Overview
A comprehensive cycling tour of the major Sri Lankan tourist highlights with handpicked accommodations and a knowledgeable tour guide. Catch the best of Sri Lanka’s wildlife, historical, scenic and cultural attractions.
There is certainly no better way to truly breathe in the splendour of this island paradise than by taking a cycle tour through the country. You will be picked up from the airport and taken to a seaside retreat in Negombo where you will meet your guides and crew. Relax and recuperate before embarking on an epic cycling tour which will start with a ride to Narammala. Afterward, you will be transported to Sigiriya, where you can explore its rock fortresses as well as the ancient ruins in Polonnaruwa, the second oldest kingdom in Sri Lanka.
Pedal along the Amaban River to Pallegama and then from Riverston, which offers up a truly awe-inspiring view of the Knuckles mountain range, to the hill capital of Kandy. Truly experience the unique culture of Kandy with the tour of the city. Then it’s onward to Nuwara Eliya via a scenic train ride (Subject to availability!). Explore “Little England” with its colonial estates, tea plantations, and cosy cottages. You will be taken on a walk through the Horton Plains National Park after which a thrilling descent along what’s known as “Satan’s Steps” awaits you. Visit the rural villages in Belihuloya and get intimate with its unique ways of life. Ride on to Udawalawe where you can take an evening safari in its national park to see the elephants that inhabit it.
An exciting ride to Yala is next, where you will get the chance to see the Sri Lankan leopard that is commonly found in this park. Take a safari here and see all that this renowned wildlife park has to offer. Furthermore, experience glamping at the Big Game Tented Campsite where you will stay.
Ride south to the golden beaches of Unawatuna where you can lounge around and relax. Your last cycling trail will be to the fort in Galle where you will be able to see the various influences that the colonists had on architecture, culture, and history. This tour offers you the chance to feel part of the communities and attractions you visit which is a benefit that cannot be enjoyed from the confinement of an enclosed vehicle. We offer you an intimate tour of the country that will make exploring Sri Lanka a real adventure.
Highlights at a glance
- First you will get to visit colourful fish markets, vegetable & fruit markets… interact with the locals & learn a few “trade secrets”.
- Witness the ancient engineering marvels at the 5th century Sigiriya Rock Fortress and join devotees at the Dambulla Cave Temple.
- Then off to visit the 13th century mediaeval capital Polonnaruwa and discover the ruins of palaces and temples where the award winning movie “Monkey Kingdom”was also filmed.
- Witness age-old Buddhist rituals and try your hand in traditional arts & crafts in the suburbs of Kandy; the hill capital.
- Slowing the pace, experience the entire Ceylon Tea making process and enjoy a hot cup of pure Sri Lankan Tea from the factory itself.
- Get into the wild in Udawalawe and Yala National Parks .
- Relaxing at the Unawatuna beach !!
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake, you will be transferred to a nearby hotel in the coastal town of Negombo where you will spend your first night. Relax at your accommodation before having a pre-dinner meeting with your cycle guide(s) in order to discuss the cycling programme.
Morning Star
Cycling Route: Negombo – Narammala
Distance: Approx. 60 km
Time: Approx. 5 to 6 hrs
Grading: Soft
After breakfast, you will be transferred north to the ‘start-up point’ of the cycling tour. From there you will start your cycling adventure on a soft graded track up to Narammala. This town located in the Kurunegala District is surrounded by paddy fields and coconut estates. It also holds the world’s first and only betel research lab and institute while boasting a multi-ethnic community predominantly made up of Sinhalese and Muslims. Although temperatures can rise in this part of the country, Narammala is the perfect place to begin your cycling expedition as it offers up beautiful scenery and a hospitable local community. You will cycle mainly on flat terrain with a mixture of tarred roads and concrete/dirt byroads. From Narammala, you will be transported a further 90 km to Sigiriya via vehicle.
Elephas Resort & Spa
Cycling Route: Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa
Distance: Approx. 78 km
Time: Approx. 4 to 5 hrs
After an early breakfast visit the magnificent 5th century rock fortress of Sigiriya. This palace and stronghold was once inhabited by renegade King Kashyapa. It is also renowned as one of the best remaining examples of ancient urban planning. Afterwards you will continue the tour by cycling to the second most ancient kingdom of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa, which dates to the 13th century. The track provides a smooth route on a fairly flat and open terrain as well as taking you through a forest patch. You will cycle along the great Minneriya Tank which was built by King Mahasen. This wonderful feat of human endeavour covers an area of approximately 4,670 acres. After that you will be checked into your hotel in Polonnaruwa. Visiting the ancient city of Polonnaruwa is kept for the next morning
Hotel Mahanuge
Cycling Route: Polonnaruwa – Pallegama
Distance: Approx. 59 km
Time: Approx. 4 to 5 hrs
Grading: Soft
After breakfast you’ll be cycling through the second oldest city of Sri Lanka. Polonnaruwa is a magnificent historical site that can easily be visited by bicycle. After spending a couple of days in the warm dry zone, there is no doubt that the cooler climates of Sri Lanka’s picturesque hill country will be a welcome change. You will embark on a 59 km cycling journey from Polonnaruwa to Pallegama on a fairly flat terrain. Pedal alongside the Amaban River, which is a branch of the longest river in the country, the Mahaweli River. Pallegama is situated close to the Wasgamuwa National Park, so be on the lookout for some exotic bird species on the way. After a short break, you will be transferred to a cosy accommodation in the Knuckles range where you will spend the night.
Sir John Bungalow
Cycling Route: Riverstone – Katugastota
Distance: Approx. 53 km
Time: Approx. 6 hrs
Grading: Moderate
Your trail begins in Riverstone which offers a magnificent view of the scenic Knuckles mountain range. This is one of the most challenging legs of the cycling tour as you will begin a steep descent through the picturesque hillside and a few forest patches as well. A few more ascents and descents await you before you reach the village of Rattota where the track will ease off. Following a brief break, you will pedal on to Katugastota, a suburb in the hill capital of Kandy, situated just 4 km away from the city centre. From here you will be transported to your hotel in Kandy.
Thilanka Hotel
Cycling Route: Kandy & Suburbs
Distance: Approx. 53 km
Time: Approx. 4 to 5 hrs
Grading: Moderate
Today, you will spend the morning cycling through the charming landscape in Kandy. Tea plantations and quaint rural villages are a plenty in this city and a visit to the Tea Museum in Hantana is also part of the day’s itinerary. After returning to the city, we have organised a visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya before taking a tour of the city itself. Kandy is one of Sri Lanka’s most important cities both historically and culturally. Known as the last bastion of the ancient kings, this hillside heaven is a living museum of the past. You can spend the rest of the day exploring the city on your own or shopping for some of the local crafts that include brassware,
Thilanka Hotel
Train ride: Kandy – Nanu Oya
Cycling Route: Nanu Oya – Nuwara Eliya
Distance: Approx. 7 km
Time: Approx. 30 min
Grading: Moderate
You will take a scenic train ride (Subject to availability!) from Kandy to Nanu Oya and thereafter cycle around 7 km from the station to your hotel in Nuwara Eliya. This hilly paradise is known for its vast green tea plantations, colonial estates and its cool climate. It boasts some of the best mountainous scenery available in the country and will no doubt be a pleasure to explore. Spend the rest of the evening roaming around the city. Often referred to as “Little England”, Nuwara Eliya is a doorway to a different time. This city was heavily influenced by the colonial planters who lived here and provides a truly unique look into Sri Lanka’s past. Many of the structures here retain its old colonial-style including the Golf Club which dates back to 1889. Your overnight stay will be in Nuwara Eliya
Heaven Seven
Cycling Route: Horton Plains – Kalupahana
Distance: Approx. 23 km
Time: Approx. 3 hrs
Following a relatively relaxing previous day it’s time to get back on the road. After breakfast and a warm pot of Sri Lankan tea you will be transported to Horton Plains. Situated around 2100m above sea level, Horton Plains is a large plateau situated snugly in the misty mountains of Nuwara Eliya. Keep an eye out for Sambar deer and Leaf Monkeys during the ascent. Since cycling is not allowed here, we will conduct a nature walk through the Horton Plains National Park which is around 10,000 hectares. Elk deer, squirrels, wild boars, hares and porcupines reside within the park along with an array of migratory birds. You will then get back on your bike and descend through what’s known as “Satan’s Steps”. This steep descent gets its name from the hairpin turns along its path. After a brief stop at Sri Lanka’s highest waterfall, Bambarakanda, a further 6 km descent awaits you.
Campsite
Cycling Route: Belihuloya – Kosgama – Belihuloya
Distance: Approx. 22 km
Time: Approx. 3 hrs
Grading: Moderate
Today you will engage in a less taxing schedule. Explore some of the most rural communities in Sri Lanka with a look around Belihuloya starting from your hotel. You will be riding through several ascents and descents to the Kosgama area. After that you will be transferred by coach/car back to your accommodation to avoid any traffic along the road.
Campsite
Cycling Route: Belihuloya – Hambegamuwa
Distance: Approx. 71 km
Time: Approx. 5 to 6 hrs
Grading: Moderate
It’s time to experience some of Sri Lanka’s most renowned wildlife highlights. You will cycle from Belihuloya to Udawalawe, home to one of Sri Lanka’s most beloved national parks. You will ride alongside the Samanala Wewa (reservoir) which has the second-largest hydroelectric scheme in Sri Lanka. Once in Udawalawe you will have the option of taking an afternoon safari in the national park which is populated by large herds of elephants. The Udawalawe National Park is the only place in the world where an elephant sighting is guaranteed on every drive. Your overnight stay is foreseen at the border of Udawalawe National Park.
Big Game Camp Udawalawe
Cycling Route: Hambegamuwa – Yala
Distance: Approx. 55 km
Time: Approx. 4 to 5 hrs
Grading: Soft
After an early breakfast at this camp situated on the outskirts of the national park, you will embark on a 67 km ride to Yala. The ride will be relatively smooth-going as the terrain between the two locations is primarily flat. The dry zone scenery is haunting and mesmerising and will keep you thoroughly enthralled throughout the ride. You will be riding near the Lunugamvehera National Park which is an important habitat for water birds as well as elephants. Once in Yala, you have the option of setting off on a safari adventure in the National Park after lunch. Yala is commonly regarded as the best place in the world to see leopards and is home to many other animal species including the elusive sloth bear. An overnight stay has been organised at the border of Yala National Park which will keep you feeling close to nature throughout your stay.
Big Game Camp Yala
Cycling Route: Nonagama – Kananke
Distance: Approx. 93 km
Time: Approx. 6 to 7 hrs
Grading: Moderate
In the morning you will bid farewell to the exciting wildlife that surrounds the camp and set off to Nonagama. You will be transported here before setting off on a cycling trail to Unawatuna. This route is categorised as a soft-core route and consists mainly of a variety of roads with very few ascents and descents. It’s important to keep yourself well-hydrated when you ride in the dry zone so always keep a bottle of water ready. Unawatuna is located at the southern coast of the country and boasts some of the most beautiful beaches on offer. Your overnight stay has been set up at a rather small and cosy accommodation near the beach.
Joe’s Resort Unawatuna
Cycling Route: Unawatuna – Galle – Unawatuna
Distance: Approx. 25 km
Time: Approx. 3 to 4 hrs
Grading: Moderate
It’s time to set off on the final stage of this cycle odyssey. After a relaxing stay on the gorgeous beaches of Unawatuna you will set off on another relatively easy ride to the southern capital of Galle. This coastal city had special significance to the colonists who once inhabited the nation. Visit the Galle Fort which was built by the Portuguese and later heavily fortified by the Dutch in the 17th century. There is much to see in the fort area with its cobblestone streets and its colonial architecture. Visit the colonial-style New Oriental Hotel and sip a drink at its atmospheric bar. Then ride back to Unawatuna for another overnight stay at your beach accommodation.
Joe’s Resort Unawatuna
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake in time to catch your flight back home. Take with you a host of memories and experiences of Sri Lanka that will be second to none.
Includes/Excludes
Includes
- Accommodation in the above mentioned hotels/ campsites
- Meals as per the programme
- Well-experienced cycling guides, their meals and accommodation.
- Well Experienced location/site guides when needed
- Backup vehicle for cycle transportation.
- Passenger transportation whenever necessary.
- Entrance fees to the sites and cost of activities
- Snacks & water during the rides.
- Government taxes and service charges.
Excludes
- Any International or Domestic flights.
- Any Visa fee or ETA fee. (Electronic Travel Authorization)
- Christmas & New Year Eve dinner supplement. (24th & 31st December)
- Perahera Supplement at Kandy Hotel during the Perahera Period.
- Any additional beverage or food.
- Early Check-in or Late Checkout Charges at Hotels.
- Cost of optional activities/sites (Whale Watching/ Galle Cinnamon experience)
- Any tips to the staff.
- Any expense of personal requirements telephone, laundry, hotel extra bills etc.)
- Any additional expenses, other than mentioned in the inclusions list above.
When it comes to the accommodation, all the reservations are subject to availability at the time of confirmation, and as soon as we have received the payment, our Tour Operations Team will take in charge of your tour and proceed with the reservations. In case a hotel mentioned in your itinerary has no availability, we will find you an alternative. No changes will be done without your approval!
We will make a rough day-by-day schedule for your tour, but won’t set you exact timings for each and every activity – unless there is a an activity which start at a specific time. Since you will be traveling by private vehicle, with a knowledgeable driver-guide, we want you to have your part in decision making. With the help from him, you may tune the schedule to your rhythm.
Along the destinations included in your itinerary, you are free to take as many stops as you want to. When it comes to additional visits and destinations that are located out of the original route, the extra kilometers will be taken in consideration. For your journey, we will calculate a total mileage that is sufficient for the whole tour and mentioned in your itinerary. If this limit is exceeded, we will charge a supplement according the extra mileage.
We’ll do our best to accommodate the programme in your needs and wishes, if something urgent occurs during your tour. In a situation that requires changing the accommodation, the cancellation policies of the hotels concerned are to be taken on account.
Since the 1st of January 2012, all travelers must be in possession of a visa when arriving in Sri Lanka. Citizens from Singapore and The Maldives are the only exempt. Visitors can apply for the official Electronic Travel Authorization (visa) via www.eta.gov.lk, or upon arrival at the airport. There is a small fee to pay, and you must have at least six months left on your passport at the time of travel to obtain one.
MasterCard and Visa are widely used and accepted by many local shops, restaurants and hotels, but it’s always better to double check. Other major cards such as AmEx and DinersClub are accepted often also.
The important stuff
Sri Lanka is a nation where religion and culture occupy an important place in the day-to-day lives of the local people. It is important to be aware of the customs and practices that are particular to the location you are visiting, so here are a few general tips to keep in mind during your travels. Your guide will assist you with more detailed information.
- If you plan on visiting any temples, ancient or current, you should wear clothing that covers your body from your shoulders down to your knees. Head coverings such as caps or helmets should be removed and shoes must be taken off at the entrance. White coloured clothing is generally a good choice to go with here.
- Some religious places do not allow photography or videography without prior permission and some may not allow it at all. Refer to signage or ask your guide about the policy or protocol. Don’t try to photograph or take videos without permission.
- If you have any tattoos associated with Buddhism, Hinduism or Islamism, it’s best that you cover them completely in public places.
- Smoking is prohibited in indoor public places, workplaces and on public transport.
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