Program Duration & Availability
Min duration (weeks): 1
Aims & Objectives
The aim of this project is to conserve turtles by directly taking care of the turtles, enhancing awareness among fishermen and the communities regarding turtle conservation and increasing the number of turtles in the ocean by releasing baby hatchlings to the sea.
Schedule
Monday to Friday
- The activities change according to the beach weather conditions and the number of participants but spending time with these marvellous creatures is the main aim of our participants’ involvement.
- This program requires your dedication and support. Cleaning of the turtles and their tanks at the turtle conservation centre are the main things you have to do. That is because it is vital to have a clean and hygienic centre for these animals.
- Typical activities during the week would include:
- Feeding the turtles (every other day)
- Cleaning the tanks
- Cleaning the turtles
- Cleaning the beach
- Helping with the weekly release of over 100 new-born turtles into the ocean (depends on the weather and season).
- This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.
Please note that we do not recommend participants to go to bars/pubs on the beach. And the local team will not be responsible for any incidents occurring due to the participants’ interactions with locals and other tourists in these places.
Location
Ambalangoda is a coastal town located in the Galle District, of the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. This little town by the ocean is a sweaty, workaday town, and not touristy. Ambalangoda is known as a Buddhist city in Sri Lanka. Ambalangoda is the place where “Masks” originated in Sri Lanka during the days of the kings and this is still thriving sometimes but a bit modernised. In addition the place is reputed for its golden beaches, puppet shows, devil dancing, moonstone, and antique furniture. Plantations of low country tea, rubber, coconut and cinnamon plantations and factories.
Accommodation & Food
You will be accommodated in our centre which is located a few meters from the ocean.
The beach is closer to the accommodation where you can hang out with fellow participants.
Furthermore, there is a refrigerator which you are welcome to use to store food and beverages. Safety lockers are available to store your belongings. Please bring your own padlock to be used.
Available Room Types
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Standard Room
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All meals included
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Yes *
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Free beverages
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Yes **
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Persons per room
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4-10
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Wifi in public areas
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No
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Laundry facilities
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Yes ***
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Safety box
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Yes
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Lockable rooms
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Yes
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Hot shower
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No
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Private bathroom
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No
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Bed linen
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Yes
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Towels
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No
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Air conditioning
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No
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Fan
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Yes
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Mosquito protection
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No
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* Three meals per day during weekdays and two per day on weekends
** Water, tea, and coffee
*** At an additional fee
Food Arrangements
You will be provided with three meals a day on weekdays and two meals per day on weekends. The meals are mainly Sri Lankan food, consisting mainly of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables. You can eat out at any of the local restaurants.
Facilities
Our house is located a 10 minutes walk away from the city centre, where you can find anything you might need.
The nearest ATM and supermarket are located a 10 minute walk away from our accommodation.
Mandatory Orientation Day
At this location there is no mandatory orientation day offered.
Activities & Events
No scheduled activities outside the program.
Sights & Surroundings
Visit the Sailatalarama Vihara which lies about 7 km 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, they give 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.
Transportation
From this location we do not provide free transport to other locations.
