Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival you will be greeted by team Sri Lanka then head to the accommodation this evening to get some rest for the adventure ahead!

Today you will have an orientation to local culture and language and then head to the town of Negombo, which is known as “Little Rome” for its strong Catholic influence. The town transitioned through Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial rule, and remnants of those cultures remain today. The city's intriguing past will reveal itself as you meander past colonial architecture and quiet canals to reach a lagoon abundant with marine life. Local fishermen have been harvesting lobsters, crabs, and prawns here for centuries. Take a stroll on the beach, then stop by a lively fish market before you take a break for dinner.

Over the next few days you will contribute to an ongoing service project at a local school. Specific projects will be confirmed closer to departure as they are based on community needs. In the past, projects have been centered around infrastructure at the school as well as education and cross-cultural engagement with local students. Activities focus on the development of leadership, teamwork, communication, and global citizenship amongst all participants, as well as curriculum areas such as English language, physical education, and arts and crafts. After each full day of service and fun, you will head back to the accommodation for a post-service debrief and dinner as a group.

Explore the Knuckles Mountain Range, without a doubt one of the most scenic parts of the Sri Lankan highlands and a true paradise for those who love hiking and mountain biking. The scenic trails will lead you across the mountains, across crystal clear rivers, and through dense forests to flowing waterfalls, lush tea plantations, and traditional little villages. Surrounded by colorful home gardens and terraced paddy fields, you'll feel a world away from fast-paced city life.

Go hiking this morning, heading along a trail towards the famed Manigala Rock in Riverstone. You'll break for lunch before continuing with cultural sightseeing in the afternoon. Then it's onward to Kandy, strategically situated between three mountain ranges, and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The impressive temple complex, dating back to the 16th century, is made up of numerous buildings decorated with paintings and carvings depicting Buddha. As the name suggests, it's home to an important relic, the tooth of the Buddha, which is carefully guarded by security night and day.

In the morning visit a traditional village on the outskirts of Kandy before setting off for an exciting outdoor experience. You will take on the whitewater sections of the Kelani River with skilled instructors guiding you along jungle-lined banks, clear pools and smooth boulder passages. As you move downstream you will pass lush rainforest scenery, hear tropical birdlife and experience one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic river valleys from the water.

Today you'll go trekking in the famous Horton Plains National Park, a reserve characterized by a beautiful landscape of rolling hills, forests, and grassland. It's home to various mammal species, including elk, deer, giant squirrel, wild boar, wild hare, porcupine, and leopard. The park also has unique vegetation and offers a perfect ground to observe many rare and endemic highland birds. One particularly impressive physical feature in Horton Plains is the escarpment that falls dramatically to the lowlands. Aptly known as the "World’s End," the precipice offers a fabulous view of the tea estates below. On a clear day, you can see all the way out to the distant southern coastline.

Start today's hiking excursion in Kinchigune, an ancient village that is almost totally submerged in the waters of the Samanalawewa Reservoir. The nature trail begins at the River Garden Resort and runs alongside the Belihuloya River through paddy fields, across rivers, and past local village houses and vegetable gardens. You will have an ideal opportunity to learn a bit about the local agricultural systems and the simple way of life in the countryside. Along the way, you will also spot small waterfalls and several types of beautiful birds and butterflies.

Located on the boundary of Sri Lanka's wet and dry zones, Udawalawe National Park is one of the best places in the world to see wild elephants. It's not unusual to see big herds gathering to feed and bath by the waterholes with the resident population sitting at around 400! In addition to this main attraction, Udawalawe is home to many water buffalo, lizards, sambar deer, monkeys, and a huge variety of birds. You'll have ample opportunities to enjoy native wildlife during a Jeep safari drive in the park.

Today's highlight is the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe, where dozens of baby elephants are taken care of with minimum human interaction. The babies' mothers were either killed or lost, and the sanctuary provides food, medical care, and everything else a baby elephant needs. When the elephants are big and strong enough, they are released into the wilderness and start living a “normal” elephant life. A few times a day, visitors can enjoy observing the feeding hour when the small elephants rush to drink milk. In the afternoon, transfer to Bentota, a prime beach destination on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka.

Spend the day exploring the coastal town of Bentota. Wander along its golden beaches and take in the calm lagoon where you can swim or try gentle water activities. Head to the Bentota River to visit Galapota Temple, home to a striking Buddha statue and a peaceful riverside setting. Explore local markets and see local artisans create masks, wood carvings and woven goods. Enjoy some classic Sri Lankan dishes like hoppers, sambol and fresh seafood. This is a chance to unwind reflect on your journey and enjoy the final moments of your adventure before heading home

Take some time today to explore Colombo, a lively city rich with cultural sights and Buddhist temples. Take a drive through the city's commercial center, where grand colonial-era buildings stand alongside modern hotels and office structures. Explore the vibrant markets and bazaars in Pettah to pick up some last-minute souvenirs. Then it's off to the airport to catch your flight out.

Welcome Home! We hope you will have loved your time in Sri Lanka and hope to see you again!