5 valuable tips: How to travel Sri Lanka sustainably

You are probably planning a trip to Sri Lanka or are already there and want to make your stay as responsible as possible. In this article we tell you how you can travel sustainably through the tear of India.

Sri Lanka has developed into a popular travel destination in recent years and is therefore undergoing major changes to cope with the rush of tourists. Sustainability is unfortunately somewhat neglected in the development. As a tourist you can therefore Assume responsibility, to drive Sri Lanka's development in the right direction and reduce the local environmental footprint. 

Transport

There are many ways to get around the country. We always recommend using public transportation as much as possible. This way you will not only reduce your ecological footprint, but also save money. 

Buses go almost everywhere in Sri Lanka and one thing we can tell you directly: The bus rides are an adventure in themselves. The buses are usually very crowded and are filled with loud music, while the drivers take you from A to B at high speed. 

Trains are another very popular means of transportation in Sri Lanka, allowing you to travel long distances and see many beautiful places of the country during the trip. For train rides you can choose between 3 classes, each of which offers different levels of comfort. Be sure to buy your ticket a little in advance, because they are very popular in the high season, especially on the route Kandy - Ella. Unlike the fast buses, trains move very slowly, but this makes up for the passing, very beautiful scenery.

In fact, train rides are also a popular tourist attraction in Sri Lanka. The route from Kandy to Ella offers a 6-hour journey through Sri Lanka's highlands, passing tea plantations, pine forests and small villages. This route is offered at several times of the day, and can be done for a small amount of money.  

For short distances, bicycles are the best alternative to scooters and tuk-tuks and can also be rented locally everywhere.

However, if you decide to take a private cab, we recommend that you share it with others. In general, to minimize your carbon footprint, we recommend that you choose a longer-term basis.

Shop local

With your money you can bring about some changes and send signals. Try to bring it into the local economy as much as possible. 

When buying souvenirs, make sure they are not imported mass-produced items, but support local artists.

If you are looking for fruits and vegetables, it is recommended to buy them at one of the many street stalls and thus directly support the farmers.

Instead of the mass-produced garments at one of the many markets in Sri Lanka, you can either go to a local tailor who will make you custom-made clothes that are

100 % to your taste or support local fashion designers who sell their products at smaller markets and boutiques. 

It is also great to support smaller local restaurants as often as possible, instead of big well-known restaurants with western owners. The food here also tastes a lot better, is authentic and lovingly prepared! 

Activities

You can also make a big impact on the sustainability of your trip with your choice of activities. Try to support local entrepreneurs and tour guides, and don't participate in activities that are harmful to the environment or cruel to animals.

Try to avoid activities such as riding elephants, it is better to go on safari where you can keep your distance from the beautiful animals and observe them in their natural habitat.

For example, if you want to visit a tea plantation, it is a good decision to visit smaller local plantations instead of those of the big tea producers. Another way to support the locals is to take a cooking class. Ask for recommendations at your accommodation and learn how to prepare the delicious dishes. 

Remember: You don't have to try to tick off the famous "must-see" places. In fact, most of the time it's nicer to visit lesser-known sights in Sri Lanka and experience the local life. 

You can also choose activities with which you can do good. For example, you can look for beach cleanups on site or organize them yourself.

Accommodation

You can also consider sustainability when choosing your accommodation. There are already accommodations that consider environmental friendliness very important and are therefore a great choice.

However, these eco accommodations often require a high budget. However, if you are trying to keep your travel expenses low, you can look for an inn that promotes sustainable practices. You can also try to have a conversation with the owners and offer tips or suggestions for changes that will make them more sustainable. With inns, you also support individual local families.

Preparation

Preparation is everything when it comes to traveling sustainably. With various items in your luggage, you can, for example, prevent your use of single-use plastic. We have already compiled a comprehensive overview for you. 

Find out as much as you can about sustainable tour operators, tour providers, accommodations, and public transportation in the places you'll be staying. 

It's also a good idea to do your research before you book various activities and tours, because that way you can make sure you don't fall victim to greenwashing.

These 5 tips will help you make your stay in Sri Lanka more sustainable. At TripLegend, we offer adventures around the world that support the local economy and bring you closer to the country in an authentic way. Prevent overtourism and travel responsibly is gaining more and more importance in times of mass tourism, you can learn more about this in our Contributions.

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