Weekends are free to relax and to explore the local area.
You will be accommodated in one of our centers which are located 2-4 kilometers away from Kandy center. The basic, dorm style rooms are shared by 4-10 people on a single-gender basis and bed linens are included. You can also choose private double/twin rooms. The rooms have fans, no air-conditioning is available. Bathroom and toilet facilities are shared, and hot water showers are available. There is a refrigerator which you are welcome to use to store food and beverages. Safety lockers are available to store your belongings, just bring your own padlock. There is also a beautiful garden to relax in and dining and lounge areas where you can hang out with your fellow volunteers. Wi-Fi is not available (internet cafes are available close to the volunteer house and in the city). Mosquito nets, toilet paper or washing powder will not be provided by us. Accommodation is not included if arriving on a Saturday, additional nights cost EUR 43 per night.
Arrival Information
If your flight arrives anytime Saturday or Sunday until 21:00 only, we will pick you up from the relevant airport. Look out for the coordinators holding a signboard with the Green Lion Logo on it. If you arrive any other a day, a transfer can be requested and will cost EUR 50, which is paid directly to the person picking you up. If we are not picking you up at the airport, you must contact us when you are in the country at the latest on the Friday before your arrival to arrange your pick-up accordingly. If you can't find the coordinator stay at the meeting point and try calling the coordinator.
Please note that if you arrive on Saturday your transfer is included but you will need to pay for an additional night's accommodation.
Transfer Coordinator
Mobile: 00947-1065 6506
If you are lost or have any major concerns regarding the transfer, please try to contact the coordinator at the airport first.
Tourist Police: Dial 011-2421052
The Tourist Police of Sri Lanka are trained to assist you in English. Direct any safety concerns to them.
Departure Information
The latest check-out time from the accommodation on the last Saturday is 12:00. Departure transfer is not included as due to the many different personal plans and return flight times, it's logistically simpler for you to make your own way. Our coordinator can help you with the different transportation options, but you will have to cover the cost.
You will be provided with three meals a day on weekdays and two meals per day on weekends. The meals are a mix of Western and Sri Lankan food, consisting mainly of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables. You can also eat out at any of the local restaurants.
What to Bring
Toilet paper, towels, soap, washing powder, mosquito nets and mosquito repellant are NOT provided so you will have to bring these along with you. Make also sure to pack a first-aid kit, hat, hiking shoes, a small padlock to secure valuables, tidy clothes for temple visits and an umbrella/raincoat. Please also take care of malaria precautions.
Visa
Please remember to take care of the visa arrangements on time.
Internet Access
There is no Wi-Fi at the volunteer accommodation. You can find internet cafés close to the volunteer house and in the city, but the internet connection can be unreliable.
Money & Shopping
The nearest ATM and supermarket are located a 15-minute walk away from your accommodation.
SIM Card
We highly recommend buying a cheap local SIM Card for your whole time in Sri Lanka, not only for your own personal safety, but also for easier and cheaper communication with the other volunteers, staff and family back home, and especially if you are traveling to us by yourself. You can usually get one at the airport for free or at a low cost.
Sights & Surroundings
The places to visit during your weekends or on your project holidays are the Royal Botanical Gardens, Knuckles Mountain Range, Udawatta Kele Sanctuary, Hortons Plains National Park and the Railway Museum.