Australian travellers are increasingly swapping fly-and-flop holidays for more meaningful, movement-focused escapes, and Sri Lanka’s lush hill country is fast emerging as one of the region’s most intriguing soft adventure destinations.
At the heart of the trend is Ceylon Tea Trails by Resplendent Ceylon, a collection of restored heritage tea bungalows scattered across Sri Lanka’s UNESCO-listed tea-growing region.
Set among rolling plantations and cool mountain landscapes, the experience combines scenic trail running, guided hikes between bungalows, cycling and tea estate immersion with luxury accommodation, wellness offerings and elevated dining experiences.
The growing interest in active yet slower-paced travel reflects broader shifts in Australian travel behaviour. Recent research from the Tourism & Transport Forum found 28 per cent of Australians are prioritising more experience-led travel, while 16 per cent are actively seeking lesser-known destinations instead of traditional tourism hotspots.
Rather than high-adrenaline adventure tourism, Sri Lanka’s tea country is carving out a niche in the growing “soft adventure” space by blending outdoor exploration with comfort, culture and wellness.
Guests staying at Tea Trails can move between historic bungalows on foot through tea plantations, cool forests and mountain paths, while also engaging with the region’s tea heritage and local communities.
The shift comes as luxury travel continues evolving beyond traditional resort stays, with travellers increasingly seeking immersive experiences that combine wellbeing, nature and cultural connection.
Located in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, Tea Trails is positioning itself as a refined alternative for travellers wanting active travel experiences without sacrificing comfort or personalised service.
