Ecotourism in Sri Lanka is fast gaining popularity and as a part of this experience, your holiday will be transformed into a learning experience while enjoying the ultimate beauty of nature. Ecotourism specializes in small groups and immersion into field knowledge. When you choose to travel this way you will be expected to be more conscious of the environment and ensure that every activity you engage in has minimal impact on the environment.

What are the Different Types of Eco-Tourism Available in SL?

As we move away from conventional traveling, Sri Lanka is a great place to learn an authentic culture and adventure tour to explore the magnificent outside natural world. There are a number of different types of eco-tourism experiences available in Sri Lanka. Some of them are,

• Rainforest exploration
• Hiking
• Wildlife Safaris
• Bird Watching
• Staying with a local family in a Home-Stay
• Rural Village Walks
• Farming and Agro Tourism
• Staying in Eco-Lodges
• Staying with the Indigenous Tribe

Popular Locations for Ecotourism Experiences in SL?

Sri Lanka as a country is blessed with unparalleled natural resources, wildlife, unique cultural heritage, and warm and friendly citizens. Starting from coastal areas right up to the hill mountains, there are plenty of exciting eco and adventure destinations to choose. There is something novel to explore at each and every destination you visit.

Sinharaja Rainforest is an ideal example to experience the incredible diversity of flora and fauna landscapes, climates, etc. It is a world heritage site and major ecotourism destination, which has Sri Lanka’s endemic species found nowhere else in the world.

The Bundala National Park, situated in the Southern Province, close to Hambantota was declared as a wildlife sanctuary and also considered the most important birding destination in Sri Lanka. This park is home to thousands of migratory birds, some long-distance migrants flying all the way from Euro to Asian destinations to winter in the park.

The Knuckles mountain range is another major Ecotourism venue in Sri Lanka and it has been declared a conservation area, now known as the Knuckles National Heritage And Wilderness Area. It is a real paradise for those who love to hike or cycle. You’ll find yourself traveling across clear rivers, past flowing waterfalls and lush tea plantations, and alongside green paddy fields.

If you are interested in finding out more check out our Forests and Reserves in Sri Lanka Post as well as as our Bird Watching in Sri Lanka Post.

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Vaccination-Led Travel

COVID-19 Vaccination rates will certainly determine the desirability of a destination, while countries with largely vaccinated populations will attract more tourists according to the Trip Advisor Travel Trends Report in 2021. Being vaccinated themselves will also give travelers the confidence to venture out once again. Success of the widespread vaccination program makes Sri Lanka a potential holiday destination for those wanting to enjoy some tropical warmth.

Relationship-Oriented Travel

Having been deprived of contact with families and friends over the duration of the pandemic, travelers are more likely to make trips to visit relatives and friends they have not seen for a while. This also includes a rise in group travel, where large groups of friends and family will take trips together to a common destination to spend quality time together. This trend in turn will set off the popularity of resorts with group accommodation options and rental of large vehicles suitable for group travel and also make travelers demand more facilities when travelling with children.

Outdoor Leisure Focus

With the fear of COVID outbreaks on everyone’s mind, a spike in leisure activities set in wide open spaces and outdoors is expected. What better place to practise social distancing than the great outdoors? Think wide open beaches, nature reserves and mountain hikes. Sri Lanka has always been primed for adventure and wildlife travel since long before the pandemic and presents many travel and exploration opportunities from organized trails to renting the perfect off-road vehicle.

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The beautiful Nilaveli beach in Trincomalee, with crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and corals seen by the naked eye while you swim, snorkel or dive. Stretching long and wide, the sheer size of this beach makes social distancing easily achievable. The beach and waves at Nilaveli are at their best in July/August. While you are here, don’t forget to explore the many islands in the vicinity including Pigeon Island, popular for snorkeling and glorious underwater sights.

Next on our list is the beautiful, misty Knuckles Mountain Range, fittingly named so as these similarly proportioned mountains resemble the knuckles on a fist. Staying in the area is a beautiful experience with stunning views. There are waterfalls to visit along with a Mini World’s End on the south side and“Hulang Kapolla” in Riverston is a windy gap that also draws travelers. which can be visited depending on the time of year. This chilly part of the country is popular among hikers, but depending on the level of experience of each person, it is recommended that you take a guide along these trails. In terms of COVID safety, these areas are not too densely populated and visitors can maintain safe distance from each other in the great expanse this mountain range offers.

A visit to the deep green jungles of Sri Lanka is an experience that could transport you to a realm far removed from civilization, and more importantly safe from COVID. The Sinharaja Rainforest is designated a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site by UNESCO which is open to visitors. This place is teeming with wildlife of different varieties and it is one of the only remaining virgin forests left in the world. It is an awe-inspiring experience with nature which can be enjoyed by youth and adults alike. A few hours away from the central hub of Colombo, Sinharaja Forest can be experienced as a day trip or a longer excursion by staying within or closer to this reserve.

As you plan your next trip to Sri Lanka, be assured that the best parts of your travel could be far away from pandemic-related fears. Don’t hesitate to be adventurous with your itinerary and prepare to be enthralled by what this little island has to offer.

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Sri Lankans by nature are genuinely warm and friendly and are known for their exceptional hospitality often extended towards visitors. Should you ever need roadside assistance of any kind while you are traveling in Sri Lanka, there are a number of formal and informal means of obtaining help.

You can check on the availability of roadside assistance as part of your rental agreement or if your rental company recommends any assistance options. Older, more established car rental companies like Malkey Rent A Car are tied up with a network of auto shops (also known as garages in Sri lanka) for roadside assistance. They also retain a team available for 24/7/365 roadside assistance, across the island. Going with a rental company providing roadside assistance as a value added service can certainly go a long way in giving you that peace of mind as you set off on your journey.

If you are a member of the Automobile Association, you will have access to their emergency breakdown services that include varied mechanical services and even a towing service.

Each town you pass through in Sri Lanka will offer basic mechanical services including tyre repairs, which is the most common reason for needing roadside assistance.

If the assistance you require is navigational help, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that most Sri Lankans speak some amount of English. Locals are able to give you directions to your destination and perhaps even suggest some interesting sights to spot on the way.

There are state hospitals in every district as well as smaller private hospitals and numerous clinics if you require any medical assistance.

Read our post on what it’s like to drive in Sri Lanka for more tips and look forward to your journey as much as your destination!

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The Wellawaya-Beragala road is famous for its winding roads with panoramic views of the mountain ranges, lakes, rivers and cities below. Breathtakingly beautiful during sunrise and sunset, this route is a scenic one all year through. You will pass small waterfalls along the road, including the “Damsath Waterfall”, which is activated by rainfall. This road could also lead you to the famed Adisham Bungalow, a beautiful monastery with an interesting history, and now a popular tourist attraction with delectable, homemade jams and chutneys made at the monastery with produce grown on the vast grounds.

Traveling from Kandy to Mahiyanganaya, passing the 18 Bend Road is a trip on its own and one by many as a road trip simply to enjoy the drive. This road is renowned worldwide as the perfect winding road, making it the perfect subject for aerial photos showcasing the beauty of the landscape. If you find yourself on this route, make a small detour and visit the Victoria Dam. Depending on the time of year and water levels, you may be able to witness the stunning cascade of open floodgates.

The drive from Kalpitiya to Jaffna will take you to the Northern province along the coastal line, passing the Wilpattu National Wildlife Park. Best part of this drive is the Sangupiddy Bridge stretching across Jaffna Lagoon, connecting Sangupiddy in Kilinochchi District to Karaitivu in the Jaffna District. This bridge is one of just two bridges connecting the Jaffna Peninsula with the mainland. Along the way, making a stop at the Mannar bird sanctuary would give you the opportunity to see thousands of migrant birds including flamingos and the rare, spot-billed duck.

The cultural triangle of Sri Lanka can be covered on the Polonnaruwa-Sigiriya-Anuradhapura-Kandy route. This route encompasses a treasure trove of history and culture with world heritage sites within it. You can enter the triangle from whichever part of the island you are in and change your route accordingly. The number of places to visit here are endless, including: dagobas, ancient kingdoms, sculptures, tanks and many more. In addition to these historic places, the “Jathika Namal Uyana” which is the largest quartz mountain in Asia, is a place of natural beauty, just a short drive out from this route.

Driving in Sri Lanka is always a pleasant experience and these best drives on scenic routes will ensure that you enjoy your journey as much as the attractions that you are heading to. These roads are well worth making a detour for, if your itinerary doesn’t already include them.

Whilst taking some of these scenic routes, don’t forget to make a quick stop at some of the popular stopovers in Sri Lanka. And if you are wondering what’s the best way to experience the best drives in Sri Lanka, we’d recommend renting a car on self drive basis from a reputed car rental like Malkey.

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Dunhinda waterfall, offers an unparalleled experience creating an ambience of mist and vapour as it hides behind the veil of ‘dun’ or mist. Situated in the Uva Province of Sri Lanka, Dunhinda waterfall is frequently visited by many tourists and locals alike, in search of the unique magical experience it offers.

Bambarakanda Ella is the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka, with a towering cascade of white water falling 263 meters with vigour and exuberance. Hidden in a jungle off the Colombo-Bandarawela Road, Bambarakanda Ella is definitely worth a visit.

The uninterrupted fall of the Diyaluma Waterfall would have many believing it to be the tallest on the island, but it is still certainly a phenomenal experience. The Diyaluma Waterfalls is quite popular and an easy destination to visit, with access alongside a popular route in the hill country.

Taking the shape of a sacred Bo leaf, the Bopath Ella boasts possibly the highest number of visitors, most of whom enjoy a dip in the cool waters of the falls.

The Devon is a waterfall formed by three separate, yet continuous cascades, with equal strength and splendor. Sourced from the waters of Belihul Oya and situated in the Horton Plains, the Baker’s Waterfall is believed to have the purest of cold water that will magically refresh and revive.

Some other noteworthy waterfalls in Sri Lanka include Kirindi Oya Waterfall, Mapanana Ella, Ravana Ella, St. Clair’s Waterfalls, and Ramboda Ella Falls among many more.

While most waterfalls have seasonal warnings, it is possible for visitors to enter the waters beneath most waterfalls. It is advised that you enjoy responsibly and take precautionary measures for your own safety.

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A holiday in the mountains in Sri Lanka must include a stay at Nuwara Eliya, and a day trip to ‘World’s End’ a look-out point located in the Horton Plains reaching over 2000 meters high and where the plains suddenly drop abruptly over 880 meters.

The highest of the mountains in Sri Lanka , Piduruthalagala , towers over 2524 meters above sea level, and offers those who would dare to climb, a panorama of colour and exotic beauty while getting a bird’s eye view to the world beyond. Also known as Mount Pedro, Piduruthalagala is home to the transmitter of Rupavahini, Sri Lanka’s main television network.

The birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC, 13km away from Anuradhapura is the Mihintale Rock, a place of cultural, historic, and religious interest. The Mihintale rock yet stands strong with ancient ponds, dagobas, caves, and hospitals still visible on the rock, the world’s first recorded flora and fauna sanctuary.

The 600-meter Ritigala rock dating about 350 BC, boasts an ancient monastery at its foot with a lovely footpath and ponds, some platforms, and the ruins of an old hospital. The rock remains enveloped by clouds and mist for a major part of the year.

Adam’s peak, the second-largest peak on the island at 2243 meters high, offers the most spectacular sunrise views. Possibly the most revered of mountains in Sri Lanka as Buddhist history notes that the Lord Buddha left his footprint on the peak of this mountain. Religious devotees climb make a spiritual journey up to get a glimpse of the footprint believed to be sacred.

There are countless more mountains waiting to be explored in Sri Lanka including the Bible Rock and the Knuckles Mountain Range, both deriving their names from the shape of each rock.

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The rich network of rivers in Sri Lanka makes the island an oasis at any time of year, a naturally watering the paradise garden with its splendid heritage. The highest concentration of rivers and lakes is found in the south-west of the country, making it possibly the most fertile area in Sri Lanka.

Mahaweli River , the longest river in the island and 330km in length originates from the Hatton mountain range and gently flows across Kandy and right to the east where it eventually passes through Trincomalee, one of the finest natural harbours in the world. The river, having been dammed in several places, is not only a major source of water for irrigation purposes, but also plays an important role in the hydro-electric power generation of Sri Lanka. Mahaweli River has thus played an important role in the lives of the people of the country providing them with the basics even for sustenance.

The Kelani River Sri Lanka originating at the foot of the Sri Pada mountain range is one of the most important water sources for Colombo. Flowing along through the hill country and eventually ending at the ocean in Colombo, the river changes during the monsoon period and dry season. The Kelani River Sri Lanka is an integral part of the lives of those living close-by as it is used for irrigation, hydropower generation, transportation and fisheries among others.

Some other major rivers in Sri Lanka among the 103 dispersed island-wide are the Aravi Aru, the second-longest river in the country, the Malwathu Oya, the Walawe River, and the Kalu River.

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Tea, Rubber & Coffee

Historically, the most prominent of Ceylon plantations was coffee but upon the destruction of the coffee plantations, the first tea seedlings were introduced in the 19th century. Since then, tea plantations have fast gained popularity and today there are thousands of acres of neatly manicured tea plantations in the highlands and the lowlands of the island. The first rubber seedlings were introduced to Sri Lanka in 1877 and though it initially suffered setbacks due to the thriving nature of the tea and coffee industries, it has now gained much popularity as one of the most prominent plantations in Sri Lanka . Coconut plantations in Sri Lanka are usually dispersed right along the coastal belt with a high concentration of coconut trees in Colombo, Kurunegala and Chilaw also known as the Coconut Triangle.

Spices

Having a significant place in the spice route from ancient history during the times of the Greeks, Romans, and Arabs, the spice plantations in Sri Lanka are indeed noteworthy. Discovered by the Portuguese and then by the Dutch and the British each bringing their own influences, the Ceylon plantations include many spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, mace, nutmeg, fenugreek, cumin, chillies, and pepper among many others. The rich heritage of spice plantations in Sri Lanka has over the years influenced the style of cooking and today most Sri Lankan dishes are laden with spices complementing the flavours of each meal.

You can visit most of these plantations for leisure and may even be able to participate in farming activities for a more immersive experience.

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Among protected forests in Sri Lanka, Sinharaja Rain Forest takes precedence. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and comprising 18,900 acres of tropical forest land, the forest is located on the south-west lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka. Sinharaja Rain Forest is home to many indigenous birds including the Ceylon Hanging Parrot, the Ceylon Grey Hornbill, and the jungle fowl. There are also numerous mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and butterflies belonging to the category of endangered species.

Among some of the other protected forests and reserves of Sri Lanka is Muthurajawela, a coastal wetland system with much bio-diversity. Muthurajawela is endowed with over 194 species of flora and fauna, 17 endemic and 26 nationally endangered species of vertebrates, 40 species of fish, 22 species of mammals, and 102 species of birds among others.

Udawatta Kale declared as a forest reserve and a sanctuary is significant both for its historic heritage and biodiversity. Located behind the temple of the tooth relic or Dalada Maligawa, Udawatta Kale played a role even at the establishment of the Kandy kingdom. The Garrison cemetery, Senkada Cave Shelter, Lady Horton Street and the royal pond are within the precincts of the reserve and are must see sights. In addition, monkeys, deer, porcupines, butterflies and many endemic birds make Udawatta Kale their home.

The Kottawa Forest Reserve north-east of Galle, Kanneliya-Dediyagala-Nakiyadeniya Biosphere Reserve covering lowland and mountain tropical forests, Rumassala Forest in the Galle area, Bambara Botuwa Forest, and Yagirala Forest are also some of the best forests and reserves Sri Lanka has to offer each with a wide range of animal and plant life.

Most forest reserves offer tours and trekking options with seasoned guides or naturalists. True enthusiasts may even be able to camp within some of these reserves.

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