The Ancient Cities, Sri Lanka
The Polonnaruwa Archaeological Site is a protected area. Nearby Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks focus on wildlife conservation, especially for elephants.
Minimize personal waste during your trip. Plastic waste presents a major environmental challenge in Sri Lanka. Help by reducing your impact.
Water scarcity can be an issue in the Dry Zone, especially during prolonged dry periods. Be mindful of your water usage in accommodations.
Protecting Polonnaruwa's natural beauty and resources needs a shared effort. Your actions matter.
Help reduce plastic pollution. Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it. Many accommodations offer filtered water for this purpose.
Take shorter showers and reuse towels when possible. Consider carbon offsetting your international flights.
Seek out accommodations committed to environmental sustainability. Your booking supports greener tourism.
Choose tour operators who integrate environmental awareness into their services. They contribute to preserving natural habitats.
Book accommodations that prioritize green practices and local impact. Discover Ecobnb
Mitigate your travel's environmental footprint by offsetting carbon emissions. Offset with Terrapass
Your travel choices can have a good economic impact on Polonnaruwa and its communities. Support local businesses for wider benefits.
Respect the ancient ruins: do not touch, climb on, or deface any structures. Your entrance fee directly aids preservation.
Be polite and patient. A friendly smile and a few Sinhala phrases lead to good interactions. Modest dress is wise.
Choose locally-owned guesthouses, restaurants, and independent shops. This puts tourism spending directly into the community.
Hire local guides or tuk-tuk drivers. This directly supports local livelihoods.
Seek shops with authentic local crafts and fair trade practices. This keeps traditional skills alive.
Buy fresh produce from local markets, dine at family-run eateries. This keeps money within the community.
Do not encourage begging. Avoid activities that exploit animals. Be wary of scams or overly aggressive touts. Shop Patagonia for ethical gear, and Package Free Shop for reusables.
If you wish to donate, do so through established local charities, schools, or community projects for a lasting, good impact. G Adventures for ethical tours, and The Rainforest Site for conservation.
