Polonnaruwa The Ancient Cities, Sri Lanka Travel Guide
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 has a major environmental challenge in Sri Lanka. Help by reducing your impact.
Lack of water can be an issue in the Dry Zone, especially during prolonged dry periods. Use water wisely 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 where you can. Consider carbon offsetting your international flights.
Seek out accommodations focused on environmental sustainability. Your booking supports greener tourism.
Choose tour companies that integrate environmental awareness into their services. They contribute to preserving natural habitats.
Book accommodations that prioritize green practices and local consequences. 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 couple Sinhala phrases lead to good interactions. Modest dress is wise.
Choose locally-owned guesthouses, restaurants, and independent shops. This puts tourism spending without stopping into the community.
Hire local guides or tuk-tuk drivers. This directly supports local livelihoods.
Seek shops with authentic local crafts plus equitable trade principles. This ensures traditional skills alive.
Purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from local markets, eat at family-run-run eateries. This keeps money within the community.
Do not encourage begging. Don't participate in animal exploitation. Be cautious 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.
