Community Tourism with Sarvodaya
As a community tourist traveling with the Sarvodaya International Division, you will have the opportunity to learn about the lives of local community members. This may include helping them with their daily activities such as local food production, the creation of goods for market, and other community based projects. Below are the possibilities that Sarvodaya has already established within each region; however, the Sarvodaya staff is open to suggestions to meet the needs of each individual group.
If you are interested in traveling through Sri Lanka with Sarvodaya, you can plan your itinerary through the activities listed below. Please contact Mr. Bandula at [email protected] for assistance!
Possible tourist destinations and activities:
Wellawaya
(known for agricultural activities)
Activities specific to Wellawaya include:
– Assist local farmers in building watch huts used to protect their crops
– Tour of the Sarvodaya farm in Thanamalwila, including viewing expeditions of local wildlife
– Fish at Handapanagala water tank
– Learn about sustainable agricultural practices
– Homestays in Handapanagala
– Help harvest and sell crops and locally produced goods at community markets
– Harvest coconuts
– Learn to prepare local food dishes
Cultural Tourism Destinations for Wellawaya include:
– Ethical wildlife tours – opportunities to visit wild elephants in their natural habitat
– Beaches in Hambantota
– Visits to historical/cultural sites throughout the Monaragala District (including Buduruwagala, Maligawila, Budugalena, Dematamal Vihara, Maligawila)
Trincomalee
(known for religious and ethnic diversity)
Activities specific to Trincomalee include:
– Grind coffee and spices
– Basket weaving
– Make sweets and other foods
– Visit local markets
Cultural Tourism Destinations for Trincomalee include:
– Local beaches – within walking distance from the Sarvodaya center
– Ethical scuba diving/whale watching/other aquatic activities
– Visit Koneswaram temple
– Opportunities to purchase saris
– Visit to the naval base or army museum
– Visit Marble Beach
– Visit Girihandu Seya
– Coral reef snorkeling off of Pigeon Island
Anuradhapura
(known for its rich Buddhist history)
Activities specific to Anuradhapura include:
– Dairy cattle care
– Visit a greenhouse – ornamental plant production
– Production of chili powder and other spices
– Production of shoes/purses
– Make skirts or other clothing items
Cultural Tourism Destinations for Anuradhapura include:
– Visit Mihintale or any of the many well-publicized historic sites in Old Town Anuradhapura
– Visit Thanthirimale
– Additional significant historic sites, including Sigiriya and the Dambulla Caves, are a short drive away
