midlife Programme

Sri Lanka Good to know

women's empowerment + yoga + hiking

Project Background

Charlie and Richard Pembroke are the driving forces behind this transformative adventure, having created both Tekanda and the Gamata Athak women's empowerment centre. Their passion for community development and sustainable tourism shines through in every aspect of this experience.

Gamata Athak, meaning "A Hand to the Village," is dedicated to bridging the rural-urban skills divide in Sri Lanka. At the centre, local women are taught valuable skills in cookery, computing, dressmaking, and English, with the goal of helping them access employment opportunities in the growing tourism sector. As part of this journey, you'll contribute to these lessons, sharing your knowledge while also learning from the women as they teach you their traditional recipes and welcome you into their warm, tight-knit community.

Richard, a passionate cricket enthusiast, has also set up a girls' cricket team, which he coaches and transports around the countryside for competitions. If you're a cricket lover, you might find yourself whisked off to the Girls Cricket Academy to help coach and inspire the next generation of female cricketers.

Together, Richard and Charlie have crafted an itinerary that offers a perfect balance of contrast, adventure, and respite, allowing you to contribute meaningfully while embracing the richness of Sri Lanka’s culture and natural beauty.

Accommodation + Food

TEKANDA LODGE
Tekanda is a stunning lodge with panoramic views of the surrounding hills, paddy fields, and jungle. The accommodation is designed in a rustic chic style with five large en-suite double bedrooms, each with a private veranda. The main lodge features a stylish living area just above a large infinity pool. Shared room only.

All meals are included, prepared by head chef Rana using the freshest produce available. Expect a combination of plant-based dishes with some fish, seafood, and meat. Vegan and vegetarian diets available. Utterly delicious.
www.tekandalodge.com

AMBA ESTATE
Amba Estate’s old farmhouse and two neighbouring bungalows operate as guest houses, offering simple yet cosy twin rooms. These guest houses deliver a comfortable and cosy experience, nestled within the organic farm, and surrounded by stunning views. Shared room only.

All meals are provided at Amba, lovingly prepared by the local women, who were once fieldworkers from the village. The ingredients are sourced from the organic farm and neighbouring areas, ensuring freshness and sustainability. Meals are traditional, vegetarian cuisine, such as hoppers dosai, soups with roti. 
www.ambaestate.com

GALLE FACE HOTEL, COLOMBO
The Galle Face Hotel, an iconic sea-fronted colonial hotel, provides a glimpse into a bygone era. This historic hotel delivers an elegant, old-world charm, with stunning views of the ocean. Single rooms.

Breakfast is included. Supper is additional and we will recommend a few great places in the city.
www.gallefacehotel.com

Sri Lanka Essentials 

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Communication

Communication in Sri Lanka is easier than you might think, most of the women you’ll be working with speak basic English and are eager to practise and connect.

You don’t need to be a teacher or fluent speaker; your role is to support conversational confidence through simple, everyday exchanges.

We’ll provide a translation sheet with useful Sinhala and Tamil phrases, and our local team will always be on hand to help. Ultimately, connection here goes beyond language—it’s about openness, warmth, and the willingness to show up with kindness.

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Phones + Wi-Fi

Staying connected in Sri Lanka is refreshingly easy, there’s good mobile signal in most areas and Wi-Fi at Tekanda Lodge and other key stops along the way.

You’ll be able to keep in touch with home, share photos, and check in when you need to.

Most travellers pick up a local SIM with data on arrival for extra ease, but even without one, you’ll have reliable access to Wi-Fi throughout the trip.

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Weather & Travel Times

February and November are both ideal times to visit southern Sri Lanka, offering warm temperatures, sunshine, and fewer crowds.

In February, you’ll enjoy dry, sunny days, perfect for yoga on the terrace, surf sessions, and exploring the coast. November brings a gentle freshness after the short inter-monsoon season, with lush green landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and a peaceful atmosphere before the peak tourist months begin.

The climate during both months is typically hot and humid, so we recommend packing light, breathable clothing, plus a shawl or light jumper for cooler mornings in the hills. Think linen, cotton, and clothes that let you move freely, from yoga mats to mountain trails.

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Visas & Entry Requirements

Everyone needs to apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka. Further information on eligibility is available on the Department of Immigration and Emigration website.

Visitors can apply for an ETA on the ETA website, free of charge.http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/

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Flights

You will fly into Colombo. We aim for Midlifers to travel as a team, ideally on the same flight, and we will help coordinate this.  

Please do not book any flights independently before checking the team flight details and if minimum numbers have been reached. We coordinate flights through Trailfinders, the UK’s most trusted travel brand, offering ATOL-protected "flight only" bookings (ATOL number T1458).

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Insurance

We suggest you purchase your travel insurance at the earliest opportunity, so you are covered for any insurable reasons in the unlikely event you need to cancel. 

We recommend Campbell Irvine Ltd, who offer travel insurance designed specifically with our trips in mind. They have an excellent reputation with extensive medical and cancellation cover.

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Vaccinations

The following vaccinations and medications are recommended as a guide, but please consult your doctor for personalised advice:

Hepatitis A & B
Tetanus
Typhoid

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Money

Local currency is the Sri Lanka rupee. We recommend bringing a debit card and/or a Revolut (or similar) card for convenience and security.

ATMs are widely available, making it easy to withdraw money as needed.

What to Pack?

Clothes

In addition to your normal holiday packing, please take:

  • A selection of light weight trousers, skirts, dresses
  • T-shirts  (long and short sleeved)
  • Trainers for hiking in Amba
  • Flip-flops/casual shoes
  • Swimming stuff
  • Warm fleece for the Highlands

Equipment

  • Day rucksack (approx. 25 litres), make sure this is comfortable on your back as you will carry this on your trek
  • Water bladder for the trek in Amba
  • Towel/sarong
  • Sunglasses
  • Water bottle

Toiletries & Medical

  • Basic everyday toiletries
  • Sun cream/after sun
  • Insect repellent  containing Deet
  • Antibacterial spray/cream for open wounds
  • Rehydration powders
  • Savlon
  • Antihistamines
  • E45/Sudocrem
  • Immodium
  • Mediplasters
  • Personal Medication: Bring extra supplies, know the generic names of your medication, and ensure you can manage allergies (e.g. carry an epipen if necessary).

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