Contents
- Introduction to Green Holiday Travel in Sri Lanka
- The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Sri Lanka
- 10 Tips for Planning a Green Holiday in Sri Lanka
- How to Travel Green in Sri Lanka
- The Top 5 Sustainable Hotels in Sri Lanka
- The Top 5 Sustainable Restaurants in Sri Lanka
- The Top 5 Sustainable Activities in Sri Lanka
- How to offset your carbon footprint while in Sri Lanka
- 10 ways to make your holiday more sustainable
- What to pack for a sustainable holiday in Sri Lanka
Looking for an eco-friendly way to travel this holiday season? Sri Lanka is the perfect destination! From its lush green landscapes to its sandy beaches, Sri Lanka has something for everyone. And with its growing tourism industry, there are plenty of sustainable options for accommodation and transportation. So start planning your green holiday today!
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Introduction to Green Holiday Travel in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with an abundance of natural wonders, from its verdant rainforests to its stunning beaches. For eco-conscious travelers, Sri Lanka is a great destination because it offers opportunities to enjoy all of these natural wonders while also practicing sustainable tourism.
Green holiday travel in Sri Lanka can take many forms. For example, you can choose to stay in eco-friendly accommodations, such as resorts that use solar power or lodges built using sustainable materials. You can also opt for low-impact activities, such as hiking and birdwatching, which allow you to appreciate the scenery without causing damage to the environment.
Whatever form your green holiday travel takes, keep in mind that the key to sustainable tourism is to respect the local environment and culture. This means being considerate of the people who live in Sri Lanka and taking care not to damage or disturb the natural ecosystem. With these principles in mind, you can enjoy a truly sustainable and enjoyable holiday in Sri Lanka.
The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Sri Lanka
If you’re looking for an amazing and exotic travel destination, Sri Lanka should be at the top of your list! Here are the top 5 reasons to visit Sri Lanka:
1. The food is incredible – From street food to fine dining, Sri Lanka has something to offer everyone. Make sure to try the Sri Lankan Curry, it’s a national dish and you won’t be disappointed!
2. The landscape is breathtaking – From tropical beaches to lush green mountains, Sri Lanka is a nature lover’s paradise.
3. It’s a great value for your money – Sri Lanka is very affordable, especially when compared to other popular travel destinations.
4. The people are friendly and welcoming – You will instantly feel at home in Sri Lanka thanks to the hospitality of the locals.
5. There is so much to see and do – Whether you want to relax on the beach or go on an adventure, there is something for everyone in Sri Lanka.
10 Tips for Planning a Green Holiday in Sri Lanka
When you’re planning a holiday, there are plenty of things to think about – booking flights and hotels, what to pack, and how to get around when you’re there. But if you’re looking to make your trip a little more sustainable, there are some extra things to consider that will help reduce your impact on the environment.
Here are our top 10 tips for planning a green holiday in Sri Lanka:
1. Travel during the shoulder season
2. Choose eco-friendly accommodation
3. offset your carbon emissions
4. use public transport where possible
5. rent an electric scooter
6. explore by foot or bike
7. Drink local tea and coffee
8. Visit an eco park or nature reserve
9. Dine at organic restaurants
10. Shop at local markets
How to Travel Green in Sri Lanka
With an increasing focus on eco-friendly travel, it’s more important than ever to consider the environmental impact of your holiday. Here are some tips on how to make your holiday in Sri Lanka as green as possible.
• Use public transport where possible. Sri Lanka has an excellent public transport system, so make use of it! Buses and trains are both efficient and cheap, and they’ll help you to avoid adding to the country’s already heavy traffic problem.
• Rent a bicycle. If you’re staying in one place for a while, why not rent a bicycle? This is a great way to explore your surroundings while getting some exercise at the same time. Just be sure to wear a helmet!
• Avoid using plastic bags. Sri Lanka is notorious for its plastic pollution, so do your bit to reduce the problem by avoiding single-use plastic bags. Bring reusable bags with you when you go shopping, and say no to plastic bags at restaurants and cafes.
• Don’t buy souvenirs made from endangered animals. Unfortunately, many of the souvenirs on sale in Sri Lanka are made from endangered animals, such as elephants and sea turtles. Only buy souvenirs that have been certified as sustainable and ethical.
The Top 5 Sustainable Hotels in Sri Lanka
In a country as stunning as Sri Lanka, it can be hard to believe that your vacation might be harming the very things you came to see. But with a little bit of research, you can find hotels that are working to create a sustainable future for Sri Lanka, its people, and its unforgettable landscape.
Here are our top 5 eco-friendly and sustainable hotels in Sri Lanka:
1. Ceylon Tea Trails, Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya is Sri Lanka’s tea country, and there’s no better place to stay than Ceylon Tea Trails. This boutique hotel is set in a former tea plantation, and all of the rooms are stylishly appointed with four-poster beds, private verandas, and soaking tubs. But the real draw of Ceylon Tea Trails is its commitment to sustainable tourism. The hotel has its own “Tea factory” where guests can learn about the process of tea production, and all of the waste from the hotel is recycled or used to compost the gardens.
2. Heritance Kandalama, Dambulla
Dambulla is home to some of Sri Lanka’s most impressive historical sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage site known as the “Golden Temple of Dambulla.” Heritance Kandalama is a luxury hotel that was built to blend in with its natural surroundings — in fact, the Hotel was designed by famed architect Geoffrey Bawa specifically so that it would look like a rocky outcropping when viewed from afar. Today, Heritance Kandalama is still committed to sustainable practices, including using recycled materials whenever possible and working with local suppliers.
3. Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes, Trincomalee
Jungle Beach is one of Trincomalee’s best-kept secrets: a hidden gem of a beachfront property surrounded by lush jungle on one side and the sparkling Indian Ocean on the other. The accommodations at Jungle Beach are chic and modern but still manage to capture the feeling of being in nature — which is appropriate since sustainability is at the heart of everything they do. The property works closely with local communities and suppliers to minimize their environmental impact and ensure that their guests have an authentic Sri Lankan experience.
4. Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort, Tangalle
Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort sits on a pristine stretch of beach on Sri Lanka’s south coast — but this luxury resort hasn’t come at the expense of the environment. In fact, Anantara Peace Haven was built using sustainable principles from start to finish; even the building materials were locally sourced from eco-friendly suppliers. And their commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop there; they also participate in regular beach cleanups and use energy-efficient lighting throughout the property.
5. Wild Coast Tented Lodge & Yala National Park Safari Camp by Uga Escapes , Yala National Park
Yala National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist destinations thanks to its incredible wildlife (including leopards!) and scenery — but it can be hard to find accommodations that don’t damage this fragile ecosystem. Enter Wild Coast Tented Lodge: a luxurious yet eco-sensitive property that was built using tents made out of recycled materials (like sails!) set on elevated platforms so as not to disturb delicate vegetation below. Beyond just being eco-friendly,Wild Coast Tented Lodge also offers an incredible experience; with personalized safari programs led by expert guides, you’re sure to see some amazing wildlife during your stay!
The Top 5 Sustainable Restaurants in Sri Lanka
When it comes to choosing a destination for your holiday travel, there are many factors to consider. But if you’re looking for a destination that is environmentally friendly and sustainable, Sri Lanka should be at the top of your list!
The island nation is committed to green initiatives, and there are plenty of sustainable restaurants to enjoy while you’re there. Here are the top 5 sustainable restaurants in Sri Lanka:
1. Nuga Gama
2. Green Cabin
3. The Villager
4. Lakshmi Vandana Farm House
5. Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa
The Top 5 Sustainable Activities in Sri Lanka
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly way to celebrate the holidays this year, consider a trip to Sri Lanka. The small island nation is home to a wealth of sustainable holiday activities, from hiking and biking to bird watching and stargazing. Here are our top five picks for green vacation experiences in Sri Lanka:
1. Hiking and Biking
Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes offer ample opportunity for sustainable travel experiences. There are dozens of hiking and biking trails winding through the country’s forests, mountains, and villages. Many of these trails are well-marked and -maintained, making it easy to plan a eco-friendly excursion.
2. Bird Watching
With more than 400 species of birds, Sri Lanka is a prime destination for bird watching. The best time to see the island’s feathered residents is during the dry season (December to March), when they congregate around water sources. Popular birdwatching spots include Minneriya National Park and Wilpattu National Park.
3. Stargazing
Sri Lanka’s clear night skies make it an ideal spot for stargazing. The best time to witness the country’s dazzling celestial display is between June and August, when there is little or no moonlight interference. Head to Anuradhapura or Mihintale for prime stargazing opportunities.
4. Whale Watching
During the months of November and April, blue whales can be spotted off the coast of Sri Lanka. These magnificent creatures migrate annually from the Bay of Bengal to the Indian Ocean, making Sri Lanka one of the best places in the world to see them in their natural habitat. Other whale species that frequent Sri Lankan waters include sperm whales, Bryde’s whales, and orcas.
5. Plantation Tours
Sri Lanka is home to some of the world’s oldest tea plantations, many of which offer tours to visitors interested in learning about this centuries-old industry. During a plantation tour, you’ll typically get to see how tea is grown, harvested, and processed –– all while enjoying stunning views of rolling hills blanketed in lush greenery.
How to offset your carbon footprint while in Sri Lanka
With the holiday season upon us, many of us will be taking to the skies to visit friends and family. If you’re planning on traveling to Sri Lanka, there are a few things you can do to offset your carbon footprint.
The first thing you can do is choose an eco-friendly hotel. Many hotels in Sri Lanka are now implementing sustainable practices, such as using solar energy and recycling grey water. You can also offset your carbon footprint by planting a tree before you leave.
When it comes to getting around, try to use public transport as much as possible. Sri Lanka has an excellent public transport system, so make use of it! If you do need to take a taxi, look for one that uses compressed natural gas (CNG) instead of petrol.
Finally, try to support local businesses as much as possible while you’re in Sri Lanka. This includes buying souvenirs from local artisans and dining at locally-owned restaurants. Not only will this boost the local economy, but it will also help reduce your carbon footprint.
10 ways to make your holiday more sustainable
As the tourism industry continues to grow, so does its environmental impact. If you’re looking for ways to make your holiday more sustainable, here are 10 things you can do:
1. Do your research
Before booking your holiday, research Sri Lanka’s tourism policies and how they handle environmental issues. This will help you understand what initiatives are in place and what more needs to be done.
2. Choose eco-friendly accommodation
There are a number of eco-friendly accommodation options available in Sri Lanka. Look for accommodation that uses renewable energy, water saving methods, and local building materials.
3. Use public transport
One of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint while on holiday is to use public transport instead of renting a car. This will also give you an opportunity to meet locals and learn about their culture.
4. Shop local
When purchasing souvenirs or gifts, try to buy from local businesses instead of large international chains. This will support the Sri Lankan economy and ensure that your money goes directly to the people who need it most.
5. Respect wildlife
Sri Lanka is home to a variety of unique wildlife species. When enjoying activities such as safaris or boat tours, make sure to respect the animals and their habitat by following the guidelines set by tour operators.
6. Avoid Plastic
Plastic pollution is a global problem, and it’s especially harmful to marine life. To help reduce plastic pollution, avoid using single-use plastics such as straws, plastic bags, and bottles while on holiday in Sri Lanka.
7. Be waterwise
Freshwater resources are limited in Sri Lanka, so it’s important to be waterwise during your stay. Try not to waste water by taking short showers, turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, and using a refillable water bottle rather than buying bottled water. 8) Reduce food waste Food waste not only has an environmental impact but also social and economic consequences. When ordering meals at restaurants, only order what you can eat and take any leftovers with you when you leave 9) Educate yourself Take some time during your holiday to learn about the environmental issues facing Sri Lanka so that you can spread awareness when you return home 10) Give back There are many ways to get involved in sustainability initiatives during your holiday in Sri Lanka such as volunteering at an eco-lodge or planting trees with a local organisation
What to pack for a sustainable holiday in Sri Lanka
When travelling to Sri Lanka on holiday, it is important to consider what you are packing in order to have a sustainable and eco-friendly trip. Here are some tips on what to pack in order to have a green holiday in Sri Lanka:
-Reusable water bottle: Make sure to pack a reusable water bottle to avoid buying single-use plastic bottles of water. Fill up your bottle at the beginning of each day with filtered water from your accommodation or from one of the many filling stations located around the country.
-Collapsible coffee mug: If you are someone who likes to drink coffee or tea on the go, consider packing a collapsible coffee mug. This will allow you to avoid using disposable cups when buying coffee or tea while out and about.
-Reusable shopping bags: It is always good to have a few reusable shopping bags with you when travelling, in order to avoid using plastic bags when shopping.
-Eco-friendly toiletries: When packing personal care items such as shampoo, conditioner, soap and sunscreen, try to choose products that come in eco-friendly packaging (such as bamboo or recycled plastic) or ones that are refills for reusable containers.