Joanna James
Overflowing in many a wonder, the Emerald Isle of Sri Lanka is a holidaymaker’s dream come true. From an ecotourism perspective, visitors will have plenty of reason to smile and feel inspired.
Found within the boundaries of the Gal Oya National Park in Sri Lanka’s southeast, the Gal Oya Lodge merges luxurious living standards with raw, natural beauty to behold. Having partnered with the Vedda people who are considered to be the oldest human inhabitants in the country, Gal Oya Lodge offers travellers a rewarding and insightful journey into the lives of the community. Look forward to jungle treks under the watchful eyes of the Vedda chief that will serve as a prelude to enjoying panoramas of the lake waters and wild Asian elephants bathing and frolicking, unbothered by curious passersby.
Inaugurated in the hope of alleviating rural poverty and creating job opportunities for the locals, Flameback Ecolodge situated on the banks of Weerawila Lake is an outstanding example of how ecotourism is spreading its wings across Sri Lanka. Once here, globetrotters can pick and choose from a gamut of activities. Thes range from dining at a local family’s home, purchasing fresh produce from local farmers, learning palmyrah weaving and embarking on a fishing expedition.
Currently in its 12th year of business, Rainforest Ecolodge nestled inside the popular Sinharaja Rainforest paves the way for one jaw dropping encounter with the natural world and the animal kingdom. Hewn out of natural materials from top to bottom, the Ecolodge serves as a launchpad towards whiling away the hours in the company of a host of pastimes. Move through dense thickets while meeting and greeting colourful species of birds and beeline for captivating cascades before returning only to have your tastebuds treated to a gastronomic adventure in the likes of alfresco dining with mist-shrouded mountains in the distance.
Call by the citadel in the hills which also happens to be one of the most visited regions in all of the central highlands. The culture rich city of Kandy which boasts of a storied history that dates back to the period of colonial rule affords a splendid chance to observe and learn of how life unfolds in this part of the Sri Lanka. Should you want to delve into the very heart of the city’s heritage, then consider spending time inside the old marketplace which for most parts of the day is a beehive of activity brimming with scenes that you will not find elsewhere. Purchase from a wide range of souvenirs in the form of a finely carved wooden elephant, trinket or an elaborate mask. Further, staying at Earl’s Regency which is a 5 star hotel in Kandy will present you with a convenient base to come back to after you cover every inch of Kandy.
Adding to the allure of Sri Lanka’s biodiversity is Dream Cliff Mountain Resort from where voyages to Horton Plains National Park can be easily planned out. Watch as rolling hills branch out towards the horizon as you summon your adventurous spirit to take on all that the wilds have to offer. Stop by local villages, trek in the direction of picture-perfect waterfalls or choose to go mountain biking while never failing to keep your eyes peeled for the floral and faunal species living nearby.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
