Kandy, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Jungle Impact: Reforestation & Eco-Lodge Life in the Hills of Kandy
Ditch the tourist trail and dive deep into the real Sri Lanka. This journey brings the group to a hidden eco-lodge in the Kandyan hills, a project dedicated to forest protection. The traveler will get their hands dirty with vital reforestation and agroforestry projects, living alongside a community dedicated to preserving the jungle. This is an immersive experience designed for travelers who want to connect with nature, contribute to a tangible goal, and live sustainably.
- Remon Ellegala
- Worldpackers host since Apr/2019
Available group trips
Dec 01, 2027 - Dec 07, 2027
Coming soonMore dates available soon
Dates to book this experience for 2026 and 2027 will be available soon, stay tuned!
Itinerary
Day 1
Afternoon
Group Pick-Up & Jungle Transfer
Arrive in the afternoon. Time to land, breathe in the fresh air, and settle into your new home base
Lodge Check-in & Orientation
Gather for the official welcome. Get the full orientation on the mission, the schedule, and the impact.
Evening
Welcome to Sri Lanka Dinner
The group shares its first meal together. This is where the connection begins.
Day 2
Morning
Jungle Breakfast Kick-Off
Start the first full day with a fresh, local breakfast.
Village Trek & Waterfall Swim
Hike through the local village, discovering a stunning waterfall for a refreshing swim.
Afternoon
Picnic Lunch
No need to hike back. Enjoy a picnic lunch right by the waterfall.
Sunset Yoga Class
Wind down in the late afternoon. The traveler joins a restorative yoga session to stretch out and connect.
Evening
Community Dinner
Share stories from the day's trek over a well-deserved group dinner.
Day 3
Morning
Morning Breakfast
Breakfast gets everyone ready for a major day of impact.
Kandyan Forest Workshop
Join the Forest Healing Foundation to get hands-on with tree planting and vital reforestation.
Afternoon
Group Lunch
Recharge with a hearty lunch back at the project.
Community Spice Factory
The traveler will work with local women, hand-picking spices and peeling cinnamon. This is direct, hands-on support.
Evening
Group Dinner
After a fulfilling day, gather for dinner.
Day 4
Morning
Morning Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast before diving back into the community experience.
Spice Factory Experience
Return to the spice factory to continue working alongside the local women.
Afternoon
Group Lunch
Break for lunch with the rest of the group.
Natural Dyeing Workshop
The traveler learns ancient techniques from a local woman, using spices to create natural dyes.
Evening
Community Dinner
Share a meal and stories from the workshop.
Day 5
Morning
Morning Yoga Class
Start the day with a centering yoga session.
Group Breakfast
After yoga, have breakfast together.
Buddhism & Simple Living
Join an open discussion to learn about Buddhist philosophy and the local approach to simple, mindful living.
Afternoon
Community Lunch
A quick break to fuel up before the next adventure.
Spice Factory Experience
Have a final session at the spice factory, supporting the local women's cooperative.
Evening
Community Dinner
Enjoy another community dinner.
Day 6
Morning
Morning Breakfast
Breakfast fuels everyone for a hands-on culinary day.
Traditional Agricultural Experience
Get deep into local farming, learning traditional methods.
Afternoon
Cooking Class & Lunch
The agriculture experience flows into a cooking class, where the group will prepare and eat its own traditional lunch.
Village Volleyball Match
It's time for fun. Join the village team for a friendly (or competitive!) volleyball match.
Evening
Farewell Dinner & Quiz
Share a final dinner, followed by a fun quiz night to celebrate the week.
Day 7
Morning
Final Group Breakfast
Enjoy one last breakfast with the group.
Departure
It's time for goodbyes. The traveler departs, filled with new memories and a clear, positive impact.
What's included
What's not included
Requirements
- Intermediate English
- Over 18 years old
Activities
See the activities that will make your trip into an epic adventure.
Learning opportunities
Contribute to your project and make a positive impact while developing new skills.
Kandyan Forest Workshop
Make a direct impact. Get hands-on with tree planting and learn about vital reforestation.
Local Cooking Class
Master traditional Sri Lankan recipes. Learn authentic culinary secrets from local women.
Buddhism & Simple Living Talk
An open discussion on Buddhist philosophy and the local approach to a mindful, simple life.
Traditional Agriculture Experience
Get your hands dirty. Learn the secrets of local farming and how to live sustainably off the land.
Immersion activities
Get to know the local culture and have an authentic travel experience with activities included in your itinerary.
Ethical Spice Project
Work alongside local women at Eko Land Produce. Get hands-on picking spices and peeling cinnamon.
Village Trek & Waterfall Swim
Hike through the local village trails and end with a refreshing swim in a stunning hidden waterfall.
Village Volleyball Match
Join the local village team for a friendly match. A perfect way to connect, laugh, and play.
Yoga Class
Center your mind and body. Enjoy restorative yoga sessions surrounded by the sounds of nature.
Natural Batik Workshop
Learn ancient art techniques. Create your own Batik using natural dyes made from local spices.
Extra activities
Additional activities for you to enjoy this adventure even more in your free time.
Extra Yoga Classes
Want to find more flow? Book extra private sessions to deepen your practice in the jungle.
Extra-Class (Rs 2,000); 2 classes are already included in the trip.
Thaís
Brazil
Incredible place and atmosphere, I really enjoyed my time at the lodge living in the jungle. Activities are exactly as agreed, communication with Remon is easy and he is very suportive. Accomodation and food are really good. Remon, Freya, Nel and Nihal are amazing hosts, thank you for every moment I had here. I hope join you once again!
17 days ago
Ayla
Australia
The time I spent at Poleaththa the lodge was amazing. The jungle and environment here are so refreshing with exceptionally kind and caring people. Their commitment to the environment and preservation of our planet is truely remarkable and I feel very special to have taken a part in it.
about 6 years ago
Talk to those who have lived the experience
In our community, you can talk to worldpackers who have already collaborated with this host and get your questions answered directly.
Connect with others who will also be there
Exchange ideas with other confirmed worldpackers before your trip.
Accommodation options
Private Cabana
Stay in one of the four unique wooden cabanas, crafted in a traditional style by local villagers. Your private cabana features a balcony to enjoy the forest sounds, an ensuite bathroom with hot water, and a mosquito net. This is the perfect option for a peaceful, solo retreat or for a couple. You will be assigned one of the four stunning wooden cabanas based on availability.
- Fixed-price laundry service
- Internet (under 50 Mbps)
- Hot water showers
Shared Lodge
This is where the group's story begins. You'll share one of 11 spacious lodges, built by local artisans from traditional mud and brick. Designed for real connection, each lodge features 3-4 separate beds, an ensuite bathroom with hot water, and a private balcony—perfect for soaking in the jungle views or hanging out. It’s the ideal home base for bonding with fellow travelers in an authentic, comfortable setting.
- Fixed-price laundry service
- Internet (under 50 Mbps)
- Hot water showers
Meals
Get ready to fuel your impact with amazing local food. Three authentic Sri Lankan meals are provided for the group every day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Travelers will explore the true taste of the region, enjoying flavorful local dishes like the famous "rice and curry" among other specialties, mixed with western traditional dishes. The kitchen is fully prepared for dietary needs, with delicious vegan and vegetarian options always available. It's an authentic jungle-to-table experience.
Arrival orientation
The traveler is responsible for arranging their flight to Katunayake/Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). From there, the traveler will make their way to the nearby city of Negombo (approx. 30-60 min taxi ride). The official group pick-up will be from a —we recommend exploring the city a bit before we meet! The local team will coordinate the exact time and meeting point with the group via a dedicated WhatsApp group before the trip. The traveler will receive a contact number and details on how to identify the driver, who will have a sign. From Negombo, the group travels directly to the project. For departure, drop-off at the Digana Bus station is included. Drop-off back at CMB airport is possible for an extra fee.
About the project
The group will be guided by the passionate local team behind this pioneering eco-lodge. Their mission is 100% focused on forest protection and creating sustainable, empowering livelihoods for the local community. They are experts in eco-tourism, reforestation, and agroforestry, running conservation programs that have a real impact. Speaking fluent English, they are deeply committed to their mission and eager to share their home and knowledge of the jungle with the group.
About the destination
This experience is set deep in the lush, jungle-covered hills of the Kandyan region, near the town of Digana. This is not the typical tourist spot; it’s a remote and authentic setting where the traveler can truly disconnect from the noise. The location offers total immersion in nature, surrounded by rich biodiversity and the sounds of the forest, while still being accessible from the historic city of Kandy. It's the perfect base for adventure, conservation, and genuine cultural exchange.
Impact & Purpose
This journey is built on a clear purpose: to actively support forest conservation and empower the local community. The traveler will join a critical mission, getting hands-on with reforestation by planting trees and maintaining these new forest patches. The group will also dive into agroforestry and organic gardening, learning how food can be grown in harmony with nature. Your contribution directly supports the project's goal of protecting the local ecosystem and providing sustainable livelihoods.
This host contributes to Sustainable Development Goals
Climate action
The reforestation work is a tangible form of climate action, sequestering carbon as the new forest grows. Furthermore, the group will learn and promote agroforestry and organic methods, which are sustainable alternatives to 'slash and burn' farming, helping to reduce overall carbon emissions and build local climate resilience.
Life on land
The group's work is a direct contribution to this goal. Travelers will participate in a large-scale reforestation project with a mission to plant over 10,000 trees. This hands-on effort is vital for protecting local biodiversity, preventing soil erosion, and re-establishing the natural jungle habitat.
No poverty
This experience is built on a community-first model. The project exclusively employs 100% of its staff from the surrounding villages, providing stable, long-term incomes. It operates on a 50% profit-sharing model, ensuring the local team benefits directly and fairly from the group's stay.
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