Cycling in Sri Lanka

11 Days

“The island of Sri Lanka is a small universe, it contains as many variations of culture, scenery and climate as some countries a dozen times its size…I find it hard to believe that there is any country which scores so highly in all departments – which has so many advantages and so few disadvantages. Lovely beaches, beautiful landscapes, impressive ruins, a vibrant culture and charming people, no wonder Sri Lanka is a small miracle.” – Arthur C. Clarke

Overview

Explore this island nation  by bike over 10 days, cycle touring from the capital, Colombo, through lush highlands to the coast. Srilanka offers mix of metalled and unmetalled roads on secondary roads and quiet country lanes and light traffic with different terrains for cycling. There are a few sustained climbs and some thrilling descents. There is always a support vehicle on hand to give you a lift if you need a break from the riding.Along the way, enjoy nature-packed hikes and safaris through national parks, luxurious hotels, delicious cuisine and the rich history and culture of Sri Lanka’s welcoming people.

Srilanka is an excellent place for cycling for more than half of the year. During the colder months from October/ November to May,the country has an ideal temperature for cycling and can be less tiring than summer/monsoon months when it is hot and humid. One piece of advice is that, try to start early, to avoid the heat.

Itinerary

Day 1 :

Day 01 Arrive in Colombo
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport. Meet assist and transfer to nearby coastal town of Negombo. Arrive and check-in at the hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure to rest after the flight before meeting with guide for briefing before dinner.

Day 2 :
Negombo

Cycling distance - Approx. 10 km

Time – Approx. 1 hour

Grading – Soft

Start your cycling tour at 10.30 in Negombo, riding along, witnessing the beauty of Hamilton Canal and proceed to Muthurajawela to enjoy the bio-diversity of Muthurajawela sanctuary by cycles.

Lunch at a local restaurant in Pamunugama

Afterwards boat ride to visit Muthurajawela. Thereafter proceed back to negombo along the Dutch canal road & explore Negombo

We end the day with unforgettable experience by watching sun set at Negombo Beach.

Cycling distance - Approx. 25 km

Time – Approx. 4 hour

Grading – Moderate

After early breakfast leave hotel at 7 a.m. Arrive in Dambadeniya at 8.30 a.m. Explore Damabadeniya ancient kingdom by cycle. Start journey from Wijayasundararamaya temple and ride up to Maliga Rock & Climb Maliga rock

Have home made authentic srilankan picnic lunch. Thereafter cycle through local vegetable farms, pineapple farms, rubber and coconut farm End of cycling by having a cup of “Beli Mal” with Kitul jiggery. Afterwards drive to Anuradhapura

Cycling distance - Approx. 5 km

Time – Approx. 2 hour

Grading – Soft

Morning, biking in Anuradhapura ancient sites exploring sri maha bodhi, isurumuniya.

Day 5 :
Sigiriya

Cycling distance - Approx. 5 km

Time – Approx. 2 hour

Grading – Soft

Morning drive to Polonnaruwa which was the second capital city of Sri Lanka built in the 11th and 12th centuries AD, and also a world heritage site. Here you can see the ruins of the Royal Palace, temples and splendid statues of the Buddha. Cycle in the ancient site.Drive to Sigiriya for overnight stay

Cycling distance - Approx. 5 km

Time – Approx. 2 hour

Grading – Soft

Morning visit Sigiriya and its 5th century rock fortress, a world heritage site, built by King Kashyapa. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70 hectare fortified town. A moat, rampart, and extensive gardens ring the base of the rock. Afterwards cycle around local village in Sigiriya and have a home coocked lunch at a local house.

Thereafter drive to Kandy. Enroute visit a spice garden in Matale

Day 7 :
Kandy

In culturally rich Kandy drive around the lake built by the last Sinhala king in 1798, and visit the bazaar, arts and crafts centre, a gem museum and a lapidary. Also visit Peradeniya botanical garden and Temple of the Tooth Relic

In the evening witness a traditional cultural show

Cycling distance - Approx. km

Time – Approx. 1 hour

Grading – Moderate

After breakfast take a scenic train ride from Kandy to Hatton.

Hatton is the closest train station to Delhousie, the starting point for the bike to Adam's Peak. Combining the start in the urban area of Kandy with the rural tea country, you are in for a treat!

Start cycling in Hatton to Delhousie through tea plantations.

Rise up early morning and climb Adams Peak (Sri pada) to be on the top for the sunrise

Adam's Peak, also known as Sri Pada, is a 2,243m (7,359 ft) mountain in the central highland region of Sri Lanka.The typical climb is started in the middle of the night so you can reach the peak for a breathtaking sunrise.

Return back and drive upto Weligama

Day 10 :
Weligama

Cycling distance - Approx. 30 km

Time – Approx. 4 hour

Grading – Moderate

Morning, start cycling to explore nearby villages.Boat trip in the river to visit nearby islands Have picnic lunch in one of the islands.Return back to the hotel in the evening

With packed breakfast go for whale watching in Mirissa. Return back to the hotel, freshen up and drive up to the airport. Enroute visit Dutch fort in Galle. Wander on the ramparts and explore the historic town of Galle and the 17th century Dutch Fort, a UNESCO-protected World Heritage site. Take a walk into living history on this exciting tour around Galle Fort; built from 1640 by the Dutch rulers of the time. Explore the cinnamon warehouses, learn about the pigeon post that used to run from the top of the lighthouse to Colombo, pass the sinister looking Dutch prisons, climb onto the bastions packed with old canon placements, sample some local street food fresh pineapple, roti and king coconuts, take a peek inside beautifully restored Dutch villas, and you are sure to be amazed.

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