trip
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11 Days$3790USD

Activities
  • 7 day cycle
Accommodation
  • 10 nights hotel
Meals
  • 9 Dinners
  • 10 Breakfasts
4
Introductory to Moderate

Traveller Rating

 

 
 

Sri Lanka by Bike Trip highlights


  • A land of misty highlands and tea plantations, dense jungles and national parks, Sri Lanka is ideally suited to cycle touring
  • Wildlife spotting in Minneriya National Park
  • Travel at a relaxed pace with time to immerse yourself in the culture
  • Experience remote regions of Sri Lanka
  • Spend time in the hill capital of Kandy
  • See the intriguing Dambulla cave temple

A land of misty highlands and tea plantations, dense jungles and national parks, Sri Lanka is ideally suited to cycle touring. From the palm fringed west coast, we cycle inland through a multitude of Buddhist and Hindu monuments and colonial heritage that characterises the country’s rich cultural history. Our journey leads deep into the rain forest of central Sri Lanka where monks conduct prayers in harmony with the forest before continuing to the hill town of Kandy with its splendid botanical gardens and lush tea plantations. We continue to the rock fortress of Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa - the medieval capital of Sri Lanka, where we swap our bikes for jeeps and take a wildlife safari in the Minneriya National Park.

Trip Code: SLB

On arrival you will be met and transferred to the group hotel, approximately an hours drive from Colombo International Airport and close to the beach. Overnight: Coco Royal Beach Hotel Waskaduwa or similiar.

Meals:  D

Before breakfast you will be able to inspect and select your bike to be used throughout the trip. Our technicians will be available to adjust to your specifications. After breakfast we commence riding to Induruwa in the south and travel through small villages full of friendly faces. Induruwa Beach Resort is the perfect place to end the day with a refreshing drink by the beach. Overnight: Induruwa Beach Resort or similiar.

Meals:  B,D

Today we follow the National Cycling Trail along the scenic southern coastal belt. A highlight today is a visit to the 400 year old Dutch Fortress in Galle, which is listed as a World Heritage site. As we cruise along we may also be able to see ‘Stilt Fisherman’ as they go about their daily life. Tonight is our last night by the coast so we will relax over dinner and enjoy the sea breeze. Overnight Hotel Ahangama or similiar.

Meals:  B,D

The route today takes us through a variety of landscapes. We cycle on muddy tracks and some paved roads through a changing landscape of dry zone jungle, tea plantations and paddy fields. We will pass by the Udawalawe National Park, and if we are lucky we may be able to spot peacocks and perhaps an elephant or two! Today we also visit the Elephant Transit Home at Udawalawe. Overnight: Elephant Trail Hotel or similar.

Meals:  B,D

Today we will drive through rural surroundings to Wellawaya where we commence cycling. The ride today will be challenging as there is a considerable amount of uphill cycling to reach our destination. At these higher elevations we are surrounded by lush green tea plantations, the climate is cooler, and you will feel refreshed and relaxed. Overnight: Orient Hotel, Bandrawela or similiar.

Meals:  B,D

En-route to Kandy we visit a tea factory and get the opportunity to taste pure unblended Ceylon tea. We also pass by the majestic Mt Pidurutalagala, the highest mountain in Sri Lanka. Once we reach Kandy the afternoon will be at leisure to explore the town and markets. This evening there will be a cultural performance by traditional Kandyan dancers, drummers and firewalkers. Overnight: Hotel Senani or Gagaaddra Hotel or similar.

Meals:  B,D

Sri Lanka’s hill capital, stronghold of the Sinhala Kings, Kandy is the country’s most beautiful town. It is 488 metres above sea level and next to Colombo is Sri Lanka’s most visited place. The focal point of the town is, without doubt, the golden roofed Dalada Maligawa where the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha is enshrined. Our tour this morning visits the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, Upper Lake Drive (for a great view of the city), the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, and a Gem Museum. Kandy is an exciting place for shopping and you can pick up some great souvenirs in wood, copper, silver, brass, ebony and bronze. Ceramics, lacquer work, handlooms, batiks, jewellery and rush and reed-ware can also be purchased. Overnight: Hotel Senani or Gagaaddra Hotel or similar.

Meals:  B,D

Today we cycle towards Dambulla where we visit the famous cave temple complex. En route we take a brief intervention to our ride within the regions of Matale for a brief education of Sri Lankan Spices and a Snack, there after we continue to the regions of Dambulla where we visit the spectacular cave temples of Dambulla that reveals Some of the best Buddhist art and sculpture with statues and paintings relating to the Lord Buddha. After exploring these impressive caves we continue our ride to the regions of Habarana to the comfort of our resort. Overnight: Karshapa Lion Rock Resort or Lilly Resort and Spa or similar.

Meals:  B,D

Our final day of cycling we head towards Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital of Sri Lanka (11th century AD). The scenery today is breathtaking as we ride beside the Sea of Parakrama, a vast man made reservoir. Polonnaruwa is a well preserved city of beautiful parks, ancient dagobas and stunning statues. The majestic King’s Council Chamber, the Vatadage Relic House - lavished with moonstones, guardstones and sculptured railing, and Gal Vihare (rock temple) are a few of the memorable sites we will explore by bike. Returning to our hotel we pack away our bikes for the final time. Overnight: Karshapa Lion Rock Resort or Lilly Resort and Spa or similar.

Meals:  B,D

We start our return journey to Colombo and explore the streets with a detailed city tour. Overnight: Fairview Hotel, Colombo or similiar.

Meals:  B

Our trip concludes after breakfast with a transfer to the airport.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.


Inclusions

  • 10 breakfasts, 9 dinners
  • comfortable hotels on twin share basis
  • airport transfers (day 1 and 11 only)
  • All internal transport by private vehicle
  • support vehicle whilst cycling
  • expert local cycling guide
  • Cycling bike mechanic
  • Sightseeing and site entry fees as listed
  • 21 gear bike

  • International flights
  • Aerated & alcoholic drinks
  • Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
  • Airport & departure taxes
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa

Departure dates


Notes

H
High Season
P
High Season Peak Surcharge 2025
Note:
Seasonal pricing supplements may apply at different times of the year. Our consultants will confirm on booking.
1
During the Month of August there is a High Season Supplement during days of The Kandy Esala Perahara

Dates don't fit?
Create a Private Trip

If you have your own group, talk to us about turning this itinerary into your own private adventure.

Priceper person from

$3790USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Sri Lanka by Bike - E-bike rental - Per dayUSD$70
  • Single SupplementUSD$920
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Sri Lanka by Bike trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


Sri Lanka by Bike Trip reviews


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