srilanka bike tour 12

Glimpse of Sri Lanka Bike Tour

Immerse yourself in the local way of life as you cycle through scenic villages and diverse topographies, encountering wildlife and majestic mountains along the way. Experience the charming hill station of Nuwara Eliya, and witness the beauty of Udawalawe's elephants in their natural habitat.

This tour is designed to be a perfect introduction to Sri Lanka, particularly if you have limited time in the country. You will have the chance to experience the diverse social and topographical landscapes of Sri Lanka while riding through some of the best that the country has to offer. A perfect Sri Lanka memorabilia.

Start

Negombo | 17:00hrs

Finish

Negombo

Lodging

casual

Level

moderate to challenging

Avg. dist. cycled

50km or 30mi

Group size

Min. 2, Max. 14

Fly-In

CMB

Fly-Out

CMB

Highlights

Highlight Image

Myriad landscapes

Ride through the the different topographies of Sri Lanka – tea plantations, beaches, meandering irrigation canals, hills, forests and historic towns

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

DayPlacecasual Inns or similarMealsDistanceActivity
DAY 1NegomboSuriya ResortD
DAY 2KandyThilanka HotelB,L,D40km / 24micycling
DAY 3 Nuwara EliyaAraliya Green CityB,L65km / 40micycling
DAY 4EllaFlower Garden ResortB,L,D30km / 18micycling, hiking
DAY 5EllaFlower Garden ResortB
DAY 6BelihuloyaRiver Garden ResortB,L,D50km / 30micycling
DAY 7Udawalawe National ParkKalu’s HideawayB,L,D60km / 36micycling, hiking
DAY 8MirissaMandara ResortB,L60km / 36micycling
DAY 9Colombo AirportB30km / 18micycling

Detailed Itinerary

Itinerary Image

Day 1: Negombo

On the day of the tour, our guide will meet you at your hotel in the evening at 17:00hrs. We'll use this time to do a bike fit to ensure that your cycling experience is as comfortable as possible. After that, we'll have a relaxing dinner together and go over the briefing for the tour.

Negombo is a vibrant coastal town with a mix of Dutch and Portuguese architecture and a bustling fish market. If you have time, we recommend exploring the town's canals, beaches, and historic sites. You could also take a boat ride to the nearby Muthurajawela Marsh, which is home to a variety of bird species and other wildlife.

Meals: D
Accommodation: Suriya Resort
Itinerary Image

Day 2: Kandy

Today we recommend hitting the road early to avoid the heat. After a short transfer, get ready for the day’s cycling. An easy-paced ride that takes us along the stunning coastal route with stops at fish markets. Later we turn inland and take a shuttle transfer of about 2hrs to Kandy.

Perched amongst the tea-clad hills of the Kandy Plateau, this is home to one of the most significant sites for Buddhists: the Temple of Sacred Tooth Relic which we visit in the evening. As we enter the temple's hallowed halls, we'll be mesmerized by the intricate architecture and awe-inspiring religious artifacts, including the tooth relic itself, believed to be a sacred relic of the Buddha.

Negombo_Kandy.png

Meals: B,L,D
Cycling Distance: 40km / 24mi
Accommodation: Thilanka Hotel
Itinerary Image

Day 3: Nuwara Eliya

Today's ride promises to be nothing short of breathtaking as we set out on a journey through Sri Lanka's stunning hill country, with its lush tea plantations and sweeping mountain vistas. The route to our destination, the old British tea valley of Nuwara Eliya, is a challenging one, with gradual climbs and a few steep hills to conquer. However, the awe-inspiring scenery, glistening reservoirs, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic views of the majestic mountain ranges make every pedal stroke worth it.

We'll stop for a delectable lunch at a picturesque spot overlooking a stunning waterfall and panoramic landscape. Here, we can take a moment to soak in the beauty of our surroundings and rejuvenate ourselves for the rest of the journey. After lunch, we'll transfer to Nuwara Eliya, where we'll spend the rest of the day exploring this charming town.

Nuwara Eliya, also known as 'Little England,' is a town that exudes colonial-era charm, with its well-manicured lawns, Victorian-era architecture, and immaculate gardens.

Kandy_Nuwara.png

Meals: B,L
Cycling Distance: 65km / 40mi
Accommodation: Araliya Green City
Itinerary Image

Day 4: Ella

Today's ride promises to be the highlight of the tour, offering a breathtaking undulating ride from Nuwara Eliya through a diverse range of landscapes. We will pass through lush grasslands, dense forests, dairy farms, and windmills, and stop at Pattipola railway station, the highest railway station in Sri Lanka, situated 1,897 meters above sea level.

The final stretch of the ride includes a challenging 4km uphill climb, leading to Horton Plains, one of Sri Lanka's most popular national parks. This vast expanse of grasslands and thick forests is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including many endemic bird species. We will explore the park's designated trails on foot, including a hike to World's End, a dramatic scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of the park. The total hike is approximately 8km, and we will also visit Baker's Falls, a stunning waterfall in the park.

If time permits, we will take a downhill ride to Ohiya railway station for lunch, followed by a scenic 90-minute train journey to Ella. Ella is a charming town situated at an elevation of 1,041m, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Please note that as our arrival time at Ohiya railway station is uncertain, we cannot make advance reservations for 1st class tickets on the train. We will need to purchase on-the-spot tickets, which are available only for the 2nd and 3rd class.

nuwara-horton.png

Meals: B,L,D
Cycling Distance: 30km / 18mi
Accommodation: Flower Garden Resort
Itinerary Image

Day 5: Ella

Today spend the day at leisure. If you're still up for an activity, hike to Little Adam's Peak and Nine Arch Bridge, both easily accessible from Ella. Enjoy panoramic views of lush green hills and valleys, and take in the beauty of the impressive Nine Arch Bridge, a railway viaduct that dates back to the British colonial era.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Flower Garden Resort
Itinerary Image

Day 6: Belihuloya

Today we ride towards Belihuloya, passing through forests, grasslands, and teak plantations. The initial descent can be steep, so we'll proceed with caution. After arriving at the base, continue riding uphill to Belihuloya, known for its lush green landscapes, rolling hills, tea plantations, and scenic beauty.

Meals: B,L,D
Cycling Distance: 50km / 30mi
Accommodation: River Garden Resort
Itinerary Image

Day 7: Udawalawe National Park

Today is largely downhill as we ride to Udawalawe. The landscape along the route from Belihuloya to Udawalawe offers a captivating mix of forests and rural villages.

In the afternoon, we go on an exciting safari adventure in Udawalawe National Park. The park is home to hundreds of Sri Lankan elephants, as well as other wild animals such as leopards, deer, and buffalo. With well-planned safaris and knowledgeable guides, you'll have a chance to observe these magnificent creatures up close in their natural habitat.

Meals: B,L,D
Cycling Distance: 60km / 36mi
Accommodation: Kalu’s Hideaway
Itinerary Image

Day 8: Mirissa

Today, we'll set off towards Mirissa, cycling along one of the beautiful irrigation canals that flow towards the southern coast. Along the way, we'll pass through lush banana plantations, providing a refreshing change of scenery from the mountainous terrain of the past few days. Cycling through the countryside will give us an opportunity to soak in the rural lifestyle and connect with the local culture. The last leg is covered in a shuttle.

As we approach Mirissa, the air becomes warm and humid, with the salty scent of the sea in the distance. After a long day of cycling, there's nothing quite like relaxing on the beach and taking in the beautiful surroundings of Mirissa.

udawalawe_tangalle.png

Meals: B,L
Cycling Distance: 60km / 36mi
Accommodation: Mandara Resort
Itinerary Image

Day 9: Colombo Airport

Today, we experience a beautiful coastal and interior trail as we ride toward Galle. The stunning views of the ocean and the gentle sea breeze keep us company throughout the ride. As we make our way toward Galle, we will pass through charming coastal villages and verdant countryside landscapes.

Post-lunch, explore the historic Galle Fort on foot. The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the best-preserved colonial-era fortifications in Asia. As we walk through the narrow streets and alleys, we will discover an abundance of Dutch and Portuguese architectural gems, museums, and cathedrals. The picturesque coastline also provides a perfect opportunity to relax on the sunny beaches and soak in the beautiful surroundings.

Extend at Galle and spend the days at leisure or transport to the Colombo International Airport for your onward journey. We aim to reach Negombo by 6 pm.

Meals: B
Cycling Distance: 30km / 18mi
Accommodation:

Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.

Map

Dates and Prices

Members get an estimated 10% off when booking at least 6 months in advance.

$75/yearLearn more

Single Supplement

From US $550

E-Bike Upgrade

From US $200



Couldn't find a trip with convenient dates?

Open your date as a join-in tour or customize further as a private one.


Essential Info

Inclusions

LODGING

All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).

trip leader

Expert Trip Leader(s) who look after your every need and add meaning to your vacation.

bike

Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.

shuttle

A Van support follows the group of riders and carries all belongings.

meals

Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.

refreshments

Refreshments and mineral water while cycling.

entrance

Entrance fees to most of the monuments and temples.

E-bikes

E-bikes are available (subject to availability) on this trip at a surcharge.

Exclusions

Airport pickup and drop

We recommend to book direclty from airport or hotel.

Beverages

Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.

Gratuity

Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.

Bikes

When you have a road and the thrill of a journey ahead of you, it’s imperative to have a good bike to enjoy it. Our fleet majorly consist of the below bikes as a part of this tour. However, sometimes due to height or availability constraints, we may provide a different but similar quality bike.

Bike Image

Merida Big Seven or similar

mountain

Included in your trip price

Bike Image

Scott E-Aspect or similar

ebike

Available at a surcharge

Weather

With a tropical climate, Sri Lanka has two cycles of monsoon which bring rain to the west and south-west coastal lines from May to September, and between October and February, it rains in northern regions and east coastline. Although the rains are generally short, with occasional heavy downpours.

Leaving out the monsoon season, the remaining months receive plenty of sunshine and are mostly dry. Temperatures remain fairly consistent year-round, with coastal regions averaging from 25 to 32°C and the mountain regions from 15 to 20°C. Sri Lanka is humid as well with relative humidity ranging between 60% & 90%.

Predominantly, Sri Lanka is almost a year-round cycling destination and our bike tours run around the year.

January

Good

February

Good

March

Best

April

Best

May

Mixed

June

Mixed

July

Mixed

August

Mixed

September

Best

October

Best

November

Good

December

Mixed

Best

Good

Mixed

Offseason

Visa

Most travelers require a visa to visit Sri Lanka. The process for acquiring one is relatively straightforward. For trips to Sri Lanka of up to 30 days, visas, also known as ETAs (Electronic Travel Authorization), can be obtained from the government’s Department of Immigration and Emigration website. The Electronic Travel Authorization System is available online or at the port of entry. Visitors are strongly urged to use the online system to avoid lengthy delays at the port of entry.

Reviews from our friends