Sri Lanka is an undeniable ecotourism destination filled with gorgeous natural environments. There are perfect landscapes and different types of ecotourism hotspots in the country. They range from mountaintops in the hill country to coral reefs and mangrove forests in coastal areas. With the rising of the global concept of ecological conservation and responsible traveling, ecotourism becoming a growing sector of the country. If you like to take part in sustainable travel, the best choice is to select one of the ecotourism hotspots in Sri Lanka.
Ecotourism intends to preserve the environment, culture, and heritage as well as benefit local communities. You’ll find most ecotourism hotspots are located in remote, often threatened environments. When you choose one of these ecotourism resorts, you can enjoy the beauty of nature. Moreover, you can support the conservation efforts and local community of the area. Certainly, it helps to improve the lifestyle of the local community a lot. Therefore, this global interest provides a shining light for ecotourism in Sri Lanka.
If you are interested in sustainable traveling, look no further than these 20 ecotourism hotspots in Sri Lanka. We wish you’ll travel to these beautiful eco-resorts, learn about its authentic culture and take care of nature as you enjoy it.
1. Heritance Kandalama
Without a doubt, The Heritance Kandalama is among the top ecotourism hotspots in Sri Lanka. Planned by the renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, this is an icon representing the harmony between nature and modern engineering. It has won many awards in ecotourism and is quite popular among both local and foreign visitors. It stands overlooking the beautiful Kandalama Reservoir, closer to historic Dambulla city. Surrounded by trees, grass, and lush green vegetation, it offers great views of the surrounding wildlife. It demonstrates best practices in conservation where you can see an elephant dung papermaking plant, a plant nursery, herbal gardens, and beehives.
2. Dream Cliff Mountain Resort
Secluded and serene Dream Cliff Mountain Resort in Haputale perch on the mountainside, surrounded by luscious green trees. The greenery extends out as far as the eye can see. It locates near the famous tourist destination Horton Plains National Park. Dream Cliff has a natural, preserved ecosystem. You can spend your days venturing to the waterfalls where you can bathe in the cascading water. Mountain biking over the hilltops and down to the villages will give you the chance to spot the amazing wildlife that thrives all around.
3. Cinnamon Lodge Habarana
Cinnamon Lodge Habarana is one of the top ecotourism hotspots in Sri Lanka. It has won the World Travel Awards for two consecutive years. This 5-star resort locates in nature’s serenity in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. It is a heaven for nature lovers that soothes the soul and awakens the mind. Over 1700 tall trees and three nature reserves surround this eco-lodge. The 68 Superior, 63 Deluxe, 2 Superior Suites, and 4 Deluxe suites enhance the tranquility in the midst of lush greenery. There are many eco-tourism activities available including tracking elephant gathering, primate watching, loris watching, and bird & butterfly trails.
4. Chaaya Village Habarana
Chaaya Village lies across 27 acres of luxuriant land bordering the stunning lake of Habarana. The hotel’s cozy cottages have typical thatched roof huts found locally. They lie in clusters with low roofs and brownish-yellow exteriors. Habarana Village by Cinnamon boasts 94 Superior Rooms, 12 Deluxe Rooms, and 2 Suites set in the middle of thousands of high-rise trees that provide fruit, medicinal properties, and plenty of shade. There are plenty of ecotourism activities available in this resort. Elephant-watching excursions, hiking to Ritigala ruins, and many more adventurous holiday activities are available with Habarana Chaaya Village by Cinnamon.
5. Rainforest Ecolodge
Rainforest Ecolodge in Sinharaja Rain Forest is among the most popular ecotourism hotspots in Sri Lanka. It is nestled in the Ensalwatte Tea Estate just beside the UNESCO World Heritage Site Sinharaja Rainforest. Sitting on the margin of the forest reserve, this ecolodge is a great example of a Sri Lankan ecotourism destination. There are twenty chalets that rise above the ground of the forest canopy, providing you with a 360° view of the plant and animal life. The whole experience is unique and wonderful where you can stay in the rainforest, surrounded by the bustling trees that encircle you.
6. Gal Oya Lodge
This ecolodge is located in the Gal Oya National Park, an untouched peaceful paradise in south-eastern Sri Lanka. Its design allows you to blend with nature while giving you a truly unique experience out in the wilderness. The most notable feature of this lodge is its partnership with the neighboring Vedda indigenous community. Veddas are the oldest human inhabitants of Sri Lanka and you can interact with them during your stay in Gal Oya Lodge. The team will let you stroll through the forest paths that line the lake where you can watch wild elephants swimming between the islands of the lake.
7. Jetwing Vil Uyana
Jetwing Vil Uyana is one of the top luxurious Jetwing hotels in Sri Lanka. It infuses eco-friendly, yet sustainable modern design. It locates closer to one of the main tourist attractions in Sri Lanka, Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Vil Uyana incorporates five main ecological zones including forests, grasslands, paddy fields, lakes to marshes. It is a perfect retreat for tranquility seekers who wish to be close to the island’s rich array of flora and fauna. You can stay close in a picturesque environment surrounded by peaceful vibes and the uniqueness of the experience will be unforgettable.
8. Kalundewa Retreat
This ecotourism hotspot is hidden away in the beautiful village of Kalundewa in the historic town of Dambulla. This is an ideal place for a nature lover. From its entrance, this resort greets you with a strikingly open structure made from a blend of wood, steel, and glass. Facing the reception is the lake and the wooden platform reaching out into the calm waters surrounded by Kumbuk trees. You can sit in the lounge and enjoy the views of the lake nestling among a range of mountains. There are several floating villas where you can enjoy breakfast on the boat.
9. Ashburnham Tea Estate
Set in the foothills of the Knuckles Mountain Range closer to gorgeous Matale city, Ashburnham Estate offers you the perfect spot to unwind. This is a planter’s bungalow that offers 4 double rooms, a family room, and the luxurious Ashburnham Suite. There is a huge 98-acre tea estate that offers guests a perfect location for exploring the stunning beauty of Sri Lankan hill country. With lush natural surroundings, there is ample opportunity to walk through the tea estate and help the ladies pick tea leaves. You can cool off in the swimming pool, 60-foot waterfall, or Cascade Pool.
10. Flameback Ecolodge
Located on the banks of Weerawila Lake is the Flameback Ecolodge, one of the ecotourism hotspots in Sri Lanka. It has seven secluded tents with luxury and comfort. The flameback team treats guests with authentic experiences, from going on fishing trips, learning palmyrah weaving, bird watching tours, and village treks. The lodge connects to local farmers and fishermen, buying directly from them. Guests are welcome into local homes for a dinner cooked from fresh ingredients.
11. Kaju Green Eco Lodge
This is an exclusive nature reserve in southern Sri Lanka, closer to the historical Galle Fort. Kaju Green is a hidden gem in the jungle that gives a peaceful and inspiring ecotourism experience. It is located just a few minutes drive to stunning Unawatuna beach and the famous Dalawella beach. This ecolodge has built on the nature-friendly concept with a wide variety of popular activities. Healthy activities like cycling, kayaking, and Yoga classes on the rooftop surrounded by luxurious nature are a few of the highlights.
12. Ravana Garden
Ravana Garden Kalametiya has designed in the most eco-friendly manner to distinguish it from a typical hotel stay. It locates in a quite extraordinary location, on a strip of land that straddles a vast paddy field on one side and the blue Indian ocean on the other side. This resort is a nine-suite architectural wonder with a sustainable approach to Sri Lankan ecotourism. Certainly, this is the ideal location to experience the biological diversity and the natural beauty of a unique ecosystem. Ravana Garden ensures the well-being of the environment and the community. Your stay will pose zero threats to the environment, leaving behind merely footprints on the soft sandy beach.
13. Moksha at Kitulgala
Kitulgala is the adventure capital of the country due to one of the most concentrated waterfall clusters on the island. Moksha is a safe haven in Kitulgala, where nature meets luxury. So many wonderful adventure activities including white water rafting, waterfall abseiling, canyoning, ziplining, and canoeing are all available here. It is a place where guests can rest and relax, embraced by the gentle arms of Mother Nature. It delivers homegrown, organic vegetables, fresh seafood from the river, and fresh meat from local farmers.
14. Mapakada Village
Mapakada Village locates in Mahiyanganaya, a remote area of the country which is home to the indigenous people of Sri Lanka. It is an ideal retreat for travelers who seek to have a memorable ecotourism holiday away from the busy city life amidst the solitude of nature. Overlooking the serene Mapakada Lake, this resort offers ecotourism at its best. The abundance of natural beauty and wildlife around Mapakada Village gives a wonderful experience to the visitors. There are several excursions to help you to immerse in the uniqueness and diversity of the area. Dambana Veddas, Gal Oya National Park, Weheragala Mountain Hike, and visiting the hidden waterfall Rathna Ella are a few ecotourism activities.
15. Tri by Amaya
Tri Koggala is one of the best, luxurious Amaya Hotels in Sri Laka. Certainly, it is southern Sri Lanka’s first truly contemporary, sustainable luxury design hotel. This tranquil hideaway on the banks of Koggala Lake is the perfect location for travelers who are interested in ecotourism. It boasts 10 unique suites around an island in Koggala Lake. This resort showcases Sri Lankan culture and its wealth of natural beauty. You can explore and experience the South of Sri Lanka including the historical fort at Galle. Moreover, discover the art of Sri Lankan cooking and take a boat trip to Cinnamon Island at Koggala Lake.
16. Aqua Dunhinda Villa
For a true luxury ecotourism experience in Sri Lanka, head to Aqua Dunhinda Villa in Gampola. It locates just closer to the hill capital Kandy and you can see the famous Ambuluwawa Tower while traveling to this resort. Aqua Dunhinda evokes our 5 senses enhanced by the climate, landscape, and culture that give a truly therapeutic rejuvenating experience. It offers a peaceful environment and a spectacular setting overlooking the Mahaweli River and Kotmale Forest. You’ll have access to the 3 acres of lush private jungle property and a spice garden located onsite. You can also arrange for activities such as yoga classes, river treks, hiking and trekking during your stay.
17. Back of Beyond Wild Haven
Just within 30 minutes from Sigiriya World Heritage Site, Back of Beyond Dehigaha Ela is a wonderful ecotourism destination. It locates by the thick forest on the sweeping curve of two streams. This is a small secret place where you can witness amazing wildlife including elephants, sambhar, deer, birds, and butterflies. The eco-retreat consists of 2 tree houses and 4 boulder cottages. All of them are designed to be very open to nature, with coconut thatch roofing, wooden floors, and folding bamboo tats. The retreat offers many activities including bird watching, hiking, cycling, and excursions to Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks.
18. Living Heritage Koslanda
Living Heritage Koslanda is a unique luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of the hill country. This stylish 9-bedroom eco-retreat offers guests the utmost serenity in a naturally stunning location. Set on 80 acres of a magical forest, Koslanda is the ideal hideaway for those wanting to simply relax or for those who wish to connect with nature. There is a spectacular hilltop infinity pool, an irresistible place to totally unwind with breathtaking views of the lush green hills and glistening paddy fields. There are several ecotourism activities including Sri Lankan cooking classes, enjoying nature walks, and swimming in waterfalls. and visiting local tea estates.
19. Heritance Tea Factory
For travelers visiting Nuwara Eliya, Heritance Tea Factory is an excellent ecotourism hotspot for rest and rejuvenation. This is a tea factory turned into an Eco resort, where the old architecture is very cleverly preserved. Located right on the top of a hill, surrounded by tea plantations this is one of the most popular hotels in Nuwara Eliya. The hotel offers different experiences such as tea picking, tea making, tea tasting, and nature walking. While staying at the hotel, visitors can check out Pedro Tea Factory, a popular Nuwara Eliya attraction. If you’re looking for some ecotourism activities, bird-watching tours and several nature trails are available.
20. Hill Safari Eco Lodge
Hill Safari Eco Lodge is a bungalow located in Lower Bray Tea Estate at Ohiya. It is a trekkers’ paradise with several trekking trails running for 1 to 7 days. This magical place lies at an altitude of 2,500 m above sea level with the widest panoramic views extending to a long distance. The rooms are equipped with modern furniture and fittings that offer star-class comfort to the guests, including a private observation deck for each room. Furthermore, the new wing rooms are facing the Ohiya gap offering a panoramic view that extends up to the Southern coast, more than 100 km of Sri Lanka.
To sum up, these are the top 20 ecotourism hotspots in Sri Lanka where you can witness true Sri Lankan beauty for yourself. As well as, you can take part in many ecotourism activities on offer at these resorts. All these ecotourism hotspots mentioned here have a review score of 8+ on booking.com. You can view lots of beautiful pictures and book your accommodations directly through the given links. Hope you all will enjoy wonderful ecotourism in Sri Lanka!
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