Asia Elephant

GAPPERS looking for the next-big-thing in travel for 2012 needn’t look any further.

In the first of many exciting new trips to be launched, Real Gap Experience is offering school leavers the rare opportunity to experience Sri Lanka, one of world’s best kept travel secrets, before all of their mates.

Often talked about for its spectacular scenery and balmy beaches, the leading Gap Year specialist has unveiled three new Sri Lanka trips packed full of unique encounters and all-important bragging rights.

The 25 day Sri Lanka Experience gives travellers the chance to see the very best of Sri Lanka, including the spectacular views from “World’s End”, the magnificent Sigiriya Fort and the relaxing beach off Mirissa. Wildlife lovers will relish the opportunity to spend four days helping with monkey observation and primate research in Polonnaruwa. An amazing five night stay at Wasgamuwa National Park boasts two incredible safaris and a chance to help locals learn how to co-exist with the wild elephants at the Wasgamuwa wildlife research centre.

Priced from $2,999 per person, this enviable experience includes all accommodation, most meals, two safaris, all transfers and 24 hour emergency support.

For elephant lovers, the Sri Lanka Elephant and Community Volunteers project is the only one of its kind in Sri Lanka. It gives travellers the opportunity of a lifetime: to look after Asian elephants, working hands-on with a local mahout (elephant keeper). You will be taught interesting aspects such as body language, anatomy, health and sickness signs – as well as handling skills, enabling you to instruct your elephant to walk, lie down and lift tree trunks! Three afternoons a week, volunteers will also support children at an orphanage by teaching English and other useful skills.

Travellers can volunteer at the project without any previous experience for between 4 and 8 weeks. Priced from only $1,899 per person, it includes all accommodation, all meals (weekdays), airport transfers, onsite project coordinator, detailed orientation and 24 hour emergency support.

Sea turtles more your thing? Located on the South West corner of this stunning island, volunteers are needed to help with the daily care and preservation of these adorable creatures at the Sri Lanka Sea Turtle and Community Volunteers project. You’ll be caring for turtles that live at the centre, maintaining the project area and the beach, burying eggs brought by vendors, cleaning the hatcheries, feeding the turtles and releasing them back into the wild. Travellers can volunteer at the project without any previous experience for between 2 and 12 weeks. With the beach right on your doorstep and priced from only $1,399 per person, why wouldn’t you?