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Sri Lanka has something to offer everyone. On the adventure side of eco-tourism, it has the potential to become one of the great adventure destinations in the world. A rocky, mountainous core rises in three steps from the centre of the island. Sheer rock faces abound in an island dissected with ridges and mountain ranges. No less than 103 rivers cascade down to the ocean, allowing plenty of scope for canoeing and white-water rafting. Anything from easy, grade one stretches, to hair-raising grade six rapids, to make even a seasoned rafter's heart pump fast, is available. Sri Lanka's potential for scuba diving is probably understated. In addition to the well-known reefs, several others lie unexplored, off the routine diving-circuit.
It is probably in trekking that Sri Lanka has the potential to stake a claim as a premier soft-adventure destination. Being a relatively compact island, it is not too difficult to design a trekking circuit that will run from the cool highlands to the humid, lowland rain-forests, or the parched-dry lowlands. A trek can start at altitudes where temperatures drop below freezing, and end only a few days later, in an almost desert-like environment. The mountainous core and seasonal monsoons work to produce markedly different climatic zones in a relatively small area. The trekker can experience mountain forests, alpine grasslands, tea estates, paddy fields and scrub jungles, all in the space of a week.
You will be amazed with the discovery of Eco-Tourism or Ecological awareness that has been in existence for hundreds of years in this isle. Nature has always been an essential part of the Sri Lankan life style. Whether it is a tree or for that matter water. it is a matter of respect. Even before the digging of a well for water, religious rites are performed and the well remains a sacred part of life. It is here that people even talk to snakes ask them move out of their way, since you need the snake to balance the eco-system and villagers have learned to make use of this system without exploiting it.
Eco-lodges and eco friendly hotels are now the name of the game and if you feel like getting in tune with nature.. try nature's gift to the world.. the isle of Sri Lanka.
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