As a tiny island dotting the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka has been a popular tourist destination for years. With its breathtakingly beautiful mountain ranges as well as magnificent tropical beaches, the island has a diverse beauty and many attractions to charm visitors. On top of that, there have been incredible improvements to the eco-conscious aspect of hospitality in Sri Lanka. More and more “green” and eco-friendly accommodation is popping up around the country every year. These practices can help preserve the natural environment and also encourage the development of the local economy, so it’s a win-win situation for everybody involved!
Moreover, Sri Lanka abounds with all kinds of environmentally-friendly activities that are great for families, couples and solo travellers. Sri Lanka has managed to preserve a substantial part of its natural environment, despite the tourism industry that has grown exponentially over the past decade. Thus, every traveller visiting the country should take great care to respect and protect Sri Lanka’s incredible ecosystems.
What can eco-friendly tourists expect in Sri Lanka
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Sri Lanka holds a solid claim for being one of the most eco-friendly destinations in the world. Apart from bustling Colombo and it’s surrounding neighbourhoods, the vast majority of the country is eco-rich. As you travel away from the heart of Colombo, the sprawling buildings quickly melt away to be replaced by miles and miles of luscious nature.
The greenery only increases as you travel into the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. Waterfalls, rivers, forests and native wildlife species will be sighted frequently in the thriving ecosystems that exist here. You can even see packs of wild deer roaming the cities of Trincomalee and the surrounding areas. It is worth noting that disturbing these creatures in any way is considered a big offence – so always keep your distance when observing the local wildlife!
The verdant landscape of Sri Lanka is a joy to explore. There’s so much to experience in the eco-rich countryside of Sri Lanka; have a river bath, take a dip in a waterfall, explore underground caves and witness some of the most breathtaking sunsets of your life!
So, what are the best eco-friendly experiences to be had in Sri Lanka? Read on to find out!
Top eco-friendly activities in Sri Lanka
Hike the Knuckles Mountain Range
Intrepid explorers can escape to the wilderness of Sri Lanka with a trip to the Knuckles Mountain Range. This craggy landscape can be found in Central Sri Lanka, in the districts of Matale and Kandy. Spend a day hiking or cycling in the foothills of the mountain range to absorb the unique, raw beauty of the Knuckles, and to immerse yourself in nature.
Central Sri Lanka was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010 and still boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the whole country. Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footsteps for an unmissable green adventure!
Take a rural village walk in Ella
Step out of your comfort zone and venture out on foot into Sri Lanka’s countryside with a rural village walk in Ella. This is a fantastic way to appreciate the beauty of the country outside of the busy towns and cities while learning lots more about the traditional way of life here. Wander through picturesque villages, soaking up the morning sunshine and taking in the greenery around you as the locals go about their day to day lives.
A rural village tour in Sri Lanka can be one of the most interesting points of your trip and is entirely eco-friendly. Consider trying it out during your stay for a blissfully tranquil, yet educational, experience!
Spot a Blue Whale at Trincomalee
Some of Sri Lanka’s most famous creatures are the magnificent Blue and Sperm whales which can often be seen off the coast of Trincomalee between May and October. These gentle giants follow their migratory path past Sri Lanka every year, giving thousands of awe-struck visitors the chance to see them in their natural habitat.
If you dream of seeing these incredible animals during your trip, a whale-watching tour can be a great, eco-friendly way to do so. There are many tour operators offering tickets for whale watching expeditions around Trincomalee, so finding a ride shouldn’t be hard. Shop around to find an operator with eco-friendly practices, so you see the world’ss largest mammals without disturbing their habitat.
Take a boat trip down the Madu River
Lose yourself in the beauty of Sri Lanka’s wetlands with a boat trip down the incredible Madu River. This rich and complex ecosystem stretches over 900 hectares and includes a total of 64 islands, and is home to hundreds of birds, fish, plant and animal species.
There are also many points of cultural interest around the Madu River Wetlands. Tours often include visits to fish farms, Cinnamon Island (where you can see how cinnamon sticks are made) and a Buddhist temple.
Drift past dense mangrove forests and bask in the tranquillity of this pristine natural environment for a serene and eco-friendly day out in Sri Lanka!
Book a villa in the countryside and escape into nature
Sri Lanka’s countryside is beautifully conserved and a paradise for green travelers. With huge expanses of stunning nature to lose yourself in, why would you ever venture into the cities? If you want your time in Sri Lanka to be all about that incredible scenery, consider booking a villa out in the countryside.
Many places still have convenient access to the beach and other amenities but are situated outside of the main tourist areas. This creates a soothing bolthole from the crowds of town, a haven where all you can hear is birdsong – perfect for a relaxing getaway!
Check out the Peradeniya Botanical Garden in Kandy
Sri Lanka’s second largest city may feel too big and bustling to offer any eco-friendly fun, but green experiences can be found even in Kandy! One such example is the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, a stunning expanse of greenery spanning a whopping 147 acres. This incredible site is a must-see for visitors, especially those with an interest in Sri Lanka’s historic spice industry.
Located just 5 km outside of Kandy, the Royal Botanical Gardens house over 4000 species of plants. Although especially renowned for their orchid collection, the gardens are also home to a great many other exotic species including medicinal plants, spices, and palms. Set aside an afternoon to wander through these expansive and beautifully maintained gardens, for a lusciously green day out in Kandy!
Take a wildlife safari and spot leopards in Yala
The Yala National Park is a well-known spot for safari rides amongst tourists. Most people don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the elusive leopard or the endangered sloth bear. To be in with a chance of seeing some of Sri Lanka’s most famous inhabitants, consider taking a jeep safari during your eco-friendly stay in the country!
A safari through the Yala National Park is the perfect way to appreciate the incredible biodiversity of Sri Lanka. Visitors can expect to see elephants, deer, monkeys and many, many tropical birds throughout the day. An expert tour guide will be able to lead you through the experience in the least intrusive way possible. This means that you can immerse yourself in the nature and wildlife of Sri Lanka without leaving a single footprint in your wake!