Cycle Sri Lanka

Ayu-bowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka! Your journey starts in the charming town of Negombo, conveniently close to the airport. Join us for a welcome meeting at 5:30 pm this evening. If you arrive early, immerse yourself in the coastal charm of Negombo by watching the local fishing boats at work. Indulge in a delectable seafood feast or rent a bike from the hotel to explore the picturesque countryside. This evening, your guide will be delighted to share top recommendations for local dining experiences.

Start your day with an early breakfast at the hotel before embarking on an exciting cycling adventure. Begin with a test ride through the vibrant city streets of Negombo. Your journey will take you from Negombo to Chilaw, where you’ll pedal through charming fishing villages, picturesque Dutch canals, lush coconut plantations, and intriguing tile factories. Upon reaching Chilaw, enjoy a delightful picnic lunch. Next, board a coach to Anuradhapura, where you can check into your hotel, unwind, and perhaps take a refreshing swim in the pool. This evening, consider joining a ‘food crawl’ through Anuradhapura’s lively streets and markets for a fantastic opportunity to savor the local cuisine.

After a delightful breakfast, embark on a scenic bicycle ride to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Anuradhapura for an enriching guided tour of this ancient city. As you explore the sprawling ruins, you’ll encounter the revered Bo Tree, a symbol of the origins of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and a source of inspiration for the grand architecture of Anuradhapura. The ruins are spread across a vast area, blending seamlessly with the natural landscape, from serene woodlands to more cultivated areas adorned with columns and ponds. Discover the majestic Isurumuniya Temple and the informative Anuradhapura Museum, followed by a delicious local lunch with your group. Afterward, return to your hotel for a relaxing afternoon and evening at your leisure.

Embark on a scenic bike ride from Anuradhapura to Ritigala this morning, cycling through lush rice paddies, ancient water tanks, and vibrant jungle landscapes. Enjoy a delightful lunch at a charming countryside kiosk before arriving at the stunning Ritigala Monastery, an ancient site with a history spanning nearly 2000 years, named after the mountain it graces. Explore the monastery, immerse yourself in its local mythology, and then board a coach for a journey to Polonnaruwa. Upon arrival, take some time to unwind and refresh.

Get ready for an exhilarating morning ride to Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s second oldest kingdom. As you explore this ancient site, you’ll have the chance to visit the Vihara Temple, marvel at the Parakrama Statue, and admire the Siva Temple. Then, hop back on your bike and cycle to Diyabeduma, where you’ll be surrounded by lush sanctuaries, intricate man-made channels, and picturesque farmlands. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch before continuing your journey to Dambulla by coach. In the evening, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Dambulla wholesale vegetable market, with an optional local food crawl to savor authentic Sri Lankan flavors.

This morning, embark on an exhilarating bike ride from your hotel in Dambulla to the iconic Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Towering 200 meters above the lush gardens and reservoirs, this ancient rock fortress promises stunning views. As you make your way, explore the fascinating water gardens, boulder gardens, and the Mirror Wall, and marvel at Sigiriya’s vibrant frescoes. Be sure to have your camera ready to capture the breathtaking skyline backdrop. After a rewarding hike to the fortress summit, savor a delightful breakfast with panoramic vistas. Next, continue your journey through the picturesque countryside, with a scenic stop for lunch at a spice garden near Matale. Relax in the support vehicle as you complete the final leg of your trip to Kandy. In the evening, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture with a traditional Kandyan dance performance.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you have the choice to either embark on additional cycling adventures in the picturesque Hanthana Mountain Range (weather and time permitting) or remain in Kandy for a leisurely exploration of the city. Later this morning, journey to Giragama for an enlightening guided tour of a tea factory, where you’ll discover the fascinating process behind Sri Lanka’s beloved tea and savor a selection of exquisite varieties.

For lunch, dine at the Hela Bojun Restaurant, a unique social enterprise established by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Agriculture. This initiative supports local women by providing employment and training opportunities. Experience authentic Sri Lankan cuisine prepared by these talented women and gain insight into the restaurant’s meaningful mission.

The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. In the evening, visit the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic, Sri Lanka’s most significant Buddhist site, before heading back to town for a delightful food crawl.

After breakfast this morning, transfer to Kandy railway station for a scenic train journey to Hatton. From Hatton, you’ll cycle through lush tea plantations to Maskeliya, where you’ll stop for a delightful Tamil lunch at a local kiosk. Check into your guesthouse and unwind for the afternoon. For those seeking adventure, an optional trek up Adam’s Peak awaits. This majestic, snow-capped mountain rises to 2,243 meters and is a highlight of the pilgrimage season, which runs from late May to early December – an enchanting time to experience its beauty.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a scenic bike ride from Bogawanthalawa to Balangoda. This brief but breathtaking journey takes you through some of Sri Lanka’s most picturesque landscapes, winding through tea plantations and pine forests. As you cycle, you’ll be surrounded by majestic mountains, tall trees, and vibrant greenery, with the soothing sounds of birdsong enhancing the experience. Keep an eye out for charming waterfalls along the way. After reaching the lush green hills of Balangoda, enjoy a delightful lunch before transferring to Tissamaharama. Upon arrival, unwind at your hotel and gather with fellow travelers for a convivial group dinner, sharing the day’s adventures.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic cycling journey along tree-lined roads from Tissamaharama to Kataragama. This vibrant holy city, with its rich religious significance, is as renowned as Adam’s Peak. In July/August, it comes alive with the Kataragama Festival, drawing thousands of Hindus and visitors. Next, enjoy a thrilling jeep safari through Yala National Park, renowned for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, crocodiles, and the elusive great thick-knee waterbird. Yala is also famous for one of the world’s highest concentrations of leopards. Conclude your day back in Tissamaharama with a delightful group dinner.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, embark on a scenic bike ride from Tissamaharama to Hambantota, passing through the picturesque Bundala National Park. Following a delightful lunch in Hambantota, continue your journey to Mirissa on your bike. Spend a relaxing afternoon on Mirissa’s beautiful beach, where you can unwind, take a refreshing swim, and marvel at the stunning sunset. The beach’s long, sandy stretch and clear waters are perfect for a leisurely dip. For a bit more adventure, cycle to the nearby town of Weligama, known for its vibrant fishing boats and fresh catch. Don’t miss the chance to explore the local lace products, which make for charming and authentic souvenirs.

Start your day with a leisurely morning, perfect for unwinding or, if you’re up for it, embarking on a whale-watching adventure (best experienced from November to April). Later, journey to Galle, with a stop near the Galle Fort entrance to meet Mr. Sunil, a local artisan renowned for his traditional woodcarving skills. Enjoy a hands-on demonstration of this ancient craft and try your hand at it. Upon reaching Galle, known for its remarkable World Heritage-listed Dutch fort and charming historic buildings, spend the evening wandering through the fort’s ramparts and savoring the sunset. Afterward, make your way back to Mirissa.

After breakfast, depart from Mirissa and drive to Colombo. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and set out on an enlightening guided city walk. Explore the vibrant Pettah Bazaar, admire the historic Independence Square, see the impressive Parliament buildings, and visit the National Museum. Your tour will conclude at the Barefoot fairtrade store, where you can discover unique handicrafts from across Sri Lanka and support local cottage industries. In the evening, join an optional group food crawl to savor the rich flavors of Sri Lankan street food at local market stalls, celebrating the end of your journey with a culinary adventure.

After breakfast today, your adventure concludes, and there are no scheduled activities. You are free to depart at your convenience following check-out. Should you wish to extend your stay, please contact your booking agent in advance to arrange for additional accommodation.