Sri Lanka - your next destination for eco-friendly travel

The tropical isle of Sri Lanka awaits you, filled with eco-friendly travel options – and we have got the best tips just for you!

As the world emerges from a global pandemic, we are here to provide you with some practical eco-friendly travel tips, so you can make the most of your time in Sri Lanka. This tiny island is blessed with an incredible variety of flora and fauna and you can enjoy whale watching, the many National Parks (Yala & Gal Oya for example) and so much more, but sustainable travel is the only way forward.

As a responsible traveller we know that you don’t want your desire to travel and experience the best the country has to offer to negatively impact the environment. Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with these practical tips – which you can put into action today.

 
Eco-friendly travel practises

– Whether you are climbing Adam’s Peak, or enjoying the cultural triangle, Sri Lanka’s tropical climate means you have to stay hydrated. Our first tip is to bring your own reusable water bottle – which will save hundreds of plastic bottles from being used on your trip alone. Remember that you can’t always drink tap water in Sri Lanka so make sure you fill up with filtered water.
 
– Use public transport! One of the most logical ways to reduce your carbon footprint while travelling is to try and use public transport where possible. Now, we know that it’s not always the most luxurious but it does give you a chance to meet friendly locals and also enjoy the magnificent scenery. If you are visiting Nuwara Eliya for example, the train journey from Colombo is one of the most beautiful in the world – passing through tea plantations and it’s slow enough you can enjoy the magnificent views!
 
– We hope this goes without saying but of course, do not litter! Whilst you may see litter in Sri Lanka, this is something the country is working hard to stop, so make sure you set a good example as a responsible visitor.
 
– Always respect the local wildlife – and do your research to ensure you are using eco- friendly suppliers. For example if you are going whale watching, a quick google search will show you the companies who take care to not chase these magnificent creatures. It is up to all of us to protect the incredible diversity of wildlife, whether it be on the land, sea or air.
 
– One of the best ways to make sure you are traveling in an eco-friendly way is to stay in eco-friendly accommodation. This most certainly does not mean you have to ‘rough it’, Sri Lanka has a stunning array of responsible and eco-friendly choices of places to stay…
 
Just keep reading!
 
Stay in eco-friendly accommodation

Long gone are the days when ‘eco-friendly’ means giving up the creature comforts we all enjoy on a holiday. Sri Lanka is home to many unforgettable places to stay where you thankfully don’t have to feel any guilt about your footprint on the environment.
 
– Back of Beyond is a company that has several ultra sustainable retreats all across the island. Whether you are looking for somewhere in the cultural triangle where you can sleep in a gorgeous tent or tree house, or close to the Yala National Park they have you covered. The philosophy of Back of Beyond is ‘touch gently’ – extensive research is done to make sure all disruption to the existing nature is kept to a minimum. They also encourage leaving land untouched, or rejuvenating wild habitats when needed. Rainwater is also collected and small lakes have been created to store the excess, which during the dry season is a lifeline for the local wildlife. Their experienced team is there to help educate and inspire you to see that eco-friendly travel is the way forward. Back of Beyond believes in collective responsibility and doing the best for the country.
 
– Banyan Camp Udawalawe is another excellent option – they are an off the grid eco-retreat deep in rural Sri Lanka. Their philosophy is ‘less is more’ and everything from the re-used bottles to the scavenged doors and windows are part of this unforgettable experience. Your closest neighbours will be birds, buffalos, elephants and butterflies – and you have an incredible array of responsible excursions you can do. Whether you fancy exploring a waterfall, visiting the famous Udawalawe National Park to see elephants roam in the natural habitat, or lounging in the beautiful lodges – you will be spoilt for eco-friendly choices.
 
– If you are looking for a touch of luxury, in an incredible setting, Heritance Kandalama is a must visit. The hotel blends seamlessly into the surrounding rocky jungle and is a sustainable architecture pioneer. This tranquil retreat offers panoramic views of the Sigiriya Rock and if you’re lucky you might spot elephants going for a sunset drink in the stunning lake in front of the property.
 
Conclusion

Of course, we have just shown you a few of the eco-friendly options which abound in Sri Lanka. As responsible travellers it is up to each and every one of us to do our research, and thanks to the internet this is easier than ever!

Some of the tips we have shared with you are extremely simple, but if we all work together this is what will make the world of a difference. Tourism and travel can only continue sustainably if we all realise the collective responsibility to take care of our environment together.

This tiny pearl of the Indian Ocean has been through a civil war, a devastating tsunami and is now reemerging as a destination perfect for the adventurous eco-friendly, modern day travellers – just like you!