We are looking for strong and fit people who can help us with the rice harvest between the months of March and April 2012.

Are you able to work all day in the fields in the hot sun up to your knees in muddy paddy water? Can you eat very spicy food, live in basic conditions and still kep your sense of humour?

If so, contact us and you will have the experience of a lifetime, see and practice ancient harvesting techniques and witness traditional Buddhist harvest ceremonies as a well deserving member of this remote community.

Kandy, Knuckles Mountains

We work with villagers to help sustain their tradtional lifestyles. We would welcome your assistance if you are willing to work in the paddy fields and other forms of eco friendly agriculture. Bear in mind, water buffaloes and traditional implements are the nearest things to technology you will find. We also need your help to maintain the fences, homes and huts of local people, again using traditional methods.

For you there will be opportunities to learn ancient skills - such as how to fish without a rod, line or net, how to make rope the real way, set traps and sample the local toddy - as well as a chance to help local people speak English.

We are looking for fit and strong people who are willing to be adventurous, are able to embrace challenges and who above all are open to a completely different way of life.

Sinhalese, some English

Accommodation will be with local families, living in their brick or wattle and daub homes. The village is split between a site in the valley which has electricity and outhouse type toilets and accomodation at the Abode house which sits on top of a mountain. It can only be reached by walking up the pass for three hours carrying all your belongings. Here there is no electricity or recognisable toilets. Washing is in the stream, the bush is the toilet and lighting after dark at 6pm is by oil lamps and campfire.This is a unique experience for those who would relish an opportunity to work with villagers in a truly natural setting.

We recognise that this experience is not for everyone. You need to be prepared to leave modern life behind and to accept a community style of living whilst being based in a family home. There is no medical care in the area but villagers practice Ayurvedic traditonal methods which can help with minor problems. If you take medication you need to make sure you bring it all with you in weather, heat and waterproof containers.

It is a way of life where everyone shares chores and celebrations, and where there is joyfulness, innocence and unconditional acceptance.

You will need to be very physically fit, no matter what your age is, and be willing to respect and observe the traditonal ways of the village. Undue exposure of the body offends as Budhhism is the prevailing religion in the area and you will need to leave your western technology behind. There is no internet, mobile phone coverage is virtually non existent and battery radio is the only device which is likely to work.

But if you are up for this challenge you will find you miss none of the west and come away from your experience enhanced by the tradiitonal lifestyle. Your memories will stay forever and your photos will be stupendous - but bring batteries!