Itinerary Details
Upon arrival at Colombo (Bandaranaike International Airport – CMB), you will be welcomed by a Rahhalah representative and will be transferred to Induruwa (approx. a 1.5-hour drive).
Note: One private group transfer will be arranged from airport to the hotel (exact timings will be announced closer to date).
Induruwa is nestled along a small ravine on the west coast. Once a sleepy fishing village, it has become today a hotspot for tourists in search of white sandy beaches.
Enjoy the rest of the day relaxing and exploring the neighborhood at your own pace before the group re-assembles in the evening for a briefing session and dinner.
Accommodation: Pandanus Beach Resort & Spa 4* or similar
Today, you will enjoy relaxing and having fun by the sea, enjoying a series of water sports: a banana boat ride, a water sofa, and a boat ride on the Bentota River.
After lunch, you will drive to Hikkaduwa (approx. a 1-hour drive): one of Sri Lanka’s most popular spots for snorkeling, thanks to the spectacular coral reef and the marine life along the clear water, dotted with several shipwrecks and other ruins.
Late in the afternoon, you will return to the hotel (1-hour drive) for dinner and relaxation.
Accommodation: Pandanus Beach Resort & Spa 4* or similar.
Your volunteering project begins! For three days, you will spend around 4-5 hours each morning in a school, assisting in the teaching process. This unique program offers you the opportunity to connect with students coming from diverse backgrounds from the rural areas of the country. You will help teaching the children English and any other subject in which you feel comfortable to share your knowledge. You may also participate in various fun activities, sports or games with them, connecting at a deeper level.
In the afternoon, you will head to Galle: the main city in South Sri Lanka, whose older landmark is the massive Portuguese and Dutch Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Some scholars believe it to be the “Tarhish” of the Old Testament where King Solomon sent his merchant vessels and Jonah died.
Late in the afternoon, you will return to the hotel for dinner and relaxation.
Accommodation: Pandanus Beach Resort & Spa 4* or similar.
You will spend the morning again in the school, participating in the teaching process and connecting with the children.
In the afternoon, you will head to a Tea Factory and Spice Garden, where you will delve into the tea production process followed by tea tasting, enjoying various tea flavors while marveling at the panoramic views. You will also learn about the spices of Sri Lanka, which are famous the world over for cooking and Ayurveda (healing) practices.
Late in the afternoon, you will return to the hotel for dinner and relaxation.
Accommodation: Pandanus Beach Resort & Spa 4* or similar.
Today is your last day in the school, so try to make the most of it!
In the afternoon, you will head to a Mask Factory, where the bright-colored masks are crafted based on the old masks that were used to cure patients suffering from 18 types of ailments (sanni). You will then visit a Moonstone Mine – moonstone being one of the gems for which Sri Lanka is famous. This pale blue, almost transparent stone is a type of feldspar known as adularia. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to observe how the stones are mined, cut, polished and turned into beautiful jewelry.
Late in the afternoon, you will return to the hotel for dinner and relaxation.
Accommodation: Pandanus Beach Resort & Spa 4* or similar.
You will start your day with a morning yoga practice that will help you control your breathing and adopt helpful body postures, while also setting your intention for the day with a short meditation (this 2-hour session to be conducted by a highly trained yoga instructor on the beach or another suitable area).
You will then head to the Madu River area and its swampy marshlands that are covered by mangrove forests. The importance of these mangroves was better understood during the devastating tsunami of December 2004, when the forest acted as a natural barrier protecting the region. Over 300 species, 19 of which are endemic, have been discovered in the area so far. The largest animal is the wild boar, while there are many smaller ones like monkeys, squirrels, etc. The mangroves are also a bird-watcher’s paradise, since more than 111 bird species have been identified in the region, among which many cormorants and kingfishers. Finally, there are 31 types of reptiles, like snakes, lizards, and crocodiles, over 50 kinds of butterflies and 2 kinds of mollusks in the Madu River zone. You will enjoy a guided safari (2 hours) in the area, discovering the rich biodiversity of the region yourself.
Late in the afternoon, you will return to the hotel for dinner and relaxation.
Accommodation: Pandanus Beach Resort & Spa 4* or similar.
After breakfast, and depending on your departure details, you will head to the Bandaranaike International Airport for your flight back home.
Note: One private group transfer will be arranged from the hotel to the Airport (exact timings will be announced closer to date).
