14 days: Coast to Coast - South

Schedule:

• Meet at the Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)

• Overnight stay at Beacon Beach, 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: Salawa – Kitulgala

  • Distance: Approx. 72 km

  • Time: Approx. 5 to 6 hrs

  • Grading: Hard

• Dinner and overnight stay at Plantation Hotel, Kitulgala (HB)

In order to avoid the busy traffic around Negombo and Colombo you will first be transferred to Salawa about 55 kilometres land inward. A short visit at the Salawa rubber estate to show you one of Sri Lanka’s main export products. South America remained the main source of latex rubber used during the 19th century. The rubber trade was heavily controlled by business interests, but rubber tree seeds were smuggled from Brazil and delivered to Kew Gardens in England. Seedlings were then sent to India, British Ceylon (Sri Lanka), and other colonies. After the plantation visit a hard first cycling day awaits you since you’ll have to climb the first mountain tops up to 600 metres above sea level. Kitulgala, considered to be one of the most important holdings of the country’s biodiversity will be the first place where you will stay overnight.

Schedule:

• Cycling:

  • Route: Kitulgala – Kandy

  • Distance: Approx. 65 km

  • Time: Approx. 4 to 5 hrs

  • Grading: Moderate

• Overnight stay at Thilanka Hotel, Kandy (BB)

We’ll start the day with some other activity than cycling, nothing less than rafting! Kitulgala’s climate is humid throughout the year which makes it an ideal destination for white water rafting. The thrilling adventure on the white water sections of the Kelani River is enjoyable for both beginners and professionals. Make sure you save some energy because the first 15 kilometres of cycling consist of climbing… After that, it’ll become easier and your cycle guide will take you to some undisclosed places before entering Kandy. You’ll visit a 14th century shrine where you must see the splendid ancient wood carvings. The next stop will be at a hidden village community that is well known for making drums and during this visit you will have the opportunity to view the entire drum making process which includes bringing the ‘hide’ or skin from slaughterhouses, cutting of wood from local trees and you’ll have the opportunity to partake in the creation of a drum yourself!

Schedule:

• Visit Kandy

• Overnight stay at Thilanka Hotel, Kandy (BB)

Kandy was initially built in this location as a natural fortress against attack as it was not an easy target for the foreign invaders. Nowadays, the city of Kandy is well known as one of Sri Lanka’s best attractions among both local and international visitors. Because of its traffic jams, we recommend you visit Kandy by foot. It’s up to you what you decide to see in Kandy and your cycle guide will be happy to recommend sites to see. Kandy has its unique rich history. You can visit places like the Temple of the Tooth, Natha Devalaya, the National Museum, the British Cemetery and in the evening a cultural dance show.

Schedule:

• Cycling:

  • Route: Kandy – Rikillagaskada

  • Distance: Approx. 38 km

  • Time: Approx. 3 to 4 hrs

  • Grading: Moderate

• Dinner and overnight stay at Waterfall View Rest, Rikillagaskada (HB)

It’s time to make your way from Kandy to Rikillagaskada. You will be riding through a combination of ascents and descents through the hillside of Kandy. This track includes some demanding uphill slopes which will keep you on your toes until you reach your destination. Ride along the Mahaweli River which is Sri Lanka’s longest river and past different types of crops which sustain the local population. This gives you the chance to familiarise yourself with the locals and their traditional lifestyles. An overnight stay will be organised at a local guest house or local house in Rikillagaskada.

Schedule:

• Cycling:

  • Route: Rikillagaskada – Nuwara Eliya

  • Distance: Approx. 63 km

  • Time: Approx. 5 to 6 hrs

  • Grading: Hard

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

Today you will be transported to another side of Sri Lanka as you make your way from Rikillagaskada to Nuwara Eliya which is commonly known as Little England. This place has a climate unlike anywhere else in the country as its cool weather and chilling breeze offers cyclists the ideal environment to explore its beautiful surroundings. Many of the buildings and hotels still stay true to its colonial roots while tea estates are spread across its grand landscapes. Nuwara Eliya also boasts of the impressive Golf Club which dates as far back as 1889. Visit the clubhouse to view some of the photographs that portray life from back then. Heavily influenced by the British colonists who once lived in these parts, this romantic location will make you fall in love with it. The track will hold some uphill climbs and take you past some of the most picturesque tea plantations on offer while the constant cooling breeze will ensure that you stay comfortable throughout the ride.

Schedule:

• Morning Trek Horton Plains National Park

• Cycling:

  • Route: Horton Plains – Ella

  • Distance: Approx. 50 km

  • Time: Approx. 3 to 4 hrs

  • Grading: Moderate

• Overnight stay at Ella Flower Garden, Ella (BB)

After breakfast and a warm pot of Sri Lankan tea you will be transported to Horton Plains. Situated around 2100metres 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 alongside an array of migratory birds. You will then return to your bike and descend towards Ella.

Schedule:

• Cycling:

  • Route: Ella – Monaragala

  • Distance: Approx. 68 km

  • Time: Approx. 5 to 6 hrs

  • Grading: Moderate

• Overnight stay at Roccos, Arugam Bay (BB)

A tough morning climb awaits you before descending towards the southeast coast of Sri Lanka. But before defying this challenge you’ll be taken to the Nine Arch Bridge, one of the most beautiful places to photograph Sri Lanka’s trains. There are not many trains passing this bridge, but with some luck you’ll see one. After that you’ll commence a 13 kilometres climb, the last mountain top for your holiday. From here you’ll descend to Moneragala from where you’ll be transferred the last 72 kilometres to Arugam Bay. While traditionally fishing has dominated the local economy, in recent years the wide sweeping beach has made Arugam Bay an exciting destination for water sports and wildlife enthusiasts. Thanks to several quality breaks in the area, Arugam Bay is listed as one of the top ten surf joints in the world.

Schedule:

• Relax

• Overnight stay at Roccos, Arugam Bay (BB)

Today you can relax at the beach, do water sports or if you are a wildlife fan, we can recommend you to go on a safari to Kumana National Park which is renowned as bird sanctuary where large flocks of migratory waterfowl and wading birds can be seen. Besides the abundant birdlife, Kumana is home to many mammals such as elephants and leopards.

Schedule:

• Cycling:

  • Route: Wellawaya – Yala

  • Distance: Approx. 72 km

  • Time: Approx. 4 to 5 hrs

  • Grading: Soft

• Dinner and overnight stay at Big Game Campsite, Yala (HB)

You don’t need to go to the east coast for sunsets, but early birds might have the chance to see a sunrise. After breakfast you’ll be transferred to Wellawaya. As a warmup, the first 10 kilometres will take you to the ancient Buduruwagala temple complex consisting of seven statues dating back to the 10th century. Thereafter another 60 kilometres await you on a mainly flat stretch and with a bit of luck, it will serve you up with some close encounters with the many endemic animal species that reside in the surrounding areas.

Schedule:

• Morning safari Yala N.P.

• Cycling:

  • Route: Yala - Bundala

  • Distance: Approx. 46 km

  • Time: Approx. 3 to 4 hrs

  • Grading: Soft

• Overnight stay at Ranna 212, Tangalle (BB)

In the early morning you will go for a safari at Yala National Park in search for stunning wildlife. After that you’ll head out of the wilderness in direction of Tangalle, a small fishing port with some of the finest and largest bays in the island. Protected from the ocean by an enclosing reef, the palm-fringed bay and pristine coves are a real natural treasure. Five out of seven species of marine turtles come ashore to nest in Sri Lanka, and all five of them can be observed in Rekawa (Tangalle) throughout the year in their natural habitat. Unlike the turtle hatcheries on the west coast, here, the eggs are left undisturbed in the sand and protected in site.

Schedule:

• Cycling:

  • Route: Ranna – Mirissa

  • Distance: Approx. 60 km

  • Time: Approx. 4 to 5 hrs

  • Grading: Soft

• Overnight stay at Paradise Beach Club, Mirissa (BB)

Todays is your last cycling day. 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. Mirissa is located at the southern coast of the country and boasts some of the most beautiful beaches on offer. It is a smaller bay than Tangalle and has other charms to offer. It still retains the charm of an idyllic fishing village despite recent developments for tourism. You can wander on the beach and choose a restaurant offering the fish catch of the day.

Schedule:

• Visit Galle Dutch Fort

• Overnight stay at Galle Face Hotel, Colombo (BB)

After breakfast we will take you to Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking the ocean, built by the Portuguese in 1587 and reinforced again by the Dutch. The 36-hectare fortress is surrounded on three sides by the ocean, its ramparts protecting the harbour, old houses, churches, warehouses and the Arab quarter. Even as the city of Galle modernises, its remarkable collection of ancient structures transports visitors to another time.

Whenever you’re done with Galle, the journey continues to Colombo, another important harbour city on the western coast with more history. A melting pot of cultures and commerce, Colombo is a lively city with the most fascinating history. Ancient Arab sailors frequented these ports to trade with the Portuguese, Dutch and British colonists that occupied the city. Today, Colombo has something from everyone! Explore the vibrant markets and bazaars in Pettah or indulge in shopping and tasting Sri Lankan delicacies.

Schedule:

• Transfer to airport

Today you will be transferred to the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake in time to catch your flight back home. Take with you numerous memories and experiences of Sri Lanka - that will be second to none.