Volunteering with elephants in Sri Lanka

Travel in Sri Lanka for a life changing experience !

Sri Lanka is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Asia and known for its beautiful beaches.

Become an international volunteer and discover Sri Lanka for a life changing experience while taking care of elephants in Asia.

The city of Galle:

To avoid culture shock, your volunteer programme will start by an introduction week in Galle where you will learn more about the language and culture of Sri Lanka.

This city, a UNESCO world heritage, attracts many travellers every year.

Please click to see our photo albums of: Sri Lanka or Galle

Info & details

The volunteer program in Sri Lanka !

Local time in Sri Lanka:

Elephants in Sri Lanka

Volunteer in Sri Lanka - Globalong

The volunteer program starts every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month, and lasts for between 3 and 12 weeks. You will be picked-up at Colombo International Airport the day before (Sunday). Galle is about 5 hours drive from the capital. If you arrive after 5p.m., you will spend a night in a hotel near the airport and travel to Galle the next day.

To make sure that the culture shock is not too overwhelming, we organize an introduction week, which includes learning a basic Sinhala vocabulary and a discovery of the culture, which may saves you some awkwardness with the local people.

You will also be given information about your volunteer assignment, accommodation, living conditions and the Buddhist way of life.

The coordinator will always be available in case of doubts or questions. You will have 3 to 4 hours of lessons per day. The rest of the time you are free to discover Galle and its surroundings.

Volunteer elephants sri lanka globalong In the first week you will experience guided tours of the city, the fort, the market and the main sights.

On the last day you will get ready for your departure to your volunteer placement. It is important to be aware of the local culture and be respectful and understandable, both in your behavior and in the way you dress.

If you participate in the volunteer program in Sri Lanka, you will receive full details of the country, the mission, and some helpful tips before going there.

These "orphanages" are actually homes for elephants who have strayed from their flocks, either naturally or because they were captured and then abused, injured by landmines or they are ex-working elephants who have been "retired".

Participants help the mahouts (professional guides) with their daily tasks; cleaning shelters, feeding the animals, guiding them to the river for two daily baths. You can also help with the renovation of the park etc.

Meals and accommodation in Sri Lanka !

Volunteer in Sri Lanka globalong

You will have 3 meals a day. Breakfast is usually composed of bread, fruit and tea. Lunch and dinner are of rice, lentil soup, seasonal vegetables with curry and possibly meat.

During the introduction week, you will be living with other volunteers at the local coordinator's house or in a house within 20 minutes. You will share your room with 2-5 other volunteers. The majority of accommodations have electricity, but are subject to power cuts.

Housing and toilets are basic but generally well maintained. Host families are trained to receive foreign volunteers, and normally at least one member of the family speaks English.

You will stay in either:

The Bunglaow: A nice house with views of nature. You will have a shared room (4-7 people) and an en suite bathroom with toilet.
The "Cabins": a wooden house with 5 bedrooms with 3 beds, a large communal shower and separate toilet.

The two units are equipped with:

Kitchens with refrigerators, freezers and kettle
Free wi-fi
Outdoor Seating Area
Books and board games available
2 outdoor showers (the preferred choice of most participants!)
A washing machine and drying racks

There is no air conditioning, but the rooms are equipped with fans. Bed linen, pillows, towels and mosquito nets are provided on site, but you can bring your own if you wish.

Useful information to your volunteer programme

Volunteer in Sri Lanka globalong

Included in Sri Lanka's programme:

Initial membership fee (200 €) enrolment as a member of the GlobAlong Association is valid for a period of 9 years (renewable).

Program, follow-up and customization :

Pick-up at the airport before 5PM. If you arrive after 5pm, you will have to stay one night in Colombia at a hostel or with a host family (you will pay directly to them).
Help and guidance from our team in Europe before your programme starts
Transfer to the accommodation
Accommodation
Full board for the duration of your stay
1 week of introduction in Galle
Tee-shirt of the project
Customization of your programme
Discovery of Galle and surroundings
Transfer from Galle to the project placement
7/7 support from the local coordinator
Support from the Globalong team during your entire stay
Personal blog on our network
Advise on how to get a visa (if needed)
Country guide
Traveller’s guide
Certificate of attendance to a volunteer programme
Donation for a project
Organization fees
Work Permit