The majority of people in Sri Lanka desire to experience their surroundings in their most natural state, including clean oceans and uncharted wilderness, therefore eco-tourism is currently a very popular trend there. The list of eco-tourism destinations includes many rainforests. Small islands and pearly beaches are also well-known to tourists. The key aspects of wildlife camping include staying up late and getting up close to animals. The activities that makeup ecotourism—such as hiking, mountain climbing, canoeing, and kayaking—ensure maximum exposure to nature with the least amount of infrastructure. There are many restrictions that must be followed when traveling, such as not feeding wild animals and never leaving trash on the ground. As much as possible, the rainforests must be kept in their virgin states. When visiting Sri Lanka, eco-tourism is the next best thing because it allows you to get as near to nature as possible.
Rainforest Ecolodge
The Rainforest Ecolodge is located in the Sinharaja Rainforest in the southern part of Sri Lanka. This eco-lodge, which is situated on the edge of the Sinharaja UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is an excellent illustration of how ecotourism locations are planned and constructed from the ground up with the earth in mind. The entire experience of staying here is intended to immerse you in the lush jungle, surrounded by thriving trees. Twenty chalets made from repurposed shipping containers were inaugurated in 2012 and stand above the forest clearing, giving you a 360-degree perspective of the lush canopy while preserving the plant and animal life below.
Every square inch of this eco-lodge has been finished and decorated with natural materials in order to enhance the beauty of the forest and make nature the main attraction.
Gal Oya Lodge
This ecolodge is situated in the national park with the same name, a remote and tranquil sanctuary in southeast Sri Lanka. Its creators expertly combined luxury and nature to give you a really one-of-a-kind wilderness experience. The lodge's association with the nearby Vedda indigenous group is particularly noteworthy. The Vedda people, who are said to be Sri Lanka's first occupants, have long been in danger from a variety of factors, such as government limits on government forest reserves, private property acquisition, and civil violence.
The Vedda chief leads excursions through the forest to demonstrate how his tribe links spiritually to the environment and relies on the land, while the staff at Gal Oya Lodge works with the community to educate visitors about indigenous life. Gal Oya National Park's territory has been conserved and safeguarded for more than 2,000 years. While wandering along the woodland paths that border the lake, you can see wild elephants swimming between the islands that are sprinkled over the water.
Flameback Ecolodge
The Flameback Ecolodge, with its seven private tents, is situated on the shores of Weerawila Lake and seamlessly combines comfort and luxury with nature. Glamping has never looked better. How these locations establish roots in their local community and form meaningful connections to their surroundings is a key aspect of what sets ecotourism apart from the broader industry. Flameback is a fantastic example of how ecotourism assists in the fight against rural poverty, which has been found to reduce due to ecotourism. Rural poverty is a systemic issue in Sri Lanka.
Dream Cliff Mountain Resort
Dream Cliff Mountain Resort is located next to the well-known Horton Plains National Park, high in the sky. This small resort is tucked away and peacefully situated on a mountainside, encircled by lush, green trees that go on for as far as the eye can see. Dream Cliff is an example of a natural, conserved habitat, ever more valuable in the effort to save Sri Lankan biodiversity. This is a side of Sri Lanka that few tourists get to experience.
The horizon is filled with pristine hillsides that stretch and curve, calling to the wild creatures within. The capacity of the destination to increase your environmental and cultural understanding of the local area is another important aspect of ecotourism, and a stay at Dream Cliff naturally fosters this awareness. Inhale the peace that emanates from the swaying grasses lining the sloping hills to the pillowy clouds that drift past your bedroom window as you watch the sunrise over the mountaintops while sleeping above the clouds.
