Kandy - Construction and Renovation

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.

The goal of this program is to improve essential community infrastructure while fostering collaboration between local residents and international participants. By enhancing shared spaces, we contribute to safer learning environments, stronger community pride and long-term social wellbeing.

Day 1: Sunday - Welcome to Kandy - Arrival & Connection
Arrive at TGL Kandy accommodation and settle in. Meet fellow participants and receive your accommodation orientation. Evening group dinner and introductions.

Day 2: Monday - Culture and Community Insight
Morning: Start the week by submitting and organizing necessary documents for the program. An overview of the week's activities, objectives, and cultural insights. Visit a spice garden and learn about the variety of spices that are integral to Sri Lankan cuisine and Ayurveda. Enjoy an informative walk through the lush gardens

Afternoon: Local Lunch at the Spice Garden and savor traditional Sri Lankan dishes prepared with fresh, aromatic spices. Enjoy an Ayurvedic Massage Experience, showcasing the therapeutic techniques of Ayurveda. Visit a Tea Factory and discover the process of tea production, from plucking leaves to brewing a perfect cup. Enjoy tea-tasting sessions with locally grown varieties

Evening: Dinner at the accommodation and free time to rest, relax and prepare for your first day at the Construction and Renovation site

Day 3: Tuesday - Laying the Foundations
Morning: Travel to the renovation site and begin your first hands-on work session. Tasks may include cleaning, surface preparation, sanding, or site clearing depending on project needs

Afternoon: Lunch at the accommodation. Prepare for the following day at the Construction and Renovation site

Evening: Dinner with fellow participants and time for resting and relaxing

Day 4: Wednesday - Restoration in Focus
Morning: Continue renovation work. Activities may include painting walls, assisting with light construction, plaster applications or supporting mural creation

Afternoon: Lunch at the accommodation followed by preparation of tools and materials for the next day

Evening: Dinner and time for resting and relaxing

Day 5: Thursday - Building Together
Morning: Advance renovation efforts with focused teamwork. Activities may include landscaping, decorative improvements or finalising structural repairs depending on project progress

Afternoon: Lunch at the accommodation and project progress review. Plan final touches for project completion

Evening: Dinner and time to socialize, rest or relax

Day 6: Friday - Completion and Handover
Morning: Finalise painting and finishing touches.

Afternoon: Lunch and reflection on your time working on the project

Evening: Final Dinner with other volunteers and certificate ceremony

Day 7: Saturday - Departure Day

Morning: Prepare for your departure by noon

Typical Daily Schedule
08:00 - Breakfast
09:00 Leave to Construction and Renovation site
9:30 Begin hands-on work at Construction and Renovation site
13:00 Return to the accommodation for lunch
14:00 Gather supplies and prepare for the following day's project
16:00 Free time to rest, relax and socialize
19:30 Dinner at the accommodation
20:00 Free time

***This schedule is an example and can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***

The project is closed on public holidays.

2026
01 & 28 May
29 June
29 July
26-27 August
24 November
23 & 25 December

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.