Volunteers in Kandy are accommodated in a volunteer house with other volunteers. Bedrooms are comprised of bunk beds and you can expect to share a room with four to 12 other volunteers. Homestay accommodation is also available in Kandy, which is a popular option for couples or older volunteers. This option can be arranged with our local team according to availability and volunteers may either have their own room or share with one or two others of the same gender, depending on how many other volunteers have requested homestay accommodation.
Alternatively, private rooms and matrimonial rooms can be arranged for an additional US$35 (approximately AU$46) per person, per week, subject to availability at the time. Living is comfortable and all accommodation has electricity and running water. Bathrooms in the volunteer houses and homestays are all western style with a shower that has warm water, toilet and basin. Bedding is provided which includes a pillow with pillow case, bottom and top sheet. You will need to bring a towel, toiletries (including hand soap and toilet paper) and a mosquito net if you wish to sleep with one.
Families who wish to volunteer in Sri Lanka are required to stay in a homestay at an additional cost of US$35 (approximately AU$46) per person, per week. If your family has more than four members, two rooms may be required to accommodate all family members.
Volunteers on the Rural Community Development project who are placed in Hanguranketha are accommodated in a large volunteer house within the village. Volunteers can expect to share their room with 4-10 other volunteers of the same gender and all bedrooms are provided with fans. The home stay has electricity and western style bathrooms. It is located within walking distance to local shops.
Volunteers on the Rural Community Development project who are placed in Dambulla are accommodated in a rural volunteer house in Dambulla, which is situated in an idyllic setting alongside a river and organic garden. Volunteers can expect to share their room with up to nine other volunteers of the same gender. Electricity and fans are provided at the volunteer house, which also has western style bathrooms. The volunteer house is ten minutes bike ride from the nearest shops. It is important to note that bicycles are the main mode of transport to and from placements on this project and bicycles are provided for volunteers to use.
Volunteers on the Elephant Conservation project are accommodated onsite in a volunteer camp located 15 minutes from the entrance of the Wasgamuwa National Park. Volunteers can expect to share a room with two - six other volunteers of the same gender and all bedrooms are provided with electric fans and mosquito nets. The volunteer house within the camp has solar power (24/7) with western bathrooms and is located ten minutes from the nearest village.
Volunteers on the Cultural Immersion project are accommodated with a host-family, living in the Vaddah community in Dambana. Volunteers can expect to share their room with other volunteers of the same gender. You can expect very basic living conditions, with outdoor showers, squat toilets, and a woodfire oven. It’s a unique insight into rural Sri Lankan living and volunteers should come with an open mind.
Volunteers on the Turtle Conservation project in Ambalangoda are accommodated in a large volunteer house. Volunteers can expect to share rooms with up to seven other volunteers of the same gender and all bedrooms are provided with fans. The homestay has electricity and western style bathrooms, however showers are usually cold. It’s a 5-minute walk to the local beach and the volunteering placement.
To access the internet during your program, we recommend bringing an unlocked mobile phone and purchasing a local SIM card when you arrive in Sri Lanka, as WiFi is not available in the volunteer accommodation.