A pearl-drop in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka has been a popular tourist destination for years. With its breathtakingly beautiful mountains, pristine beaches, scenic landscapes, the island has a diverse beauty that never fails to charm visitors.
In recent years ecotourism has been given a significant boost with green and responsible tourism gaining momentum in parts of the country. Apart from bustling Colombo and its surrounding urban sprawl, vast stretches of the country remain verdant and has one of the highest rates of biological endemism in the world, whether in plants or animals. No wonder, the country is included among the top-five biodiversity hotspots in the world.
As you travel away from the heart of Colombo, the sprawling buildings quickly melt away to be replaced by 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. You can even see packs of wild deer roaming the cities of Trincomalee and the surrounding areas.
There is so much to experience in the eco-rich countryside of Sri Lanka; have a river bath, take a shower under a waterfall, explore underground caves and witness some of the most breathtaking sunsets of your life.
Here are some of the best eco-friendly experiences to be had in Sri Lanka:
Wonderful view from 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 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.
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.
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 tranquility of this pristine natural environment.
Escape into nature-rich countryside: Sri Lanka’s countryside is beautifully conserved and a paradise for green travelers. 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: Green experiences can be found even in the city of 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 5km outside of Kandy, the Royal Botanical Gardens houses over 4,000 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.
Take a wildlife safari and spot leopards in Yala: The Yala National Park is a well-known spot for safari rides amongst tourists. Catch a glimpse of the elusive leopard or the endangered sloth bear among a variety of Sri Lanka’s most famous inhabitants. Expect to see elephants, deer, monkeys and many, many tropical birds throughout the day.
Enjoy the beauty of Bundala National Park: Located about 15km east of Hambantota, Bundala National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s foremost destinations for birdwatchers, protecting an important area of coastal wetland famous for its abundant aquatic, and other, birdlife. The park is also home to significant populations of elephants, Marsh and estuarine crocodiles, turtles and other fauna, including the leopard. Stretching along the coast east of Hambantota, Bundala National Park is home to elephants, 8ft crocs, giant squirrels and flamingoes.
