Where Forest Bathing is a Way of Life in Sri Lanka
On our little island here in the Indian Ocean, our ancestors practiced forest bathing centuries ago. It is beautifully entrenched into our way of life. In Sri Lanka’s rural villages, men, women and children still prefer to walk barefoot, hike barefoot and run barefoot. The forest is revered as a place of sustenance and healing. Children gather under the cooling shade of Kohomba(Neem) trees for classes and monks retreat to the jungles to meditate in monsoonal months. It is not a new form of ecotherapy in Sri Lanka. It’s simply a way of life.
Healing the Senses in Sri Lanka’s Forests
The magic of ‘being in’ the forest or where the wilderness lives is a powerful sensory experience. Commonly known as ‘Forest Bathing’ it emerged in Japan where it’s known as shinrin-yoku. A practice as simple as walking in any natural environment and consciously connecting with what’s around you.
Restorative Forest Bathing Journeys in Sri Lanka
Guided forest bathing walks are available through Ayu in the Wild and are led by local naturalists who know Sri Lanka's natural history. As you walk through the forest floor, the crunch of dried twigs breaks the sound of the forest and you will glean insights into the ayurvedic properties of the barks and the benefit of it pressing onto your barefoot soles. You will observe wildlife and activate your senses through the different landscapes and types of wild forests. It’s restorative healing.
Kanneliya Rainforest is lush and wet. The crisp cool air is perfect for refreshing the senses. Walking mindfully becomes an exercise of maintaining firm footing whilst stepping on pebbles along streams, lichen covered rocky surfaces and rocks submerged in pools of water.
The beauty of Horton Plains’ is legendary but the true beauty of this cloud forest is in the intricate insight observed along a hike or a walk. The ground tells stories of changing weather patterns, of others treading ahead and the bounties of the land through vibrant colours and textures accessorized by countless opportunities to observe wildlife and sharpen your senses.
A deep breath in Talaimannar is always salty. Forest bathing in a mangrove forest leaves the skin slightly moist, the feet deep in dark muddy waters and the ears in tune to the call of resident birds. Tuning into their different calls unravel bird stories, so rich in this North Western Sanctuary. The ultimate foot spa is completed by the gnawing of wild baby fish pods or a light tickle of a shy hermit crab running over your foot.
Sinharaja rainforest is everything it promises to be. A biodiverse world, rich in endemism and a beautiful journey of sensory stimulation. The smell of leaves crushed by resident grey langurs is wild aromatherapy at its best. With every step the senses are heightened by the aromas of wild flowers, of the esters of ripened fruit and the varying smells of earth. Find a century old tree root to lean up against and bask in the golden reams of sun that stream through the dense canopy and play along the skin.
Ritigala Reserve is a forest of wellness and a space of deep connection. A natural aura of calmness descends, it was after all a famous monastery in centuries past and a place of meditation, teaching and the simple way of life. A walk amongst the aromas and airborne essential oils (phytoncides) of the native herbs and medicinal plants at the forest base can rejuvenate and revive, a natural immunity boost. Heighten these senses along the elevation, experiencing the micro climates that transform with every step you take.
Explore Ayu in the Wild’s Experiential Wellness Journeys between December to February.
Ayu in the Wild Holidays is a 100% Sri Lankan owner-run bespoke luxury travel agency and are specialists in curating sustainable slow luxury holidays to Sri Lanka, since 2012. Founders of @sustainabletravelsrilanka
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