Coast to Coast Cycling Expedition
Number of cycling days: 04 MODERATE [Soft x 1| Moderate x 3| Hard x 0]
Average Km / day: 40 km
A complete cycling tour of Sri Lanka covering all major highlights, with overnight stays at handpicked accommodations. All breakfasts, two lunches, seven dinners, bike hire, local tour leader and entrance fees mentioned in the schedules are included.
Tour Description
Tour Description
This is a short and adventurous cycling tour across beautiful Sri Lanka, from the west coast to the east coast. with a cultural exposure. A moderate cycling trail which is mostly on flat terrain, tarmac roads with less traffic, this tour offers diverse experiences: blending scenic landscapes, cultural exposure and the opportunity to explore ancient glories.
The escapade starts from riding along the cozy beaches, then crisscross through paddy fields in rural villages, historical sites, immerse oneself in natural forest reserves and the dry zone areas - all of which give guests a unique view of the island and the chance to tick off places to see on their bucket list.
At Cycling Holidays Sri Lanka, we endeavour to ensure that your cycling tours with us is an experience in itself and not just another peddling tour. Furthermore, this will be a discovery tour in a land with over 2500 years of history and culture, with an insight to a blending of diverse cultures and communities.
Our unmatched service combines professionalism and comprehensive knowledge of wild Sri Lanka! Our own guides have designed several cycling tours with international professional cycling tours leaders. In addition, they are well trained in First Aid / cycle repairs and our back up vehicle will carry spares and spare bikes for any emergency.
At Cycling Holidays Sri Lanka, we constantly look to improve the cycling tours which will have you want to come back to us for more adventure!
Itinerary
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival at Negombo
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.
Day 2 - Negombo – Narammala - Kurunegala
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.
Day 3 - Kurunegala – Avukana - Kekirawa
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.
Day 4 - Kekirawa – Ritigala - Trincomalee
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.