Gap Year Programs in Sri Lanka

Unlike the vast expanses of neighboring India, Sri Lanka is fairly compact. Don’t be fooled by its size though. Narrow, congested roads and rickety public transport make traveling laborious. Whether you’re teaching, traveling, or volunteering in Sri Lanka, a sensory overload awaits.

Colombo. Any gap year in Sri Lanka will start in the nation’s capital, packed with Hindu temples, ramshackle housing, and street sellers touting their wares. There’s a sweeping divide between rich and poor. Shiny skyscrapers dominate a landscape filled with an endless swathe of slums. Don’t be perturbed by the city’s chaos; travel is relatively safe. Just hold onto your hat as your spluttering trishaw speeds you about the city. And be sure to stop for some Kothu Rotti, Sri Lanka’s most mouthwatering melt.

Kandy. As the name suggests, this is one sweet destination for gappers of all stripes. Rising out of the rainforest and surrounded by tea plantations and lofty mountains, Kandy is easy on the eye. Chill out in the botanical gardens, where you can see towering palm trees filled with purple-faced monkeys and chattering parakeets. There’s also the Sri Dalada Maligawa Buddhist temple, if you can handle the stairmaster workout. Take in panoramic views of the city and gape in awe at one of Sri Lanka’s largest buddhas. If you want to volunteer in Sri Lanka, there are plenty of programs here.

Galle. Known as the Europe of Sri Lanka, the walled city of Galle was built by Dutch merchants. The main attraction here is the horseshoe-shaped Unawatuna beach. Try surfing when the waves are right, or simply relax, sipping on freshly cracked coconut juice. There’s a thriving expat community in Galle, and adventure seekers will love scuba diving to the 100-year old British shipwreck, The Rangoon.

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Latest Program Reviews

My project in Namibia

August 12, 2024by: Emily Ormond - United KingdomProgram: Gap Year Travel with Oyster Worldwide

9

I have recently come back from my gap year and while I was there I spent a month working on the relationships between humans and elephants. So why would I recommend Oyster? I am so glad I picked to do this project with Oyster because they made me feel very well taken care of and looked after me before and during the project. They talk you though everything you need to know before the project takes place and what clothes and necessities you may need to pack. So what does the project consist of? I would do this project a million times if I could, and if you don’t believe me lots of people who were doing the project had already done it before and had come back because of how much they enjoyed it. So the project is on a two week program and you have the option to stay from two weeks to 3 months. The first week is amazing because you build walls for the local community. Some days some of the locals will come and help, or a few kids will come and keep you company, that is amazing because you feel so immersed, it’s definitely a once in a lifetime experience. The second week is spent tracking elephants. This was my favourite out of the two because you learn all about the elephants foot prints. We also managed to see a two day old elephant which we were lucky enough to name !!! So why pick this project? I think this project and Oyster have a lot of selling points. For starters Oyster takes very good care of you and help you organise yourself before the project starts so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Secondly you are in the middle of the desert, I don’t think you could get anymore rural than that. You don’t really have much service so it’s lovely to disconnect for two weeks. You get to spend some time with lovely people who you may not meet on a day to day basis, people from different countries, locals, and different ages. You camp under the stars which is also amazing. Overall I would always recommend this amazing project, such a special experience!!

My project in Namibia

August 12, 2024by: Emily Ormond - United KingdomProgram: Gap Year Travel with Oyster Worldwide

9

I have recently come back from my gap year and while I was there I spent a month working on the relationships between humans and elephants. So why would I recommend Oyster? I am so glad I picked to do this project with Oyster because they made me feel very well taken care of and looked after me before and during the project. They talk you though everything you need to know before the project takes place and what clothes and necessities you may need to pack. So what does the project consist of? I would do this project a million times if I could, and if you don’t believe me lots of people who were doing the project had already done it before and had come back because of how much they enjoyed it. So the project is on a two week program and you have the option to stay from two weeks to 3 months. The first week is amazing because you build walls for the local community. Some days some of the locals will come and help, or a few kids will come and keep you company, that is amazing because you feel so immersed, it’s definitely a once in a lifetime experience. The second week is spent tracking elephants. This was my favourite out of the two because you learn all about the elephants foot prints. We also managed to see a two day old elephant which we were lucky enough to name !!! So why pick this project? I think this project and Oyster have a lot of selling points. For starters Oyster takes very good care of you and help you organise yourself before the project starts so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Secondly you are in the middle of the desert, I don’t think you could get anymore rural than that. You don’t really have much service so it’s lovely to disconnect for two weeks. You get to spend some time with lovely people who you may not meet on a day to day basis, people from different countries, locals, and different ages. You camp under the stars which is also amazing. Overall I would always recommend this amazing project, such a special experience!!

Unexpected Bonds

January 18, 2024by: Julie T - United KingdomProgram: 6-Month Gap Year Adventure

10

I was not expecting to meet and find friendship with such a diverse set of people. Ages, backgrounds and cultures. The expedition was an incredibly positive experience and that atmosphere was set right from the start.