Sustainably Travelling the Tear Drop Island of Sri Lanka

How do you maintain sustainable travel while enjoying and continuing to engage in activities you love when you holiday in Sri Lanka?

Here on our paradise island, Sri Lanka tourism has taken on an even higher appeal after the consequences of the global pandemic Covid 19 in 2022 where a sense of normalcy is slowly but steadily making its way back into the eager anticipation of the life of the traveler.
The concept of ‘eco-tourism’ is an aspect that Sri Lanka is inviting all her travelers to engage in to help preserve the exotic natural ecosystems of her land.

What is Sustainable Travel?
To travel sustainably is to ensure that tourism is carried out in a manner that does not involve the ill-treatment or abuse of natural or cultural environments. It involves a holistic experience that supports economic, social, and environmental welfare and preservation while providing an enriching experience to those who visit. When in Sri Lanka you can;

Visit the Indigenous tribes in Dambana -
The original inhibitors of Sri Lanka, the Veddas have been part of our nation since the 5th century BC.
They follow a simple way of life, from the use of the bow and arrow for hunting and protection, living in
mud huts to the use of natural toxins to fish. A once-in-a-lifetime experience to experience Primitive Sri
Lanka.

Exploring wildlife and ecosystems –
Sri Lanka’s ecosystems are rich with a variety of species of wildlife, and rare flora and fauna. Visiting the
wetlands like the Gal Oya National Park, taking wildlife safaris, and residing in eco-lodges allows you to
have first-hand experience of life in the wilderness which is a rich and rewarding encounter.

Whale watching in Mirissa – 
Watch in awe as these majestic blue giants roam the waters of the Indian
ocean on their travels to foreign waters. You could book tours to witness this marvelous timely opportunity which does not involve any damage to the ecosystem and guarantees an experience of a
lifetime!

Trying out traditional Sri Lankan food –
When it’s time to take a break and grab a bite opt for local restaurants and eateries where the local
women and men work hard to make a living. Traditional Sri Lankan food is best made at home which is
an ideal win for both you and the local communities.

Why you should engage in sustainable travel and what are the benefits of sustainable tourism?

The best part about traveling sustainably is the engagement that it generates between cross-cultural societies. It allows for an integration of people and a truly authentic experience in terms of holidays
where you can live the life of the local communities.

While chain hotels do have their advantages often the merits hardly extend to the smaller and more
local communities of the public. By traveling sustainably not only do you have a more fulfilling
experience but you are educated on the ways of life of the people of Sri Lanka.

With education comes an understanding which is how conservation operates. The more you know about
the community the more you invest interest in their betterment. In addition to the preservation of this
the effect has on culture and ecosystems, its economic benefit is well distributed amongst local
communities as well which is a great step towards sustainable growth of the economy,

Easy Sustainable Travel Tips
When traveling it's always best to avoid single-use plastic materials which are a prevalent contributor
to the depletion of wildlife and is a key factor in global warming. Go Green with the use of
renewable materials that have a longer shelf life and are easier to break down during disposal.

Always opt to travel during the off-season months of the year to avoid congestion and an increase in the
waste of local resources and the slower pace presents a better opportunity for you to take the time to get to
know the country as opposed to cramming everything you want to do in one go!
Keep your dollars local and choose to support local businesses - be it spices or jewelry you can always
choose to go with locally sourced entrepreneurs who can reap the full benefit of your investment in their
hard work.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world;
indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
—Margaret Mead