Want to Get Off-the-Beaten-Track in Sri Lanka?

Discover Sustainable, Authentic Adventures

Getting off the beaten track in Sri Lanka, and other places across the world, is becoming so important for the environment, the economy and local communities. With recent figures showing that about 9% of global emissions come from tourism, around 13% of global GDP comes from tourism and around 80% of tourists visit only 10% of the world – that is a huge concentration of people causing serious issues of overtourism. At Not in the Guidebooks we’re on a mission to change the way people travel. We want to show people that they can have more meaningful and authentic experiences by getting off the beaten track and discovering those places that other tourists don’t know. You can minimise your impact on the local environment and community by spreading out the effects of tourism, rather than putting pressure on places that are already struggling. If you’re wondering where some good overtourism alternatives are you can check out our blog post – but if you want to visit Sri Lanka and really get the most out of your trip, keep reading!

Skip the “fly-and-flop” routine

We get it, life can be stressful and when you go on holiday you want to unwind and relax, you want to switch off your brain and enjoy some much needed rest – but that doesn’t need to come at the cost of local communities. Sometimes, the best way to forget about work and your life back at home is by immersing yourself in a culture that is literally a million miles away. A peer-reviewed medical study published in PMCID examined the impact of a one-week vacation featuring regular physical activity (golf, Nordic walking, or e-biking) on well-being compared to a rest-only scenario.

–  Participants doing low-to-moderate exercise significantly improved their psychological well-being by 19–40% (See study here)

–  They also experienced significant reductions in stress, better sleep quality, and improved heart rate variability—greater benefits than typically seen with passive holidays

Local women carrying bags of tea, Sri Lanka

Benefit Local Communities and Ecosystems

Getting off-the-beaten track in Sri Lanka is good for more than just your well-being, it is good for the well-being of the local communities and ecosystems you visit. The concept is pretty simple, getting to further afield destinations in Sri Lanka means that you’re spreading out the economic benefits of tourism to more people. The little restaurant you eat in, the locally-owned hotel and the independent-run activity, all of those businesses will benefit from your travel. Not only that, but the local environment in those really heavy tourist spots can have a little breather. For example, rather than travel to Yala National Park – one of the most popular in Sri Lanka, on our trips you’ll visit Gal Oya National Park, which quieter, has just as many incredible animals and will provide a more personal experience!

How We Design Sustainable Sri Lanka Itineraries

Small-group tours & eco-lodges

Our Sri Lanka tours are crafted with sustainability and community connection in mind. We keep all activities private to reduce impact and increase the quality of each traveller’s experience. Guests stay in eco-conscious accommodations like forest lodges, locally owned guesthouses, and beach retreats powered by renewable energy. This not only lessens environmental strain but helps distribute tourism income to small, independent businesses.

Supporting local guides and community projects

Every one of our itineraries is led by knowledgeable, local guides who bring their cultural insight and passion for their homeland to each trip. Your visit directly supports local employment and skill development. Many of our tours include community-led experiences — whether it’s visiting a village cooperative, sharing a meal with a local family, or taking part in hands-on activities that give back.

Low-waste travel and ethical wildlife encounters

We avoid plastic-heavy travel and work with partners who commit to low-impact practices. Whether you’re canoeing in Gal Oya or spotting dolphins on the east coast, you can be sure your wildlife encounters respect for the animals and supports conservation efforts. We also educate travellers on responsible behaviour in nature, like staying on trails and keeping a safe distance from wildlife. If you want to learn more about our sustainability commitments and commitments to wildlife click here.