Sri Lanka, an island of spectacular natural beauty, offers a myriad of enriching experiences, from pristine beaches to lush jungles to ancient temples. However, with the increasing influx of tourists, the preservation of its fragile environment has become a major concern. At Olalalanka, we believe in preserving the natural beauty of this island while providing you with unforgettable travel experiences. Here are our tips for traveling responsibly to Sri Lanka, while preserving its natural wealth.
1. Travel Off the Beaten Path:
Explore off-the-beaten-path destinations and travel during less touristy times for a more authentic experience. With our incoming travel agency, discover less explored places and immerse yourself in local culture during less busy times.
At Olalalanka, we work every day to find activities and small hotel structures that meet the values of sustainable tourism and “real” tourism.
2. Respect the Fauna and Flora:
During your excursions, be careful not to disturb wildlife and respect fragile ecosystems. Avoid any form of participation in the exploitation of animals, especially in shows that compromise their welfare. In addition, be careful not to come into contact with wild animals, although this is encouraged, except as part of activities organized in partnership with associations.
We take care to offer you activities outside of mass tourism and which respect the environment and local populations. We formally ban unsustainable tourist activities and locations such as elephant rides and the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
3. Promote Local and Artisanal Products:
When purchasing souvenirs or artisanal products, favor local artisans and traditional markets. Encouraging the purchase of locally made products helps support the local economy and reduce the carbon footprint linked to transport.
With Olalalanka, we work with drivers and guides who will guide you in order to make your purchases in ethical structures.
4. Respect Cultural and Historical Sites:
When visiting temples, archaeological sites and historical monuments, follow the rules established to protect these cultural treasures. Avoid touching or picking up items and respect local religious practices. In Sri Lanka, it is imperative to remove your shoes when entering a temple and to cover your arms and legs.
5. Respect Culture and Traditions:
Familiarize yourself with local customs, learn a few words of the language and adopt a respectful attitude towards the locals and their traditions.
At Olalalanka, we provide you with a detailed roadbook with tips for soaking up the local culture before your arrival.
6. Raise awareness of Local Ecology:
Explore the current environmental challenges in Sri Lanka and consider how you can help preserve its ecosystem during your stay.
For example, waste management poses many challenges in the country. To limit your impact, we provide you with a water bottle that you can refill throughout your trip, thus reducing the use of plastic.
7. Offset your Emissions:
Take steps to offset the carbon emissions associated with your trip, especially from air travel. To do this, do not hesitate to share with us the projects that you discovered during your stay and that you would like to support. But also stay as long as possible in Sri Lanka. We recommend staying a minimum of 12 days in the country so that you can truly offset your impact by participating in the local economy.
By putting these tips into practice during your trip to Sri Lanka, you will help protect the natural and cultural wealth of this beautiful island while creating lasting and meaningful memories. We thank you for your commitment to responsible tourism and look forward to providing you with an unforgettable experience in Sri Lanka.