Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. You’ll need to show proof of your policy to your group leader upon arrival (on your phone or printed). You can get a quote and purchase your travel insurance here.
Please wait for a confirmation email; this will provide information about when we recommend arriving and to depart. We recommend using Sky Scanner to arrange your flights.
We will provide you with airport transfer information 1-week before the tour/program begins.
We highly recommend that you travel with insurance for complete peace of mind. Please click here.
It depends on which project you have chosen. Some projects require formal dressing. Therefore, packing a few formal clothes won’t harm
We should always be healthy and maintain our fitness. However, it depends on the project you choose and you should always be ready to work.
During your time, you will be accommodated at our accommodation. All our accommodations are dormitory style, shared and gender based rooms. We also provide private rooms (Dormitory style) subject to availability which you can request for at an extra cost. Whichever room you will choose, we provide clean, tidy, secured and basic facilities.
This can be possible depending on the availability of accommodation and the project that you have chosen. We will try our best to accommodate your request.
We're all about serving up tasty veggie and non-veggie dishes, made with simple, fresh, and local ingredients. We've got your allergies covered, so no worries there. We've got you sorted with three yummy meals on weekdays, and two awesome meals on Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays.
We accept participants aged from 16 and above. Participants under the age of 18 must travel with a parent or legal guardian. There is no upper age limit however, we recommend participants to check with the program options that are available.
You sure do. After you finish for the day during weekdays, it is your free time to do whatever you like.However, we request you to follow the rules, that are explained to you, at all times. Saturdays and Sundays is your free days.
Our Culture week program covers most of the topics including culture shock and how to adapt to Culture and Traditions. One should come with an open mind. We suggest you to go through the program guide.
Your deposit ensures your reservation for the tour or program. It guarantees your spot until 60 days prior to the scheduled commencement date, at which time the outstanding balance must be settled in full. Failure to complete payment by the specified deadline will result in the cancellation of your reservation, and the vacancy may be offered to another prospective participant. The remaining balance can be found in your account, and multiple reminders will be sent in advance of the due date to ensure timely payment.
Please arrange your flights to and from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Feel free to arrive at any time, we provide transfers all day. Please note that your accommodation may not be ready until 2 PM. You can also book extra accommodation from your account, this includes airport transfer and breakfast.
Please arrange your flights to and from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). We request that you arrive before 16:00 on day 1 and depart any time on day 15. Please note that your accommodation may not be ready until 2 PM. Airport transfer is only available on days 1 and 15. You can also book extra accommodation from your account, this includes airport transfer and breakfast.
After you have booked your tour and received confirmation from us, you can begin searching for flights. When you have booked your flight, please login to your account and enter the flight details under Flight Details. Please note that airport transfer is included in the cost of the tour and is available from 4 am - midnight on day 1 of your tour in Negombo (Bandaranaike International Airport) and from 5 am - 10 pm on day 15 of your tour also in Negombo. If you would like to come a few days early or extend your stay to get the most of your 30 day visa, then you can book extra days accommodation through our Additional Trips page located on the My Account page. This price includes airport transfer, whereas if you decide to book separate accommodation then airport transfer is restricted to days 1 and 15 of your trip.
Yes, the dress code is seen as a show of respect to the culture, temple and monks that often live in the temples. Men should wear long pants and no cut-off sleeves. Women should wear trousers, a long skirt, or dress that extends fully below the knees and covers their shoulders - the knees should be fully covered. Tank tops and low cut shirts should also be avoided by both genders.
Backpacking Sri Lanka: Yes, please! Most accommodation offers the chance to do your washing at very reasonable prices.
You will get to sample the best of Sri Lankan food... and it is so, so tasty. Breakfasts are typically Western dishes that you would expect to find back home. Sometimes you will have a buffet-style breakfast, and in other locations, you will have simple eggs on toast with fruit. We get that if you just need to satisfy that craving for a pizza or burger! Western food is usually available everywhere on the tour. As the tour explores different areas of Sri Lanka, you will have the opportunity to taste the various cuisine styles from around the country. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options will also be provided.
For group tours, your place will be confirmed when 6 or more people have signed up and at least four weeks (28 days) prior to the start of your tour.
For volunteer or private bookings, please wait 2-3 working days.
We will refund you the total amount if the tour is cancelled. Typically, group tours are confirmed six months before departure.
Yes, you will need a pre-arranged visa to enter Sri Lanka. Most all passport holders - with at least 6 months validity remaining on their passport - will be granted a 30-day e-visa that is very simple to arrange online. You can find the government website for this process by clicking here. The cost of the visa upon arrival at either airport is $20 USD. Please allow at least three days for the evisa to process. If you have any questions about the process, we’re always here to help!
We only sell our tour directly to you through our website, not through a travel agency, which cuts out a major expense incurred by other tour companies (and for you)! That's a win-win all around.
Of course! We encourage everyone to talk over our social networks. You can find a list of them at the bottom of this page. If you’ve joined a tour, we will send you an invite to a dedicated Facebook group made for your tour a few weeks before it starts. Your tour guide and a tour manager will also be in the group to answer any questions you may have. You can also join the General Discussion Board on Facebook!
Yes! This is your own time to explore Sri Lanka as you please. If you want to stay back at the hotel to relax or want to explore a bit on your own, just let your tour guide know.
Yes and so delicious! If you see Sri Lankan locals eating it then that’s the best indication that the food is safe. Tip: Eat where the locals eat; the longer the queue the more delicious you can assume the food will be. But as with anything, use caution. If something looks or smells suspect, better to leave it alone. And never drink from the tap! We thought we had to mention this in case the idea ever crosses your mind!
Vegetarians will be happy to know that Sri Lanka is very accommodating for vegetarians. Your tour guide can instruct any kitchen to create a local dish without meat. The meals will always have a vegetarian option. Please note vegan diets may not be available for some included meals.
Yes, please just give us at 28 days' notice in order to allow another traveller to take your spot.
Backpacks are preferred and will be more convenient for you but suitcases work, too. You’ll never have to carry your luggage for too long at any one time. Try to find something that’s easily accessible and waterproof if possible. And please bring a smaller daypack for short trips throughout the tour.
We recommend the following: - 1 pair of long trousers - 1 light but waterproof jacket (Nothing too thick!) - Simple padlock to lock up your belongings - 1 long sleeved top - 1 electrical converter (to avoid blowing out that hairdryer or beard trimmer) - Shoes that are suitable for hiking - Waterproof shoes if you have them - Shoes that are easily removed. (Upon entering temples and many buildings you will be expected to remove your shoes as a sign of respect. The easier, the better.) - Swimwear - A camera is highly suggested to remember your experience! - Insect repellent - Sunscreen. Lots of sunscreen And of course, the usual: passport, spending money, adventurous curiosity, positive attitude, etc!
We recommend arriving before 4pm on day 1 of your tour. Check in at the hotel on day 1 is at 2 pm with early check in available subject to hotel vacancy. You are free to use the hotel facilities - including the pool - and leave your bags in a secure place if you arrive early before checking in. On departure, we suggest leaving after 12pm in order to enjoy a final breakfast with everyone but if you can find a cheaper flight early in the day, that's no problem at all! Just let us know your flight details in the ‘Login’ area. If your flight arrives before the starting date, we can arrange extra accommodation which includes hotel transfer and breakfast. Please let us know if you want us to arrange this for you.
Your place will be confirmed when 6 or more people have signed up for your tour and at least four weeks (28 days) prior to the start of your tour. After booking, we will email you to confirm and we will refund you the full amount if the tour is cancelled. Typically, tours are confirmed six months before departure.
No problem at all - just make sure to arrive at the hotel for the starting date of the tour! We can arrange early night’s accommodation at the hotel and airport transfer or provide easy-to-use directions for getting from the airport in Negombo to our hotel where there are many other accommodation options if you prefer to shop around for pricing.
Yes, many travellers—both male and female—travel alone throughout Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. Most group members on our trips will be solo travellers and we absolutely love it. Upon arrival, we will pick you up from the airport, you will meet your travel mates and the adventure begins.
We have a minimum age requirement of 18 years old to join the tour. Group members aged 16-17 years old are welcome to join the tour but only with a family member that will act as their guardian whilst on tour. Aside from that, no age requirements at all! While our target age is 18-35, we have had many 35+ year old group members join us on tour. It is more about mindset than anything else so if you are looking for a backpacking experience, with backpacker style accommodation and expectations for transportation and evening activities (always optional), then we invite you to join us for an adventure.
Not at all! The deposit confirms your place on the tour. We kindly ask that you provide the remaining balance no less than 28 days before your tour begins.
Yes, please just give us at 28 days' notice in order to allow another traveller to take your spot.
Yes! After placing your deposit, you can pay off the tour in installments of your choosing and at your convenience. The final remaining balance is due at least 28 days before your tour is set to begin.
Yes, please arrange an appointment with your local physician and explain your travel plans. Most hospitals have travel clinics with helpful information and vaccinations on site. We suggest doing this well before your trip is to begin to ensure there are no unexpected waiting periods during this process! Please visit here for more information: CDC
Your deposit secures your place on the tour. This holds your spot on the tour up until 28 days before your tour is set to begin when the remaining balance is due in full. If payment is not received by this point, your spot on the tour will be cancelled and the spot will be offered to another potential group member. The remaining balance is displayed in your account. Several reminders will go out before this date to remind you of when your payment is due!
We provide transfer to the airport in Negombo on day 15 of the tour. We will arrange this once we receive your flight itinerary. At the hotel, you have free use of the storage room if you want to spend some more time exploring the city before you depart. Or we can give you can head off foranother adventure in a new country.
