Cultural Introduction week- Sri Lanka

Are you ready for a truly immersive cultural experience? Then read on, for our itinerary and all that you will be doing over the course of your Cultural Introduction Week in Sri Lanka

Mandatory Orientation Day

On the Monday of your first week at this location, you will join our orientation day, to familiarize yourself with the surroundings as well as the local culture.

Orientation Schedule

Monday

• Welcome, introduction to Sri Lanka and projects, House rules, Code of Conduct and handling of documents
• Sinhalese Language Lesson
• Cultural Lesson
• Kandy City Tour

Tuesday

After a good Sri Lankan breakfast, learn about the famous Srilankan Spices and Ayurvedic herbs in a local herbal garden. Do you know what the acronym TEA stands for? And what is the national gemstone in Sri Lanka? Let’s find out when we visit a tea factory and the Gem Museum in Kandy. A soothing boat ride awaits at the beautiful Kandy lake later on.

Wednesday

Try out cooking skills with our traditional Sri Lankan cooking experience! Thereafter, its a visit to one a local temple, where we will learn about some of the Buddhist religious rituals practised by Sri Lankans. You will also practice some meditation techniques to soothe and calm your soul!

Thursday

We start off early today with an early morning visit to a family practising traditional Batik painting. Have a fun-filled, creative workshop, challenging your creative side with an original Batik design of your own. Alternatively, you can try to master the techniques of a traditional Batik design. Work with vibrant colours, techniques, tools and dyes. After lunch with the family who are delivering the lesson, we visit the sacred ‘Temple of the Tooth’.

Friday

Today we visit a sacred temple in a small forest and a holy Hindu temple. Following our walk, an Indian lunch awaits you in the city followed by a relaxing Ayurvedic massage later on.

Places to Visit

You will visit many places during your  Cultural Introduction week in Sri Lanka. However, should you wish to plan your own journeys, we recommend the Royal Botanical Gardens, Knuckles mountain range, Udawatta Kele Sanctuary, Hortons Plains National Park and the Railway Museum.

Please note: This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

Famous for the Temple of the Tooth and many other sites of interest, Kandy – where you will be staying – is a vibrant city and bustling market town. It is culturally diverse and has plenty to offer Sri Lankan holiday goers from songs dances and handicrafts to ancient temples and adventure activities. Kandy was a royal capital and the last stronghold of the Kandyan kings against foreign powers, and therefore, enjoys a rich history which you will find out about on your  Cultural Introduction week!

Accommodation

Our accommodation is comfortable and is located 2 – 4 km from Kandy centre. Your accommodation will comprise single-gender rooms sleeping between 4 – 8 people. Further, private rooms can be requested but are subject to availability, depending on the number of Sri Lankan volunteers. Consequently, if you would like to book these, please let us know at the time of booking your week.

Food Arrangements

You will be provided with three meals a day on weekdays and two meals per day on weekends. The meals are a mix of Western and Sri Lankan food, consisting mainly of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables. You can also eat out at any of the local restaurants.

Mandatory Orientation Day

On the Monday of your first week at this location, you will join our orientation day, to familiarize yourself with the surroundings as well as the local culture. Your programme will continue as usual from Tuesday onward throughout the rest of the week.

Schedule

• Welcome, introduction to Sri Lanka and projects, House rules, Code of Conduct, and handling of documents
• Sinhalese Language Lesson
• Cultural Lesson

Facilities

Our house is located 2 kilometres away from the city centre (a 15 minute walk), where you can find anything you might need for your Sri Lankan holiday. Further, you will find ATMs, and a supermarket there, where you can buy anything you might need for the week ahead.

Volunteer in Sri Lanka with TRU. Sri Lanka is one of the most beautiful and diverse destinations in the world, offering golden beaches, lush tea plantations, tropical jungles, ancient temples and incredible wildlife. Known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka combines adventure, culture and spirituality in one unforgettable destination. From scenic train journeys and mountain landscapes to vibrant local towns and peaceful coastlines, Sri Lanka is the perfect place for meaningful travel and volunteering abroad.

Volunteering in Sri Lanka with TRU Experience Travel allows you to make a real impact while experiencing authentic Sri Lankan culture. Volunteers can take part in teaching projects, childcare support, turtle conservation, construction and renovation work, medical placements, nursing, midwifery and healthcare programmes. Opportunities also include women empowerment initiatives, sports coaching and community support projects. Every experience helps local communities while giving travellers valuable hands-on experience and cultural immersion.

Sri Lanka is also the perfect destination for travellers seeking adventure, road trips and spiritual journeys. Explore ancient temples, practise mindfulness and reconnect your body and mind in peaceful spiritual surroundings. Discover the ethereal beauty of Sri Lanka through yoga experiences, mountain retreats and cultural immersion with welcoming local communities. Experience true coexistence with nature while exploring tropical jungles, tea plantations and wildlife-filled national parks.

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During evenings and weekends, volunteers can enjoy incredible road trips across the island. Explore beautiful beaches, surf towns, waterfalls and hidden villages while discovering Sri Lanka’s rich culture and famous hospitality. Travel through scenic mountain roads, visit local markets and experience colourful festivals and authentic Sri Lankan food. Every free moment offers a new adventure and a chance to discover the true beauty of the country.

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