10 Best Destinations for Eco-Tourism in Sri Lanka
Eco-tourism in Sri Lanka is on the up, and for good reason. One of the few positives that came out of the global lockdown of 2020 is that nature was given a chance to thrive.
And now, as travel resumes, countries have been shifting their focus towards sustainability.
I recently visited this stunning island nation. One thing that really stood out was the country’s commitment to encouraging positive travel choices.
From eco-friendly accommodations to community-based tourism initiatives, Sri Lanka is setting an example for responsible and conscious travel.
If you’re wondering where to find the best sustainable tourism in Sri Lanka, here are my top 10 picks on where to go.
This post may contain affiliate links. To find out what this means and more information visit my disclosure page.
What Is Ecotourism and Why Is It Important
Ecotourism means travelling in a way that respects nature and helps local communities.
It’s important because it protects the environment, supports wildlife, and provides income for people living near tourist spots without harming their surroundings.
It also helps visitors to a destination to understand local cultures and customs, so we foster a deeper appreciation for the places we visit.
The Importance of Sustainable Tourism in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is known for its natural beauty, fascinating wildlife, and diverse cultural heritage.
However, with the rise in tourism – the 1st quarter of 2024 attracted over 600,000 tourists (source) – naturally it has the potential to negatively impact the environment and local communities.
The country’s government and tourism industry have recognized the importance of promoting sustainable practices to ensure that future generations can also enjoy Sri Lanka’s diversity.
This has resulted in various initiatives to promote sustainable tourism practices in Sri Lanka.
One of the main messages Sri Lanka is trying to push now is to attract a more conscious traveller.
Sri Lanka, like much of Asia, is often thought of as being a cheap destination.
The problem with this is that tourists who come here tend to be budget or fast travellers, and don’t always have the same respect for the environment or customs as those who travel slowly or can afford to spend more.
By promoting sustainable tourism, the country hopes to attract more responsible and mindful travellers who will have a positive impact on the environment and local communities.
I’ve partnered with Sri Lanka Tourism to bring you this travel guide. This article is based on some of the destinations and experiences I took part in. All views and opinions are my own
Top Ecotourism Destinations in Sri Lanka
Here are some of the best Sri Lanka eco-tourism destinations to add to your itinerary.
This list features a combination of both established and upcoming tourism spots in Sri Lanka, all focused on providing an eco-conscious travel experience.
1. Visit the National Parks
Nature tourism in Sri Lanka isn’t anything new – the country is home to 26 National Parks.
These are some of the best places to spot wildlife.
You’ve probably heard of the “Big Five” in Africa. Well, Sri Lanka has its own version.
The Sri Lankan Big Five are;
- Asian Elephant or Sri Lankan Elphnt
- Leopard
- Sloth Bear
- Sperm Whale
- Blue Whale
If you’re driving around Sri Lanka at all, you will probably see what’s referred to as “domesticated elephants” – they are all over Sri Lanka.
The tell-tale sign is that they will often have chains on their ankles, be tethered to something, in an enclosure and often on their own. DO NOT SUPPORT THESE!
Instead, book a safari where you’ll get passive interaction with the wildlife.
I visited Hurulu Eco Park in Habarana.
The Jeeps were open-top so you could stand up and the elevated platform meant you could see easily. We saw so many elephants – some of them up close!
Location: Hurulu Eco Park, Habarana
2. Support Small Family Run Businesses
When you travel to Sri Lanka, put your tourist money into small family-run businesses such as homestays, guesthouses or local restaurants.
Not only will you have a more unique and personal experience, but your money will be going directly into the hands of those who need it.
We stopped to eat twice at the Eco Pavilion Hotel and Restaurant, which is run by Sakun and her family.
On our second visit, we got to watch a demonstration of how they prepare and cook traditional Sri Lankan cuisine.
From preparing the flesh of a coconut and crushing the chillis to make Sambol to rolling and cooking Rotis on an open fire, the food was lovingly prepared.
They created a wide variety of authentic dishes, which we enjoyed eating off a banana leaf freshly picked from the jungle.
Although we only stopped for food, you can also stay overnight at this small rural family-run guest house. They have a mix of private or dorm rooms – all very reasonably priced.
Location: Eco Pavilion Hotel and Restaurant, Central Province
3. Contribute to Community Initiatives
Another way to support sustainable travel in Sri Lanka is by contributing to community initiatives.
In Udawalawa you’ll find Ajith Perera. He’s dedicated his life to supporting various community initiatives. His latest venture is The Pottery Museum at Craft Tunnel.
It’s worth visiting to see the building. Ajith has created a premises which works in harmony with nature using repurposed materials, such as wooden pallets throughout.
The reason behind the venture is that he wants to boost craft tourism in Sri Lanka and so the Potter’s Retreat was born.
It’s also worth stopping here for food – which is served in the hand-made pots he creates on site.
The ethos of Ajith’s vision also spans to the kitchen. He employs local women to do the cooking – he said he doesn’t use formally trained chefs.
Instead, he employs women who have been handed down authentic recipes through generations. They also only use locally grown, seasonal produce.
If you get a chance, and it’s on the menu that day – I highly recommend the pineapple curry!
Location: 07th Mile Post (near Udawalawe National Park)
4. Hike the Less-Trodden Trails
Popular trails like Pidurangala and Sigiriya are well-trodden, and although worthy hikes, it can feel a little like a trail of ants going up, especially if you want to catch sunrise or sunset.
There are plenty of other outstanding hikes all over Sri Lanka.
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-track hike, then check out Katusu Konda Mountain located about 13km (approx 8 miles) south of Kandy in the Hanthana Mountain Range.
It’s a moderately challenging route with a (mostly) clearly defined route – although sometimes it was a little ambiguous because of overgrowth.
The trail passes through rural areas, tea plantations, grassland and jungle on the way up. The views at the top are outstanding.
It took about 3 and a half hours to complete the 7km trail, although we did stop for a couple of breaks. We didn’t meet anyone else along the way.
Make sure you take plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat and bug repellant. I also recommend wearing long socks as there are leeches in the jungle.
Because of the location, it can be challenging to get there if you’re relying on public transport so I recommend booking with a guide with transportation included. We used Blue Knuckles Travels.
Location: Start Point – Sarasavigama Rd, Kandi
5. Help With a Mangrove Clean Up
Tourism brings many benefits to Sri Lanka, but it can also have negative impacts on the environment. To help mitigate this, consider volunteering for a mangrove clean-up project.
Mangroves are an essential part of Sri Lanka’s coastal ecosystem, providing shelter for wildlife and protecting against coastal erosion. However, they are often contaminated with plastic waste that is harmful to the plants and animals living there.
One of the best eco-tourism places in Sri Lanka to do this is on the Madu Ganga River.
The initiative is organised by the Zero Plastic Movement in collaboration with the Safari Boat Service Providers Association in Maadu Ganga. It’s recommended to book in advance.
The clean-up tour of the mangroves involves collecting plastic from the river. It’s also a great opportunity to do wildlife and bird watching.
Not only will you be helping to preserve the environment, but you’ll also get a unique experience and learn about the importance of mangroves.
The clean-up tour usually takes around 2-3 hours and also involves all safety equipment, as well as visiting one of the mangrove islands in the river.
Location: Madu Ganga River, Balapitiya
6. Stay in a Jungle Eco Lodge
I’m a huge fan of jungle lodges and have stayed in plenty over the years.
Although there are dozens of great eco-lodges and resorts all over Sri Lanka, if you’re looking for one which includes a bit of adventure to get to then I recommend checking out Ella Jungle Resort.
It’s located at the bottom of a valley with no proper access road.
When you arrive at the upper gate, you’ll have to transfer into a 4×4 to make the 30-minute steep and bumpy journey down the valley. You’ll eventually arrive and then have to cross the ravine in a small cable car.
If you’re looking for an eco-lodge in Sri Lanka where you can get away from civilization, this is it. It’s the perfect place for switching off and immersing yourself in nature.
Rooms do have electricity, hot water and air-con, but there’s no wifi except for the main reception area.
Location: Ella Jungle Resort, Ella
7. Learn About Tea Production
Sri Lanka is famous for its tea production.
Most of them are located in the central highlands where the climate is cooler, with plenty of greenery and perfect conditions for cultivating tea.
If you want to learn about the process of tea production, head to one of the many tea estates in the region.
We took a tour of Demodara Tea Estate.
Praveen, the Senior Assistant Superintendent at Demodara Tea Estate, gave us a tour of the factory. He’s undoubtedly passionate about his job, which was evident in the amount of stuff he told us about tea!
Also, I have a thing for vintage machinery, loads of the machines inside the factory dated from the 1970s or before! It’s not changed much in decades. The whole place had this fabulous old-world feel to it and the smell of the tea just added to the ambience.
We also had the chance to try our hand at picking tea under the (much-needed) supervision of the skilled tea pluckers – let’s say I won’t be giving up the day job.
To visit, you can simply walk in. They charge $10 per person for the tour.
Location: Demodara Tea Estate, Sri Lanka
8. Buy Locally Made Souvenirs
No trip is complete without buying some souvenirs to take back home.
In Sri Lanka, you’ll find many locally made items that make perfect gifts or mementoes for yourself.
Some popular choices include handcrafted traditional masks, batik fabrics and clothing, spices, tea, and gemstones as well as handmade pottery.
If possible, aim to buy directly from the local artisans so you know what you’re buying is authentic and the money is going directly to the makers – like the pottery created by Ajith Perera at Craft Tunnel, which I mentioned earlier.
Location: You’ll find craft and artisan markets all over Sri Lanka
9. Discover the Indigenous Tribes and Communities
The Vedda, also known as Wanniyalaeto, are an indigenous minority in Sri Lanka, constituting less than one per cent of the country’s population.
Veddas are hunter-gatherers and live in the forest with little change in their lifestyle throughout the centuries. They hunt wild animals and gather forest products for food. Their diet includes meat, eggs, honey, fish, fruit, leaves, yams, and vegetables.
You can visit the Vedda Community in Dambana. They live in a traditional village and welcome visitors to learn about their culture, traditions and way of life.
Although they have their own language, there is a small on-site museum that has lots of information in English. You’ll also be able to watch a tribal ceremony display.
Location: Vedda Community in Dambana, Badulla District
10. Take Part in Lost Martial Art of Sri Lanka
Angampora is an ancient martial art that has been passed down through generations in Sri Lanka. It was banned by the colonial powers and nearly disappeared. The great thing is that Angampora has seen a revival in recent years.
Practitioners of Angampora use their entire body as a weapon, including fists, elbows, knees and feet to defend themselves. It also involves traditional weapons such as swords, staves and knives.
We visited Angampora STIMA where we learnt about the martial art. Their training centre is located about an hour’s drive east of Colombo.
First, they used their jungle gym to demonstrate the skills and drills they used. The strength and stamina are an impressive sight- even putting some of the younger guys in our group to shame.
Through Angampora STIMA, you can take part in workshops and classes to learn the basics of Angampora or if you’re feeling less energetic, watch demonstrations by skilled martial artists.
If you’re looking to fully immerse yourself in this ancient martial art, then you can even book on to a 6-month residential training programme!
Location: 202A Moratuwa, Hena Road, Athurugirya
Eco Tourism Sri Lanka FAQs
What Type of Tourism Is Sri Lanka?
Typically, Sri Lanka is a popular destination for adventure, wildlife and cultural tourism. It’s also a popular choice for honeymooners thanks to the abundance of luxury resorts. Sri Lanka is also a solid favourite for backpackers thanks to its affordability.
What Is Sri Lanka Ecotourism?
Sri Lanka, like many other destinations, is making a push towards more sustainable travel. Responsible travel focuses on experiencing and preserving the natural environment, and cultural heritage, and putting money back into local initiatives.
Is Sri Lanka an Eco-Friendly Country?
Sri Lanka is making progress towards becoming an eco-friendly destination. However, like many countries, there is still room for improvement in terms of waste management and pollution control (especially in cities). The government and local initiatives are making strides towards reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable practices – tourism is also one of the sectors they are keen to improve.
Where Are the Best Eco-Tourism Places in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is home to some of the most diverse landscapes in the world, making it an ideal destination for eco-tourism. As well as the activities I’ve mentioned in this article, some of the top places to visit include:
- Sinharaja Forest Reserve: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a tropical rainforest with over 50% of Sri Lanka’s endemic species.
- Yala National Park: Known for its leopard population and diverse wildlife, this park is a must-visit for nature lovers.
- Ella: A popular hiking destination with stunning views of waterfalls, tea plantations, and more.
- Kandy: This ancient city is surrounded by lush green hills and boasts cultural attractions like the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
Final Thoughts on Eco-Tourism in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is making positive strides towards sustainable tourism. However, to minimize our impact as travellers, it’s important to do our part by practising responsible travel habits.
By making conscious choices while travelling, we can help preserve the natural beauty and cultural heritage of this beautiful country.
Whether it’s choosing eco-friendly accommodations or participating in community-based tourism activities, we can all play a role in protecting the environment and supporting local communities.
Want to explore more and start planning your trip? Read our other articles for tips and ideas to make your trip to Sri Lanka an unforgettable one.
