Sustainable Travel in Sri Lanka: How to Tour by Car With Less Impact

Choose an efficient vehicle

A smaller hybrid, such as a Toyota Prius or Axio, uses much less fuel per kilometre than a large SUV or a van, and in Sri Lanka's stop-start traffic hybrids recover energy when braking. Choose the smallest vehicle that fits your party and luggage. If you need space for seven people, a single larger vehicle is more efficient than two cars. See the car list.

Plan fewer, better kilometres

Group your sightseeing by area rather than zigzagging across the island. Staying three nights in one place and making day trips uses less fuel than moving every night. Our self-drive road trip guide suggests routes that follow the geography.

Drive in a way that saves fuel

• Keep a steady speed and avoid hard acceleration and braking.
• Switch off the engine when you are stopped for more than a minute.
• Check tyre pressure; under-inflated tyres use more fuel and wear faster.
• Remove unnecessary weight from the boot.
• Use the air conditioning at a moderate setting and open windows in cool hill areas.

Treat wildlife with respect

Stay in the vehicle in national parks and keep to the park's rules. Do not feed animals, which teaches them to approach roads and people. If you meet elephants on the road, stop at a distance and wait; do not use the horn or approach. On beaches where turtles nest, follow the rules of the hatchery or the local guides and avoid flash photography. In Yala, only registered safari jeeps may enter the park.

Cut plastic and waste

• Bring a refillable water bottle and fill it from filtered water at your hotel.
• Say no to plastic straws and bags.
• Take your rubbish with you from viewpoints, waterfalls and beaches until you find a bin.
• Return the car clean; it makes the next hirer's start easier.

Spend where it helps local people

Eat at family-run restaurants, buy tea directly at estates and cooperatives, and choose guesthouses and small hotels. Hire local guides at heritage sites. Pay fair prices and agree them in advance. A driver from the area can introduce you to places that are not on the main tourist trail.

Visit with respect

Dress modestly at temples and take off shoes and hats. Ask before you photograph people. Keep to marked paths at ancient sites such as Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa. Visit popular places early or late, when it is cooler and less crowded.