Kandy - Restoration and Renovation Project

Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka is a major tourist destination. About 115 km from Colombo at 465 meters above sea level. Famous for the Temple of the Tooth and many other temples the city could be called the cultural capital of the island. This bustling market town is rich in cultural diversity and has plenty to offer to the tourists from songs dances and handicrafts to ancient temples and adventure activities. Kandy was a royal capital and the last stronghold of the Kandyan kings against foreign powers, holding out against them for about 300 years. The two main Buddhist Chapters are based here and formed the last center of independent Buddhist thought during colonial times.

To bring back the lost glory of these ancient temples such that more and more people come to visit these forgotten temples and to create an aesthetically educative ambience for children at schools.

Introduction Day
On the Monday of your first week at this location, you will join our orientation day, to familiarize you with the surroundings as well as local culture. Your program will continue as usual from Tuesday onward throughout the rest of the week.

Schedule for Introduction Day
Welcome, introduction to Sri Lanka and projects, House rules, Code of Conduct and handling of documents
Sinhalese Language Lesson
Cultural Lesson
Kandy City Tour

Monday to Friday
Cleaning the surroundings of the identified sites
Painting buildings
Engaging in mural work if available
Engaging in artwork if the temple makes requests

The project is closed on public holidays.

2025
12 & 26 February
13 & 31 March
12-15 & 18 April
01 & 12-13 May
10 June
10 July
08 August
05 & 17 September
07 & 20 October
05 November
04 & 25 December

***Please note that during New Year Holiday Week in April all the projects will be closed. New arrivals will not be accepted on 8 or 9 April 2023.***

Minimum age of 18
Basic level of competency in English
Travel & medical insurance
Police Clearance Certificate on sign-up
Passport copy required on arrival
Copy of online Visa approval
Participants with body tattoos need to cover them and those who have visible piercings (not ears) must take the ring/studs/etc out while at the placement

Volunteers need to be flexible and keep an open mind concerning their placements as situations can arise beyond our control which could require you to be placed at a different project than the one you have initially chosen. We will of course always do our utmost to fulfill your initial wishes but do remember that where you are going is quite different from where you are coming and as such one should be prepared for things not always going according to plan.

Volunteering and intercultural travel share a common trait: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This program is designed for proactive individuals and groups that are prepared to adapt to the local environment and its current needs. Naturally, the scheduling and activities of our program are subject to change. Alterations in activities are mainly due to changes in local conditions, which we believe is part of what makes overseas programs the interesting adventure and incredible learning experience that they are.

Our projects range from 1 week up to approx. 30 weeks. Projects have a specified minimum stay, then it’s up to you how long you can commit. In our experience the longer you stay the more you will gain, as your understanding of the project broadens and you take on more responsibilities. Every volunteer will be given a certificate of appreciation at the end of their stay as a symbol of volunteering stay.

This program can also include a Culture Week which is highly recommended but not mandatory - just inform your travel advisor if you wish to include it. This week introduces you to the culture and people of Sri Lanka. You will be given an orientation and taught about safety, transport, religion and told about other culturally acceptable practices. You will visit several temples including the Temple of the Tooth, have an Ayurvedic massage and witness a traditional Kandyan dance performance. The Culture Week also includes language lessons, a Sri Lankan cooking lesson and learning Sri Lankan traditions by practice. Apart from all the sights you take in, this week will also have you eating lots of delicious Sri Lankan food.