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

  • Visits to World Heritage Sites: Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Dambulla Rock Temple

  • Wildlife safaris in Yala, Kaudulla, and Lunugamwehera

  • The "Great Elephant Gathering of Asia" at Minneriya

  • Train ride to Ella, Ayurveda herbal gardens, and tea plantations

  • Joining government rangers in field operations and creating video blogs

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.