Sri Lanka

Antiquity, Culture and Wildlife

Conservation Emphasis

Join Us for an Unforgettable Journey in Sri Lanka!

Embark on the Sri Lanka Culture & Wildlife Winter Tour (Feb 7–18, 2025) with SavingGanesh.org and help make a difference for endangered elephants!

What You’ll Experience:

Support our conservation efforts to protect Sri Lanka’s elephants while exploring breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife, and vibrant culture.

Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, and the Dambulla Rock Temple.

Take part in unforgettable safaris at national parks like Yala, Kaudulla, and Minneriya—home to the iconic “Great Elephant Gathering of Asia.”

Immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s history and tradition with a classic train ride to Ella, tea plantation visits, and Ayurvedic herbal garden tours.

Why This Matters:

By joining, you’ll contribute directly to on-the-ground conservation work supporting human-elephant conflict solutions. Your participation helps guide scientists, veterinarians, and filmmakers in this vital cause.

Tour Details:

• Base price: $200/day ($2,400 total)

• Accommodations: Upgrade options available for 3-star and 3.5-star hotels.

• Park entrance fees and extras are guest’s responsibility.

Join the Movement!

Let’s make a difference together while exploring one of the world’s most magical destinations. Every step of this journey supports the elephants of Sri Lanka and the communities working to protect them.

For more details, contact Philip Price at philip@savingganesh.org

Together, let’s create hope for elephants while embracing Sri Lanka’s unparalleled beauty!


Reserve Your Spot

Make a nonrefundable $500 deposit to secure your spot:
Deposit Link

Overview

While volunteers are welcome to join SavingGanesh year-round, we organize one group tour in late fall and two in winter. These special tours are designed to provide a balanced experience of Sri Lanka's wildlife and culture.

Payment Details

  • Deposit: $500 (nonrefundable)

  • Remainder:

    • Half due one month prior to departure

    • Final balance due by Jan 7, 2025

  • Tour Cost: $2,400 (12 days at $200/day)

  • Single Room Supplement: $30 per night (optional)

Payments can be made via the links provided or through the Donate Page of SavingGanesh.org.
In the payment memo, specify: "Deposit for Sri Lanka tour."

Travel Information

  • Arrival/Departure City: Colombo (CMB)

  • Recommended Flight Search: Momondo

  • Arrival Date: By the evening of Feb 6, 2025

  • Pick-Up/Drop-Off: Pick-up from your hotel and drop-off at a location of your choice on the final tour day, Feb 18.

Visa

Apply directly via the Sri Lanka ETA website.
For your visa application, use:

  • Address: Peacock Hotel, Matara Road, Peellagoda, Unawatuna

  • Phone: 077 648 0155

Accommodations & Food

  • Hotels: 2.5-star (Western standards) or 4-star (Eastern standards) clean accommodations.

  • Food: Delicious, clean, and authentic Sri Lankan meals, including vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Staples include Kothu, string hoppers, coconut sambol, and dal.

Tour Highlights

  • Wildlife Conservation: Work directly with leading veterinarians and wildlife conservationists at Pinnawala, Udawalawe, Yala, and Ampara.

  • Cultural Exploration: Visit iconic landmarks such as the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla’s Golden Temple, and the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy.

  • Scenic Beauty: Enjoy the famous train ride from Kandy to Ella, surrounded by lush tea plantations and misty mountains.

  • Beach Escapes: Relax on the shores of Arugam Bay and explore the serene Kumana National Park.

  • Human-Elephant Conflict: Investigate and document efforts to mitigate conflict in affected villages.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Colombo

  • Meet with Dr. Tharaka, Director of Wildlife Conservation, to discuss elephant conservation efforts in Sri Lanka.

Day 2–3: Anuradhapura with Dr. Chandana

  • Collaborate on veterinary interventions in conflict zones and visit villages to learn about human-elephant coexistence.

Day 4: Sigiriya & Golden Temple of Dambulla

  • Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and explore the ancient Golden Temple.

Day 5: Kandy

  • Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic and experience Kandy’s vibrant cultural scene.

Day 6: Scenic Train Ride to Ella

  • Board one of the world’s most scenic train rides, passing through breathtaking landscapes.

Day 7: Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home

  • Witness the rehabilitation of orphaned elephants and their reintegration into the wild.

Day 8–9: Yala National Park & Optional Lunugamvehera Visit

  • Work with Dr. Dharma, assist with veterinary care, and join safaris to observe elephants in their natural habitat.

Day 10: Arugam Bay & Kumana National Park

  • Relax at the beach and visit Kumana National Park to document conservation efforts.

Day 11: Ampara with Dr. Nihal

  • Investigate conflict zones and assist with veterinary work in the Eastern Province.

Day 12: Return to Colombo for Departure

Entrance Fees

  • Ruins: $30 per site (e.g., Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa)

  • Parks: $25-30 per person
    You may reimburse these costs as a donation at the end of the tour.

Tax Deduction

This is a volunteer experience; expenses may qualify as tax-deductible. Our EIN is 47-2047666.

  • 100% Deductible: Participate as an influencer or advocate for elephant conservation.

  • 70% Deductible: Participate without advocacy.

Additional Information

  • Internet: Hotels typically have free WiFi, but a local SIM card (e.g., Dialog) is highly recommended for reliable data.

  • ATM & SIM Cards: Available in the arrival hall at Colombo Airport.

Questions?

Contact Philip via WhatsApp at +1 458-256-1306 or message through Facebook.

Why Join Us?

  • Meaningful Impact: Contribute to vital conservation efforts, supporting Sri Lanka’s elephants.

  • Unique Experiences: Combine hands-on wildlife work with cultural and scenic exploration.

  • Seamless Travel: We take care of all logistics, so you can focus on enjoying the journey.

  • Expert Guidance: Learn from leading veterinarians and conservationists.