Day 2 – Negombo to Dambulla via Kurunegala, Cycling 78km

After an early breakfast at Golden Star Beach Hotel, we will head off to Kurunegala along some local roads. An amazing journey of vivid green contrasts leads us past vistas of dense jungle and broad rice paddies during the first kilometers of our cycling trip in Sri Lanka.

As we pass from tunnels of jungle out into open rice fields we’ll be struck by the beauty of towering coconut palms rimming the border between the two. A sky charged with fluffy balls of cumulous clouds sets the backdrop to this verdant landscape. The peace of the country roads is abruptly broken by the bustle of this central island transport hub. Kurunegala, Elephant Rock, is a busy cross roads town on the main road to Colombo. Its skyline is dominated by a towering rock formation giving rise to the town’s name. Get in to our vehicle at Kurunegala and driven to Dambulla.

Check in at Nice Place Hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3 – Dambulla to Sigiriya, Cycling 30km

Today we have a short itinerary. First we will climb the famed Dambulla Cave Temple. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the most impressive of Sri Lanka’s cave temples and was built by King Valagambahu in the 1^st century B.C. The complex of 5 caves, containing over 150 images of Buddha with over 2000 square meters of painted walls and ceilings is the largest area of paintings found in the world.

Upon descend from the cave temple, you can have a short spell to enjoy the surroundings of the region.  After having lunch we will start our next spell to Sigiriya. A few kilometers ride will take you to a completely different atmosphere; going from lush green jungle and on through a dusty red plain, reminiscent of an African landscape. Arriving at our day’s hotel we will be greeted by a monumental rock fortress towering high above this arid landscape.

Dinner and overnight stay at Flower Garden Eco Village.

Day 4 – Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa – Sigiriya Cycling 54km

An early start to the day, a short drive away and we are climbing to the summit of one of Sri Lanka’s most amazing landmarks – Sigiriya Rock (Lion’s Rock). This exquisitely beautiful complex of ancient ruins perched high on the rock is a site with a chequered history; from monastery to royal fortress and palace, and back to a monastery. We guarantee you’ll be left breathless by the uniqueness of this place. Back to the hotel and on the bikes we’ll pedal through this dry zone experiencing up close a very different side of Sri Lanka, passing through Minneriya National Park, a home to wild elephants. Rolling along an undulating road across to Polonnaruwa we will visit Sri Lanka’s second kingdom from medieval times. We’ll take a ride through the ruins of this ancient capital and learn of its tumultuous past. We’ll transfer by vehicle back to the Sigiriya via Habarana where we will be able to have an Elephant Back Ride which will be one of the highlights of the tour. Back to Flower Garden Eco Village to enjoy the dinner and for overnight stay.

Day 5 – Sigiriya – Kandy, Cycling 100km

Saying farewell to the playful Grey Langur monkeys of Sigiriya we will head for the high country. A longer day in the saddle today we’ll gradually climb up to our day’s final destination. Taking quiet back roads we’ll ride by some familiar scenery from previous days to be eventually led literally down the garden path.

Along both sides of the route to Kandy there are a multitude of spice gardens. We’ll pause for a while to regain some energy and discover the story behind the exciting aromas of a Sri Lankan spice garden; nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, turmeric, vanilla. Can’t you smell it? Matale, the next point of call along this route, is a dense, bustling market town. Take your time through here and you might find the bargain you’ve been looking for. From here on to Kandy we’ll mostly be heading uphill. Welcome to the highlands. We will be privileged to stay at the Hotel Thilanka. If the time permits we will be able to visit a cultural show in Kandy where we can experience traditional dancing.

Day 6 – Kandy – Nuwara Eliya, Cycling 70km

Rising very early this morning we’ll take a brisk walk around the lake to the highly sacred Temple of the Tooth. This temple, a centre of Buddhist faith, is believed to house a tooth of the Lord Buddha himself and at dawn each morning the locals and pilgrims come to worship this holy relic of Buddhism.

The plainly decorated temple exterior disguises the interiors of the temple buildings which are richly carved and decorated with inlaid woods, ivory, and lacquer. You will find this a truly moving experience. After a hearty breakfast we ride out of Kandy towards the pinnacle of our tour of Sri Lanka. We’ll take today’s stage in two sections. For those who appreciate only a little hill climbing the beginning of the day is perfect for you. For the hard core climbers we’ll let you continue to ride the full day out. And what a spectacular day this will prove to be. High mountains with lush green vegetation as far as the eye can see. The climate is fresh not humid, cool not cold. Where the gradient steepens we break for a hot tea at a local roadside stall.

From here the climbers continue to pedal; the others will take a ride in the van. This is tea country. Camellia Sinensis plants cover the hillsides for miles and miles. Another chance to appreciate the view and sample the local produce; we pause at a tea factory on the way. Upon arrival at Nuwara Eliya, ‘Little England’ we will check in at Heaven Seven Hotel in Nuwara Eliya for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 7 – Nuwara Eliya – Kithulgala – Nuwara Eliya

Today we’ll give our legs a rest. But today won’t be a rest day for us as we will be driven to Kithulgala for another thrilling adventure activity; White Water Rafting.

Kithulgala is the only location in Sri Lanka where the activity White Water Rafting can be carried out.

Back to our hotel in Nuwara Eliya for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8 – Nuwara Eliya – Horton Plains – Belihuloya

We will drive upto Ambewela in our coach and from there we will start the steep climb towards Horton Plains. Cycling across the Horton Plains National Park, we then start our amazing descend though a very remote tea estate.

Our lunch will be taken at the Bambarakanda fall, Sri Lanka’s highest waterfall. From here it is still about 15 km of exciting downhill till we reach the main road. From here we transfer by van to our camp near the small hamlet of Belihuloya which is a very picturesque and romantically situated about 160km from Colombo in the historical “Sabaragamuwa” province. This zone is a climatically transitional area linking the wet & dry zones and the hill country & the low country.

Check in at our Campsite for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 9 – Belihuloya

Today is dedicated for some other activities in our 14 days journey. We will drive to Bambarakanda Waterfalls for climbing the rock face early in the morning. The expedition is concluded with a trek to the water fall and a refreshing dip at its base.

Back to our campsite. In the evening we will paddle some canoes in Samanalawewa Reservoir and get ready for a heart BBQ meal in our campsite.

Dinner and overnight stay at our campsite overlooking Samanalawewa Reservoir.

Day 10 – Belihuloya – Kaltota – Udawalawe – Cycling 85km

Today should be a breeze after the last days of cycling. Starting from 920m altitude at the breathtaking mountain views, we’ll fly down out of the mountains to the plains of southern Sri Lanka. Enjoy the ride as we glide along some fantastic roads.

During the final kilometers of our ride today we will see clearly the mountains from which we came presented in a beautiful panoramic vista. Upon our arrival at Udawalawe, we will check in at Elephant Train Hotel in Udawalawe which is just few kilometers away from Udawalawe National Park. Evening at leisure.

Dinner and overnight stay at Elephant Trail Hotel in Udawalawe.

Day 11 – Udawalawe – Matara – Bentota Cycling 125km

After the breakfast at the Hotel we will drive to the park entrance for a safari drive in Udawalawe National Park. Watching from afar we’ll enjoy seeing wild Asian elephants venturing out for their evening bathing ritual.

A long day on the road today will bring us from the open plains of Udawalawe back towards the coast. Leaving the National Park we’ll cycle by rice paddies and wetlands teeming with wildlife. The numerous kilometres today will be well rewarded in the end of paddling; stretches of pristine palm lined beaches, crystal blue water and some fantastic surf. From Matara we will get into our vehicle and drive at the doorstep of our hotel,  Wunderbar Beach Hotel for overnight stay.

The Cyclists and the crew will be departed from this point onwards where you will give your legs a complete relaxation.

Day 12 & 13 – Bentota

You will be on leisure for these two days.

At Bentota we will be able to engage in some activities ranging from boat rides in to windsurfing including some thrilling jet-ski ride or a banana boat ride.

Dinner and overnight stay at Wunderbar Beach Hotel in Bentota.

Day 14 – Bentota – Colombo – Bandaranaike International Airport

With bikes and bags packed we say farewell to our cycling friends new and old.

Those leaving today will have an airport transfer vehicle on standby to take you to your flight.

Any guests wishing to continue their stay here or elsewhere in Sri Lanka.