Weekends are free to relax and to explore the local area.
Facilities:
Our house is located 10 minutes walk away from the city center, where you can find anything you might need.
The nearest ATM and supermarket are located a 10 minute walk away from our accommodation.
Activities & Events:
There are no activities scheduled outside of our programs.
Sights & Surroundings:
Visit Sailatalarama Vihara which lies 7km inland from Ambalangoda. This temple sits on a domed hill with broad views over spice plantations and lakes towards the ranges of the Province of Sabaragamuwa. The temple has a 35m-long sleeping Buddha statue, built by donations. Pilgrims approach the dagobas and devale (a complex designed for worshipping a Hindu or local Sri Lankan deity) via 208 steps, but there’s also a road to the top.
Also visit The Ariyapala Mask Museum, with its dioramas and explanations in English, and gives an excellent insight into Sri Lankan masks and the meanings behind them. It also sells the booklet The Ambalangoda Mask Museum, a useful publication if you want to delve into the mysterious world of dance, legend and exorcism, and the psychology behind the masks.
Your accommodation is at our center which is located a few meters from the ocean. The basic, dorm style rooms are shared by 4-10 people on a single-gender basis. The rooms have fans, no air-conditioning is available. Bathroom and toilet facilities are shared, please note that only cold water is 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.
If you take the Introduction Week in Kandy before the Turtle Conservation Project, you transfer to Ambalangoda by train. The project staff will take you to the train station for your transfer to the Turtle Project and staff will meet you from the train when you arrive in Ambalangoda. You pay for the train ticket locally.
Transfer Coordinator: Ivomi (she speaks English)
Mobile: 0094-703671196 or the communcations coordinator on 0094714616467
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.
You will be provided with three meals a day on weekdays and two meals per day on weekends (we are not responsible for meals if applicants are traveling on their own during weekdays or 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.
Breakfast menu: toast, jam, butter, eggs, two choices of fruits, tea and coffee (oat meal, cereal, yogurt, etc… will not be provided by us).
What to Bring
Toilet paper, towels, soap, mosquito nets and mosquito repellant are NOT provided so you will have to bring these along with you. Do also take a padlock to safely store your belongings. Please also take care of malaria precautions.
Visa
Please remember to take care of the visa arrangements on time.
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.
