Completing a circular journey this tour takes in ancient temples and fortresses, cycling through tea plantations and across the trails of the Knuckles Range. Leaving the coast behind we explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa on two wheels before steadily climbing to the wide plains of the Knuckles. We also take time to search for leopard in Yala National Park before making our way to the beach for a well earned rest.
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
Day 1:
Join tour Negombo
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 (H+)
Day 2:
Sigiriya via Dambulla and Kurunegala
Leaving after breakfast we drive to Dankotuwa this morning, from where we begin our morning’s cycle ride along lush forested back roads to Kuliyapitya. Arriving in Kuliyapitya we continue on to Narammala and then transfer by bus to Kurunegala in time for lunch. Later this afternoon we then drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Dambulla, where a great series of caves 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 55km/4 hours.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 3:
Climb Lion Rock, then cycle to Polonnaruwa
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 55km/4hours.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 4:
Exploring Polonnaruwa
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 33km/3.5 hours.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 5:
Cycle to Kandy via the Knuckles Mountains
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, where we take the bikes once more for the ride downhill to Rathotha. 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 79km/6-7 hours.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6:
Free day in Kandy
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 (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 7:
Cycle along the plantation roads to Nuwara Eliya
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 48km/5 hours.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 8:
Cycle to Belihuloya via Bogowantalawa
A short morning’s warm-up ride takes us out of Nuwara and along a gentle downhill trail. After around 15 kilometres we meet up with our bus to continue by road on to the town of Hatton. Mounting our bikes again, we then head towards Belihuloya, a small hamlet that lies amongst the moist evergreen forests of Sabaragamuwa province. This is one of Sri Lanka’s richest areas of bio-diversity and the country’s number one location for nature and adventure activities. An easy to moderate ride, that includes lunch along the way, we arrive at our eco-camp at Kinchigune later this afternoon.
Total cycling distance approximately 61km/5 hours.
Overnight Standard Camping (C+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9:
Cycle to Udawalawe. Afternoon optional jeep safari
Today we cycle to Udawalawe, lying amongst the open plains and foothills that surround the deep Walawe Reservoir. A moderate ride, the 75 kilometres journey today brings us to the edge of the national park, a stunning natural preserve that is famed for its herds of elephants (this is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see them). This afternoon we have an opportunity to take an optional 4WD jeep safari into the park, in search of wild boar, buffalo and white-bellied sea eagles, before returning to camp to enjoy an evening BBQ.
Total cycling distance approximately 75km/6 hours.
Overnight Standard Camping (C+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10:
Cycle to Tissamaharama. Optional afternoon visit to Yala National Park
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 55km/4 hours.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 11:
Cycle to Tangalle, then drive to Unawatuna
A two hour drive by road this morning brings us to a spot just beyond Tangalle on Sri Lanka’s southern coast. From here we then begin cycling along a series of back roads west, heading towards Akaressa, where we rejoin our bus. We then drive on to the coastal resort of Unawatuna, lying just to the south of the historic city of Galle. One of the country’s most popular attractions, Unawatuna is rightly famed for its beaches and coral reefs and provides some excellent spots for safe swimming and wreck and reef diving.
Total cycling distance approximately 70km/5 hours.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 12:
Explore Galle Fort and the southern backroads
A gentle ride takes us along the quiet back roads to Galle this morning, an old walled coastal city that was once an important trading port for the Dutch. Its famous fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains one of the best preserved examples of colonial fortification in the world. We’ll have a chance to explore it by bike today, taking in the ramparts, churches and the old houses of the Arab quarter, before heading back to Unawatuna later this afternoon.
Total cycling distance approximately 40km/3 hours.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 13:
Free in Unawatuna
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 (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 14:
Tour ends in Unawatuna
Included meals: Breakfast
