14 days: Sri Lankan highlights on 2 wheels

Schedule:

• Meet at the Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) 

• Overnight stay at Suriya Arana (or similar), Negombo (BB)

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.

Schedule:

• Cycling: 

  • Route: Negombo – Narammala

  • Distance: Approx. 60 km

  • Time: Approx. 5 to 6 hrs

  • Grading: Soft 

• Diner and overnight stay at Elephas Resort (or similar), Sigiriya (HB)

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. In Sigiriya, an overnight stay is foreseen for you.

Schedule:

• Visit Lion Rock Fortress

• Cycling: 

  • Route: Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa

  • Distance: Approx. 78 km

  • Time: Approx. 4 to 5 hrs

  • Grading: Soft 

• Diner and overnight stay at Hotel Mahanuge (or similar), Polonnaruwa (HB)

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. 

Schedule:

• Visit Polonnaruwa

• Cycling: 

  • Route: Polonnaruwa – Pallegama

  • Distance: Approx. 59 km

  • Time: Approx. 4 to 5 hrs

  • Grading: Soft 

• Diner and overnight stay at Alki Bungalows (or similar), Riverstone (HB)

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.

Schedule:

• Cycling: 

  • Route: Riverstone – Katugastota

  • Distance: Approx. 53 km

  • Time: Approx. 6 hrs

  • Grading: Moderate 

• Overnight stay at Thilanka Hotel (or similar), Kandy (BB) 

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.

Schedule:

• Cycling: 

  • Route: Kandy area

  • Distance: Approx. 53 km

  • Time: Approx. 4 to 5 hrs

  • Grading: Moderate 

• Visit Ceylon Tea Museum & Botanical Gardens (Peradeniya) 

• Optional: Visit Temple of the Tooth and/or cultural dance show

• Overnight stay at Thilanka Hotel (or similar), Kandy (BB)

Today, you will spend the morning cycling through the charming landscape in Kandy. Tea plantations and quaint rural villages are aplenty 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, batik and lacquer work. Another overnight stay is foreseen in Kandy. 

Schedule:

• Train ride: Kandy – Nanu Oya

• Cycling: 

  • Route: Nanu Oya – Nuwara Eliya

  • Distance: Approx. 7 km

  • Time: Approx. 30 min

  • Grading: Moderate 

• Overnight stay at Heaven Seven (or similar), Nuwara Eliya (BB)

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.

Schedule:

• Visit Horton Plains National Park

• Cycling: 

  • Route: Horton Plains – Kalupahana

  • Distance: Approx. 23 km

  • Time: Approx. 3 hrs

  • Grading: Hard (Technical)

• Diner and overnight stay at River Garden (or similar), Belihuloya (HB)

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 boar, 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. You will then be transferred to your accommodation in Belihuloya. 

Schedule:

• Cycling: 

  • Route: Belihuloya – Kosgama – Belihuloya

  • Distance: Approx. 22 km

  • Time: Approx. 3 hrs

  • Grading: Moderate 

• Diner and overnight stay at River Garden (or similar), Belihuloya (HB)

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.

Schedule:

• Cycling: 

  • Route: Belihuloya – Hambegamuwa

  • Distance: Approx. 71 km

  • Time: Approx. 5 to 6 hrs

  • Grading: Moderate 

• Lunch at Big Game Campsite Udawalawe

• Optional: Afternoon safari at Udawalawe National Park

• Diner and overnight stay at Big Game Campsite (or similar), Udawalawe (FB)

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.

Schedule:

• Cycling: 

  • Route: Hambegamuwa – Yala

  • Distance: Approx. 55 km

  • Time: Approx. 4 to 5 hrs

  • Grading: Soft 

• Lunch at Big Game Campsite Yala

• Optional: Afternoon safari at Yala National Park

• Diner and overnight stay at Big Game Campsite (or similar), Yala (FB)

After an early breakfast at this camp situated on the outskirts of the national park, you will embark on a 67km 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 Lunugamwehera 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.

Schedule:

• Cycling: 

  • Route: Nonagama – Kananke

  • Distance: Approx. 93 km

  • Time: Approx. 6 to 7 hrs

  • Grading: Moderate 

• Overnight stay at Joe’s Resort (or similar), Unawatuna (BB)

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.

Schedule:

• Cycling: 

  • Route: Unawatuna – Galle – Unawatuna

  • Distance: Approx. 25 km

  • Time: Approx. 3 to 4 hrs

  • Grading: Moderate 

• Visit Galle Dutch Fort

• Overnight stay at Amor Villa (or similar), Unawatuna (BB)

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.

Schedule:

• Transfer to airport

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.