Learner Voice Series: My Ecoventure Trip to Sri Lanka: A Memorable School Adventure By Yara
Earlier this month, I embarked on an unforgettable five-day Ecoventure trip to Sri Lanka as part of my school activities. It was a perfect blend of adventure, learning, and fun shared with friends, seniors who have now become friends, and our incredible teachers Mr. Matt and Ms. Lauren who made the experience even more special. We stayed at the Kaduru Camp, a surprisingly comfortable and well-maintained site that felt like a home away from home. Sharing a dorm with three of my closest friends strengthened our bond, even if the late-night homesick tears woke me up occasionally.
On Day one, we kicked off the adventure with a visit to a turtle sanctuary. Watching the turtles and learning about their conservation left me inspired. It was heartwarming to see the efforts put into protecting these gentle creatures, and it set the tone for the rest of the trip. Later, we were treated to a captivating Sri Lankan folklore dance and music performance, complete with fire displays. I forgot to mention that we were introduced to worlds best guides (at least in my opinion) – Mr. Musha and Mr. Alex without whom the entire trip would not be complete.
Day Two was all about nature and culture, but early morning breakfasts were always the best way to start our day. We trekked through the enchanting Sri Lankan rainforest, marvelling at its lush greenery and unique ecosystem and saw the most beautiful waterfall ever! We always stopped along the way to see many creatures but the pit viper snake and the green vine snake have stuck in my memory, even though I was nervous around them!
The highlight of Day three was a visit to Koggala, a nearby village. We took a scenic boat ride to a local cinnamon plantation island, where I purchased the best cinnamon I’ve ever tasted—it’s now a cherished part of my evening tea ritual. The day also included a unique fish therapy session and a tour of a weaving mill factory. To top it off, we got creative and decorated coconut shells, an activity that combined fun and creativity and I actually kept the shell in my bedroom to always remind me of this special adventure.Â
Day four was an adventure I had been eagerly anticipating: surfing! It turned out to be much harder than I imagined, but just as I was starting to get the hang of it, our session ended. The surprise of the day was spotting a dog surfing effortlessly nearby—far better than me! After surfing, we visited the historic Galle Fort. We enjoyed a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before Musha, our guide, gave us a fascinating history lesson. We explored the area, visited local shops, and picked up souvenirs to remember the trip.
The final day began with an early morning cooking class where we learned to make some local Sri Lankan dishes. It was a fitting end to the trip, allowing us to engage with the local cuisine and culture one last time. However, our return journey wasn’t without a twist—our flight was delayed by over 10 hours! Though tiring, this unexpected turn added to the learning experience and brought us closer as a group.
Reflecting on this adventure, I realise how much I gained from the trip—not only in knowledge and cultural appreciation but also in memories that I’ll treasure forever. This Ecoventure was more than a school activity; it was an experience that taught me resilience, collaboration and the joy of exploring new horizons. I did miss my family a lot back home, but I secretly deep down wished I could spend a little more time with my friends!
