Cycling Holiday In Sri Lanka

Our adventure begins in Negombo, just a short drive from the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo. After a chance to relax and freshen up we take our first ride this afternoon, exploring a little something of the island’s western coast as we explore the beaches and villages that line the coast around Waikkal. A gentle introduction to Sri Lanka’s beautiful landscapes, the ride covers some 10 kilometres, depositing us back amongst the palms and fishing boats of Negombo later this afternoon.

Overnight Standard Hotel

Leaving after breakfast we drive to Dankotuwa this morning, from where we begin our morning’s cycle ride through small backroads, gravel roads and lovely forest to the outskirts of Kuliyapitya. Arriving in Kuliyapitya, we then transfer by bus, via Kurunegala, to Dambulla for a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This site has a great series of caves, which, hide an incredible collection of temples, Buddhist images and Hindu sculptures that date back to the 1st century BC. After our visit we continue on to Sigiriya for the evening. Total cycling distance approximately 41km/3 hours.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

This morning we climb to the imposing ‘Sky Fortress’ of King Kassapa, whose 5th century ruins are one of the country’s major archaeological attractions. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fortress is accessed by way of a series of steep steps that take us past the famous frescoes of the ‘Sigiriya Damsels’. Returning to the base of Lion Rock, we then ride on to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa by way of Moragaswewa and Giritale, following a series of relatively straight and flat back roads through a landscape dotted with forests and rural villages.
Total cycling distance approximately 59km/4hours.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Polonnaruwa reached the height of its glory in the 12th century and the city is still blessed with a number of ancient monuments, including the spectacular ruins of its Royal Palace and the Circular Relic House, a curious structure with a beautifully preserved ‘moonstone’ carved at the foot of a flight of steps. We spend this morning cycling around some of the area’s major archaeological sites, before continuing after lunch to explore the villages near Parakkrama Lake, one of the country’s most spectacular ancient reservoirs.
Total cycling distance approximately 30km/3hours.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Today we cycle through the Knuckles Range and on to Kandy, one of Sri Lanka’s cultural highlights. Transferring by bus to Giritale, we begin our day’s ride by cycling south towards Pallegama. From here we then drive onto Riverston Point, home to the Knuckles Mountain Range. These striking landscapes and isolated cloud forests provide a haven for a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Rejoining our bus again we then drive to the Matale Spice Gardens, before continuing on to Kandy. Total cycling distance approximately 68km/5hours.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

With no cycling planned for today we have some free time to enjoy one of the country’s cultural gems. Lying in the mountains to the north-east of Colombo, Kandy is renowned as a centre of spiritual and cultural importance. The city is home to the famous ‘Temple of the Tooth’, whose jewelled shrine is believed to hold the left canine of the lord Buddha. It was also the last capital of the Sinhala Kings and still retains much of its old world charm; its wonderful mix of colour and vibrancy making it an ideal spot to explore at our own pace.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Leaving Kandy this morning we drive first to Nawalapitya by bus, from where we will begin cycling along the tea plantation roads that crisscross the landscape. Riding from Nawalapitya towards Walapane we travel through a picturesque landscape of rolling, verdant hills towards Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka’s central highlands. From Walapane we continue the rest of the way by bus. Nestling amongst the lush, cool hills, nearly 1,900 metres above sea level, Nuwara Eliya was once a summer retreat for the British and still retains a distinctly colonial feel that harks back to its 19th century origins.
Total cycling distance approximately 57km/6 hours.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

In the morning we leave the hotel, cycling out through Highlands towards Badulla. Later changing direction to cycle through the tea estates to Haputale. We continue downhill, and if time allows we will stop at Bambarakanda Waterfall, the highest in Sri Lanka, before arriving at the hotel.
Total cycling distance approximately 70km/6 hours.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we begin by cycling through the spectacular southern slopes of the Highlands via Rajawaka and Pallebedda until reaching Highway 18. We then transfer to the Elephant Transit home for the chance to see the feeding of baby elephants. After that we will drive or cycle over to the Eco Team Camp Site at the border of Udawalawe National Park or alternatively do an optional jeep elephant safari in Udawalwe National Park. This evening we will be having a BBQ dinner at the camp site.
Total cycling distance approximately 64km/6 hours.

Overnight Simple Camping Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Turning south-east this morning, we head next for the pleasant town of Tissamaharama, once the capital of the Sinhalese Kingdom of Ruhuna. Lying close to the beautiful and abundant landscapes of Yala National Park, our afternoon arrival provides us with a chance to enjoy an optional game drive through the park. One of Sri Lanka’s premier reserves, Yala is home to a rich diversity of ecosystems and is blessed with a staggering abundance of wildlife, including sea turtles, sloth bears, one of the world’s highest concentrations of leopards and over 215 species of birds.
Total cycling distance approximately 46km/3 1/2 hours.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

This morning we take a short transfer to the coast and then cycle the first 23km section along the sea and Bundula National Park, giving us a good chance to spot crocodiles. We then transfer to beyond Tangalla and cycle again following back roads heading to the west. Once at Matara we get back on the bus again and drive to the hotel in Unawatuna.
Total cycling distance approximately 65km/5 hours.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

We take a drive to Mirissa this morning and cycle from here through the backroads, with a possible option to visit a Ayurvedic snake doctor. The ride then finishes later at Weligama Bay. From here we will return to Unawatuna by train or bus, in time for an evening stroll in Galle.
Total cycling distance approximately 30km/3 hours.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Today has been left free to enjoy the laid back ambience and turquoise waters of Sri Lanka’s southern coast. Rich in biodiversity, colonial history and golden beaches, the area offers a wealth of options to make the most of our last day in the country. You could take a walk through the landscapes of the Rumas Sala Nature Reserve, or explore the coast on a relaxing boat trip. There are also snorkelling trips available, ayurvedic massages and even the possibility of enjoying a whale-watching trip during the migrating season (December to April).

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

The tour ends in Unawatuna this morning after breakfast.

Included meals: Breakfast