural immersion and learning to make new dishes to building relationships and supporting local economies. It’s a unique way to enhance your volunteer experience, making your time in Sri Lanka even more meaningful and memorable.

Explore Temples and Monasteries

Sri Lanka is home to an array of stunning Temples and monasteries that have centuries old history and architecture.  Exploring the temples and Monasteries of Sri Lanka offers volunteers the chance to immerse themselves in the cultural and spiritual part of the country, providing a deeper understanding into the country’s rich religious heritage. If you are a person who loves to explore the architectural designs of religious sites and cultural heritages, I recommend these temples. These cultural heritages include; Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy, Dambulla cave temples, Ruwanwelisaya in Anuradhapura, Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo,Polonnaruwa Vatadage and many more.

Train Ride From Kandy To Ella

The train ride from Kandy to Ella is more than just a mode of transportation; it’s a journey through some of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful landscapes. The train ride is sure to offer one of the most breathtaking experiences you can have while volunteering in Sri Lanka. This is a totally worthwhile thing to do when you visit Sri Lanka as a volunteer in Sri Lanka. It takes you through the lush tea plantations and stunning villages of Sri Lanka. Overall, This train ride offers you one of the most beautiful journeys you could ever experience.

Explore Tea Factory And Tea Plantation

Sri Lanka, known for its world-renowned Ceylon tea, offers volunteers an amazing and unique opportunity to explore the tea factories and tea plantations of Sri Lanka. If you wonder sometimes where and how your ceylon tea is made, exploring the tea factories of Sri Lanka is sure to provide you with your answer. Enjoying your day while being surrounded by the sweet aroma of tea plants is the best way to spend a day in Sri Lanka. This experience is a unique blend of agricultural education and scenic beauty which is sure to amaze you.

Visit Turtle Hatchery

Sri Lanka’s coastline is home to several turtle hatcheries dedicated to the conservation and protection of sea turtles. Visiting a turtle hatchery in Sri Lanka is a rewarding and educational experience that offers a close-up look at the conservation efforts to protect these magnificent creatures. As a volunteer, this visit can deepen your understanding of marine conservation, support local efforts, and provide unforgettable memories.

What places I can explore while volunteering in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a one of a kind beautiful island nation. The places you can explore while volunteering in Sri Lanka are uncountable. Every place that Sri Lanka has to offer is breathtaking. From beautiful beaches to lucious green mountains, every part of Sri Lanka is worthy of your visit. But if your trip is short and you want to make the most out of your journey in that short period of time, we recommend you visit these places in Sri Lanka.

Galle Fort 

Galle Fort is the largest remaining fortress in Asia that was constructed by any European imperial powers. It was first built by the Portuguese in 1588 but then heavily rebuilt  by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards. This portuguese styled city is set alongside the coast which makes it even more worthy for visiting. You can watch the sunset through the beach while sitting in the fort and having a wonderful time.

Kandy

Home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world, kandy is a large religious city in Central Sri Lanka. It is also known as the cultural capital of Sri Lanka due to being a UNESCO world heritage site since 1988. Even UNESCO is approving of Kandy being a visit worthy place. This traditional city should definitely be in your bucket list for places to visit in Sri Lanka.

Anuradhapura 

An ancient city located in the north central plain in Sri Lanka which is filled with ancient stupas and magnificent Domes, Anuradhapura surely can be crowned as the 8th wonder of the world. If you are someone who loves exploring ancient ruins and monuments Anuradhapura is a must visit City, whether you are on a travel trip or volunteering. I mean Who wouldn’t love to explore an ancient city in Sri Lanka? Surely not me.

Polonnaruwa

Just two hours away from Anuradhapura is the ancient town Polonnaruwa. We all know how precious and short an international volunteer’s time is and making the most out of your journey is even hard. So If you are looking for a satisfying tour but you are short on time, consider visiting Polonnaruwa. The ancient ruins of this town make a great visit for volunteering as well as holidaying.

Sigiriya  

How interesting and amusing it must be to explore an ancient rock fortress which looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale. The architecture and structure of the rock fortress is so unique and stunning that it often sends chills down the visitor’s spine. It is a great site for historical and archaeological significance and even has various ancient arts drawn inside it. It would be a huge loss if you miss out on such a  magnificent place.

Dambulla

Dambulla is a popular tourist attraction in Sri Lanka famous for places like the golden temple of Dambulla, Popham’s Arboretum, Jathika Namal Uyana, Dambulla royal cave temple and Dambulla dedicated Economic Centre. Visitors also come to Dambulla for activities such as Safari and archaeological tours. Dambulla is a great place full of adventures and mystery which is sure to fill your journey with great memories.

Nine Arch Bridge 

The nine arch bridge often referred as the Bridge in the sky is one of the most beautiful and scenic places in Sri Lanka. Its beauty becomes unmatched on seasons like Monsoon and springs when it is surrounded by lush green trees and fog which adds a hint of mystery and allure to its beauty. You can enjoy the view from the bridge while having your lunch with your fellow volunteers or even by yourself. It will be a fun and satisfying activity to do.

Things to do in Sri Lanka for couples

Sri Lanka is a great country to visit as a couple whether you are on a honeymoon or on a vacation trip, this country has a lot of amazing places and romantic activities to offer. From the ancient rock fortress Sigiriya to the beautiful religious city Kandy, Sri Lanka is filled with Stunning places for you to visit with your partner. Here are some things to do with your partner if you ever decide to come to Sri Lanka.

1.  Enjoy each other’s company while relaxing on beaches which offer stunning views and sunsets such as the Unawatuna Beach,Mirissa Beach and Bentota Beach.
2. Wildlife Safari is a great way to enjoy your time if you and your partner like adventure. Places like Yala National Park and Udawalawe National Park are the best options when it comes to wildlife safari.
3. Experience Sri Lankan cuisine by either taking a cooking class together or going on Romantic dates.

Things to do in Sri Lanka with family

Sri Lanka is one of the best options as a vacation country if you want to visit it with your Family. Nothing is better than creating beautiful unforgettable memories with your family. Do these things in Sri Lanka and create great memories with your family in the beautiful island nation.

1. Visit cultural and historical sites like the Sigiriya rock fortress, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Kandy) and Polonnaruwa.
2. Experience the cultural side of Sri Lanka by participating in cultural festivals or exploring the local market of Sri Lanka with your family to create memories while also immersing yourself in the Sri Lankan culture.
3.  Visit beautiful traditional villages of Sri Lanka such as the kandy, Galle, Nilagama village and many more to experience the local customs, foods and lifestyles of Sri Lanka.

Things to do in Sri Lanka Colombo

Colombo; the capital of Sri Lanka is also one of the most popular cities of Sri Lanka. It is a typical city with the typical city life but what sets it apart from other cities is the fact that it offers a mix of cultural, historical, and modern attractions. Here are some things you can do when visiting Colombo.

1. Exploring the Colombo National Museum where you can find a vast collection of artifacts, including ancient manuscripts, royal regalia, and traditional art.
2. Experience a vibrant and bustling bazaar, the Pettah market where you can find almost anything. From fresh sea foods to electronics and clothing, this place is a must explore.
3. The colombo lotus tower which is also the largest tower in south Asia offers spectacular views of the colombo city. Watching the sunset through the tower i a must have experience in Colombo.

FAQs

Is Sri Lanka a good place for volunteering?

Absolutely, Sri Lanka is one of the best options for volunteers, as the country is very affordable and also offers a wide range of places you can visit while volunteering. Also, Sri Lanka has one of the most friendly and welcoming people ever who are known for their friendliness and hospitality. Volunteering in Sri Lanka is a must have experience that offers a chance to make a positive impact on the community while enjoying the culture, traditions, local foods and lifestyle of the country.

Do I need a visa to volunteer in Sri Lanka?

Well, whether you need a visa or not to volunteer in Sri Lanka depends on your passport. If the Sri Lankan government has allowed visa-free access or visa on arrival access for your country’s passport holders then you wouldn’t need a visa for volunteering and vice versa. You should also keep in mind that your visa free pass is limited for a certain period of time. If you want to stay for more than it is allowed then you will have to apply for a visa renewal from the Sri Lankan government.

Is Sri Lanka safe for volunteers?

Sri Lanka is a very safe and people friendly country. No matter what religion, race or sexuality you follow you will be properly welcomed in Sri Lanka. It offers a diverse range of opportunities for you to make a positive impact on their community. But like any destination, it’s also very important to be aware of certain safety considerations such as natural disasters, pickpocketing or bag snatching and so on. Therefore, if you follow local advice and stay informed of such situations you will surely have a fulfilling journey.

Final Thoughts

Volunteering while Immersing yourself in local traditions that have been part of human life for more than centuries sounds fun, doesn’t it? But what makes it even more exciting is the fact that you are also making a meaningful and positive impact on the world.  While having your share of fun, you are also giving back to the community that you are living in  which many people will be thankful for.

Whether you’re teaching English, protecting endangered species, or contributing to community development, volunteering in Sri Lanka promises an amazing and impactful journey that leaves both volunteers and locals enriched. Continue making a positive impact on the world with FDIP as we guarantee you a satisfying and memorable journey with us.