Volunteer in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, often called the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” is a vibrant island nation known for its lush landscapes, rich culture, and warm, welcoming people. With ancient temples, pristine beaches, rolling tea plantations, and abundant wildlife, it’s a destination that captures the heart of every traveler. Among its most treasured inhabitants are the elephants, deeply respected in both daily life and spiritual traditions.

The Elephant Experience program gives you the unique opportunity to work hands-on with these gentle giants while immersing yourself in authentic Sri Lankan village life. From feeding and walking elephants to learning about conservation challenges, you’ll play an active role in their care and wellbeing. Beyond the project, living in a local community allows you to connect with Sri Lanka’s culture, traditions, and way of life – making this journey as rewarding personally as it is meaningful for the elephants you support.

Minimum Age: 18 (participants under 18 require parental consent)

Maximum Age: No strict limit (65+ require medical clearance)

English Level: Basic

Qualifications: None required

Other Requirements: Respect for local culture, modest clothing, willingness to adapt to village life

2025 & 2026: Weekly start dates (every Monday)

Minimum Duration: 1 week

Extendable upon request

September 2025

• September 1, 2025
• September 8, 2025
• September 15, 2025
• September 22, 2025
• September 29, 2025

October 2025

• October 6, 2025
• October 13, 2025
• October 20, 2025
• October 27, 2025

November 2025

• November 3, 2025
• November 10, 2025
• November 17, 2025
• November 24, 2025

December 2025

• December 1, 2025
• December 8, 2025
• December 15, 2025
• December 22, 2025
• December 29, 2025

January 2026

• January 5, 2026
• January 12, 2026
• January 19, 2026
• January 26, 2026

February 2026

• February 2, 2026
• February 9, 2026
• February 16, 2026
• February 23, 2026

March 2026

• March 2, 2026
• March 9, 2026
• March 16, 2026
• March 23, 2026
• March 30, 2026

April 2026

• April 6, 2026
• April 13, 2026
• April 20, 2026
• April 27, 2026

Included in Program Fee:

• Host family accommodation (Sunday arrival – Saturday departure)
• Daily meals (3 per weekday, 2 per weekend)
• Airport pickup (during regular times) and local transport for scheduled activities
• Program materials, tools, and equipment
• Training and supervision from experienced local coordinators
• International Medical Insurance
• 24/7 in-country support

Not Included:

Additional tours or excursions

Flights and visa expenses

Travel insurance

Personal expenses

You’ll stay with a host family in a traditional Sri Lankan village near Mawanella, giving you an authentic cultural experience.

Room Types & Facilities:

• Shared rooms (4–10 participants, single-gender)
• Meals included (mainly Sri Lankan vegetarian dishes, with rice and vegetables; option to eat out locally)
• Lockable rooms with bed linen provided
• Facilities: laundry (extra fee), mosquito nets (optional), no Wi-Fi, no hot showers, no A/C
• Safety box not available
• Fans not standard in rooms

Nearby Amenities:

Local temples and cultural sites nearby

Village shops for basic items

ATM and supermarkets available in Mawanella town (~1 hour away)

With so many volunteer options, why volunteer through Greenheart Travel? 

Greenheart Travel is a non-profit, mission based organization dedicated to creating meaningful, long-lasting impact in the communities we serve. We work closely with local, grassroots partners to ensure that every program is responsible, sustainable, and truly makes a difference.

For years, we’ve been connecting volunteers with authentic, hands-on projects that not only support communities but also allow participants to grow personally and professionally. Whether you’re planting trees, teaching English, supporting wildlife conservation, or helping with community development, you’ll know your time and energy are making a positive impact.

When you travel with us, you’re not just signing up for a program – you’re joining a global community that values cultural exchange, responsible travel, and service learning

Personalized and Consistent Support

• Our head office is located in Chicago, and we’re available to answer questions during US business hours.
• Friendly, responsive, and professional communication from staff who have actually volunteered abroad themselves
• Hands on support and personal attention every step of the way
• An experienced program manager will personally review your application to make sure this is the right program for you

Global Community of Volunteers

• Access to a community of alumni and current volunteers on the program, before you even leave!
• Automatic enrollment in the Greenheart Club, an online community for Greenheart alumni to find resources, log volunteer hours, and apply for alumni grants and scholarship
• Offer an online platform to log your service hours, qualifying you for a  Greenheart Grant
• Exclusive access to Greenheart Travel Alumni Program

Top-Notch Materials and Preparation

• The Greenheart Travel Atlas, an interactive guide to your cross-cultural experience
• Online pre-departure orientation with focus on cultural training
• Greenheart Travel T-shirt

Don’t just take our word for it! Check out independent reviews from past participants of Greenheart Travel programs here.

Join Your Teen or Young Adult on a Meaningful Conservation Journey

We know that sending your teen or young adult abroad can be both exciting and a little daunting. That’s why we want you to know- you’re welcome to join them! Our Elephant Experience program in Sri Lanka is open to families, giving parents the chance to share in this unforgettable journey while supporting conservation and cultural exchange together.

Not only will you witness the wonder of working with elephants up close, but you’ll also create memories that you and your child will treasure for years to come. From feeding and walking elephants through the forest, to helping maintain their enclosures, to learning about the deep cultural ties between Sri Lankans and these gentle giants, every day offers opportunities for discovery, bonding, and purpose.

Safety & Supervision

Your family’s safety—and your teen’s—is our highest priority. Here’s how we ensure a safe and supportive environment:

• Experienced Local Team – Guided by expert coordinators and mahouts who have years of experience caring for elephants and supporting volunteers.
• 24/7 On-Site Support – Our staff and project coordinators are always available to assist with questions, emergencies, and day-to-day needs.
• Peaceful Village Setting – Volunteers live with host families in a traditional Sri Lankan village near Mawanella, where the pace of life is calm and welcoming.
• Orientation & Guidelines – Upon arrival, participants receive cultural tips, safety briefings, and program guidance to help them adjust and feel at home.
• Community Connections – Longstanding relationships with local families and mahouts foster a safe, respectful, and supportive atmosphere.

While accommodations are simple and village-based, this authenticity is part of the experience—your family will live much like locals do, sharing meals, stories, and laughter, and quickly becoming part of the community.

Why Parents Love Joining

• Peace of Mind – Experience firsthand the living arrangements, program work, and cultural environment your teen will enjoy.
• Shared Purpose – Work together on meaningful conservation efforts that directly support elephant welfare.
• Bonding Time – Travel, learn, and make a difference as a family while exploring the beauty and traditions of Sri Lanka.

Whether you’re joining for reassurance, adventure, or both, volunteering alongside your teen in Sri Lanka means you’ll return home with powerful memories, new perspectives, and the knowledge that you’ve made a real impact – for elephants, and for each other.

Have questions or want to talk to us about the program? Set up a time to have a phone call below.

Be sure to review the FAQs before your call! 

1. Start Your Application Here. You will be sent more information as well as the link to our application portal to begin your formal application.

2. Submit Basic Program Information: The first step in our application portal will be basic things like your chosen start date, etc.

3. Submit your Application Fee: A $300 fee is required in order to apply for the program. This is subtracted from your total program fee. If we are unable to accept you following your interview (very unlikely!) we will refund your application fee in full.

4. Complete Application & Documents: Provide more detailed information about yourself in Part 2 of the application. In this section, you’ll tell us more information like your work history, motivations for joining the program, travel history, and emergency contacts. You will also submit your documents (below) within your portal account.

5. Video Interview: Once you have submitted your online application and paid your application fee, you will be asked to schedule a video interview with a Greenheart Travel representative.

6. You’re Accepted! Woohoo! We are usually able to accept people within 1-2 weeks of their interviews.

7. Commitment Payment: Once you are accepted to the program, you will need to submit a $300 commitment payment within 14 days to confirm your spot on the program. Once you submit your commitment payment you will unlock the acceptance portion of your portal, which includes things like pre-departure videos, travel and arrival information, the Greenheart Travel Atlas, and more.

9. Book your flights, and get ready for your adventure to Sri Lanka! The rest of your balance is due 60 days before you leave.

The above process can take as little as 1 week to complete, so it’s up to you how quickly you’re able to complete each step.