Sri Lanka is a tropical paradise with so much to offer. It’s not just the beaches that stand to steal your heart; it’s the culture, national parks, rivers, wildlife, and delicious food too.
What Is Eco-Friendly Travel?
Sri Lanka has been a travel destination for centuries, but it was only after independence in 1948 that the country really started harnessing its tourism potential and promoting itself as a tourist destination. The attempt was a success, and now Sri Lanka is among the top travel destinations in the world. However, with the success of tourism comes the risk of endangering the environment – here in Sri Lanka and everywhere else, for that matter. So, the concept of eco-friendliness and sustainability emerged. Also known as green travel, eco-friendly travel is all about exploring and enjoying a destination with the least carbon footprint possible – something to keep in mind when touring the beautiful island of Sri Lanka.
Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodation
This is a no-brainer, really. The best way to become an eco-traveller is to stay in an eco-friendly resort. You’re in luck because Sri Lanka offers a range of eco-friendly accommodations, with places like Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort at the helm. These resorts promote sustainable tourism by reducing waste, caring for fragile species like butterflies and turtles, wasting nothing and using everything, and working with local farmers to provide the best, healthiest produce.
Bring Your Own Water Bottle
Single-use plastics have become the biggest enemy of the environment. It’s quite sad to see beautiful, lush regions of Sri Lanka, and everywhere else, littered with plastic bottles. You can help stop this by bringing your own reusable water bottle. Whenever you head out to explore beautiful destinations in Sri Lanka, refill your water bottle at a water station at your accommodation. This not only helps save the environment but also saves you money.
Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project
Wildlife viewing is one of the best ways to appreciate nature. The Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project offers an excellent opportunity to see some of the gentlest creatures in the marine world. Located just 10 kilometres from Tangalle, it’s easy to visit if you’re staying nearby. The primary goal of the project is, of course, to protect and preserve turtles. Watching a giant turtle trudge up the shore to lay eggs is sure to be one of the most unforgettable experiences. The project offers night tours, allowing you to enjoy this serene experience without battling the harsh sun rays. The best thing about the Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project is the chance to get close to turtles. But remember, no noises or flashlights that might scare them back into the sea! Yes, this project may be on your list of things to do in Tangalle, but it’s more than that. When tourists visit, they lend their support, which bolsters the facility’s efforts to protect turtles.
Kayak or Paddleboard in Tangalle Lagoon
If you want to get in on the action yourself, but in an eco-friendly way, kayaking and paddleboarding in Tangalle Lagoon should be part of your itinerary. Surrounded by mangroves and enveloped in serenity, the lagoon is incredibly peaceful. Activities like kayaking and paddleboarding don’t require experience, so beginners can trust their beginner’s luck, while pros can masterfully explore the calm waters of Tangalle Lagoon. Plus, unlike activities involving motorboats, kayaking and paddleboarding have no impact on the environment. As you make your way through the water, be sure to look around and take in the scenery – birds, fish, and monitor lizards are known to make appearances.
Beach Clean Ups
Instead of passively contributing to the green efforts of Sri Lanka, if you want to get in on the action yourself, consider joining a beach cleanup. While Sri Lanka’s beaches are beautiful, they have also become trash dumps for some, and turtles often mistake plastic waste for food, which is heartbreaking in so many ways. But you can make a difference. There are several beach cleanup initiatives you can take part in. Local groups, as well as some hotels, organise beach cleanups, so look out for one. You’ll be in a group, so it’s also an opportunity to make friends. This doesn’t require a tremendous amount of effort – just grab a bag, head out to the beach, and start picking up trash. Even if you can’t find an organised beach cleanup, you can do it yourself – every bit helps.