Wildlife
Choose safari drivers who keep a respectful distance and don't chase animals. Never feed elephants or monkeys, including at roadside spots. Avoid attractions that offer elephant rides or keep animals in poor conditions.
Marine life
Don't touch or stand on coral, use reef-safe sunscreen, and choose whale-watching operators that follow responsible guidelines on distance and speed. At turtle hatcheries, look for those that release hatchlings promptly.
Temples and culture
Cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes and hats, never pose with your back to a Buddha image, and ask before photographing people.
Plastic and waste
Carry a refillable bottle where safe water is available, refuse plastic bags, and take your rubbish with you from trails and national parks.
Support local
Eat in local restaurants, buy crafts and tea directly from makers and estates, and use local guides. Spending locally keeps more of your money in Sri Lankan communities.
Choosing experiences with care
Before you book anything involving animals, ask whether they are wild or captive, how close you will get and whether there are shows or rides. In Sri Lanka, responsible options include safaris in national parks, the Elephant Transit Home at Udawalawe, and turtle hatcheries that release hatchlings promptly.
Respecting people and places
Dress modestly away from the beach, ask before photographing people, never pose with your back to a Buddha statue, and remove shoes and hats at temples. Learn a few words of Sinhala or Tamil, such as 'ayubowan' (Sinhala greeting) or 'vanakkam' (Tamil greeting), which are warmly received.
Reducing your footprint
Carry a refillable water bottle and use filtered water where hotels provide it. Say no to plastic bags and straws, and take your rubbish out from national parks and beaches. Choose hotels that manage water and energy responsibly, and support restaurants that use local produce.
Supporting local communities
Stay in family-run guesthouses, eat at local restaurants, buy crafts directly from makers, and hire local guides for hikes, safaris and site visits. Tipping is customary in Sri Lanka for drivers, guides and hotel staff, and is greatly appreciated.
Frequently asked questions
Is it ethical to visit elephant orphanages?
Opinions differ. Seeing elephants in the wild, at Udawalawe or Minneriya, is the most responsible choice.
Can I drink tap water?
Most visitors drink bottled or filtered water. Some hotels provide refill stations.
How can I reduce my impact?
Travel slower, stay longer in fewer places, choose responsible operators and support local businesses.