4 days: Coast to Coast Cycling Expedition

SCHEDULE

• Arrival at Negombo.

• Meet the cycling guide and discuss about the programme.

• Familiarisation ride in Negombo in the evening.

• Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Negombo.

Cycling distance - Approx. 10 km

Time – Approx. 1 hour

Grading – Soft

After a chance to relax from the overnight flight there will be the opportunity this afternoon to take a short cycle ride to break in our sturdy mounts for the coming days. Set amongst coconut palms and fishing boats, Negombo is a perfect way to start our trip and this evening there should be the ideal way to sample some of the excellent seafood available in this atmospheric fishing town.

SCHEDULE

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Ride from Negombo to Narammala.

• Drive from Narammala to Kurunegala

• Dinner and overnight stay at the Hotel in Kurunegala

Cycling distance - Approx. 55 km (from Negombo to Belihuloya)

Time – Approx. 5 hours

Grading – Soft and Moderate

Following 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. Located in the Kurunegala District this town 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 it can get quite warm in this part of the country, Narammala is the perfect place to begin your cycling expedition as it offers beautiful scenery and a hospitable local community. You will cycle mainly on flat terrain with a mixture of tarred roads and concrete/dirt byroads. Pay a visit to a Clay Roof tile making factory in Sandalankawa - a different kind of experience, as you will find it most impressive to witness this labour intensive industry. From Narammala, you will be transported a further 20 kms to Kurunegala via vehicle.

SCHEDULE

• Breakfast at the hotel in Kurunegala

• Ride to Kekirawa via Avukana

• Visit Avukana Buddha Statue

• Optional: Jeep Safari in Kalawewa National Park

• Dinner and Overnight stay at a Guest House in Kekirawa

Cycling distance - Approx. 102 km (from Negombo to Kekirawa)

Time – Approx. 6 hours

Grading – Soft and moderate

After an early breakfast at the hotel, we ride to Avukana via Hiriyala and Polpithigama. Soon after your get your turn from the busiest A6 road to B300 road, you will experience striking scenic beauty of the countryside. The Northern Railway line lies parallel with the road in some stretches enabling you to diversify the experience of the trail. The paddy fields by the roadside and the remote villages will give you more exposure on the village life though you ride on a tarmac road. Upon reaching Avukana, we will visit the Avukana Buddha Statue which has a height of more than 40 feet and iss carved out of a large granite rock face during the 5th century. Passing the Avukana Buddha Statue we ride along Kala Wewa, a massive tank which was constructed by King Dhatusena in the 5th Century AD. Once you reach Ipalogama, a right turn to Kekirawa road, will take you on another 6 km before reaching your day’s retreat.

SCHEDULE

• Breakfast at the Guest House

• Ride from Kekirawa to Horawapathana via Ritigala

• Vehicle Transfer from Horawapathana to Trincomalee

• Check in at the hotel

• Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel in Trincomalee

Cycling distance - Approx. 90 km (from Kekirawa to Horawapathana)

Time – Approx. 5 hours

Grading – Soft and moderate

Soon after the breakfast at Kekirawa, we will paddle to Ritigala Forest Monastery which is an archeological site & a strict Nature Reserve that dates back to the 1st Century BC. We will visit the monastery and view the archaeological treasures of a bygone ancient era and continue cycling to Yakalla via rural villages in the dry zone. After completing 32 km through Ritigala and rural villages, we will reach Yakalla and continue another a further 23 km along B133 road. At Konwewa we take a right turn and you will be immersed in a pristine agricultural experience, witnessing the simple yet hardworking different lifestyles of the dry zone farmers, on this stretch. Many tanks in different sizes. in order to cater to the requirements of agricultural needs of the communities could be seen on this ride. A visit a local village house and experiencing their heartiest hospitality will definitely be a highlight of your day. Enjoy a freshly prepared local snack with an herbal drink - something unique for you but so common to the community here. There could not be a better way to cool off, than by getting into a village tank and have a dip - also a good remedy for you to maintain your body temperature lower. After completing 30 km along the countryside via Katupotha, we will reach Horawapathana from where you will be transferred to Trincomalee in a vehicle.