Cycle Sri Lanka
Cycle Sri Lanka
Cycle Sri Lanka
14 Days Starting in Negombo and ending in Colombo Airport
Visiting: Negombo, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, Udawalawe National Park Safari, Kataragama, Mirissa, Colombo
Tour Overview
Discover the Pearl of the Indian Ocean on two wheels. Taking a circular route around the island, our cycling tour of Sri Lanka ticks off ancient temples and fortresses, tea plantations and sprawling national parks. Pedal through the scenic Knuckles Range, around the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and more. Then, search for leopard in Yala National Park before winding up on the white sand beaches of Koggala for a well-earned rest.
Sri Lanka by bike - Ride the backroads, villages, Knuckles Range and central highlands of this beautiful island.
Ancient and spiritual sites - Explore the ancient site of Polonnaruwa, the cave temples of Dambulla and climb the Sky Fortress in Sigiriya.
Hill Country - Cycle through the highlands to discover lush tea plantations and the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Join Tour Negombo
Location: Negombo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Earls Regent Hotel
Our tour starts today in Negombo, a coastal town that's famous for its fishing industry and golden sands. The perfect introduction to Sri Lankan life, Negombo is a busy coastal town with a lively fish market, traditional ketti-maran (catamaran) fishing boats scudding across the waters - the capital, Colombo, is a short distance away, too. Head down to the water to catch the sunset and spot locals bringing in the day's catch.
For those arriving in time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Negombo at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to arrive into Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), which is a 30-minute drive from our hotel. If you miss the welcome meeting, your tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.
If your flight arrives earlier in the day, there's the option to take a short cycle ride in the late afternoon, exploring the coast of Negombo with its colourful fishing boats - a gentle introduction to Sri Lanka's beautiful landscapes. If you want to join, we'll meet at reception at 4pm. First, we'll take some time to ensure everybody is happy with their bikes and make any necessary adjustments. The ride covers some 10 kilometres/6.2 miles, and we'll head back to the hotel before dark.
Day 2: Morning Cycle Ride. Afternoon Visit Dambulla Cave Temple
Location: Sigiriya
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kassapa Lions Rock
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving after breakfast this morning, we'll drive for 30 minutes to Dankotuwa. From here, we begin our morning's cycle ride through small backroads, gravel or dirt roads (15 kilometres/9.3 miles) and lovely forest to the outskirts of Kuliyapitya. Please note that the road surface for today's ride is in a poor state of repair. Arriving in Kuliyapitya, we'll then transfer to Dambulla by bus (a two-and-a-half-hour journey) to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll break our journey with a lunch stop in Kurunegala. Dambulla has a great series of caves which hide an incredible collection of temples, Buddhist images and Hindu sculptures that date back to the 1st century BC. After our visit, we'll continue to our hotel in Sigiriya by bus (a 30-minute journey).
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 38 kilometres/23.6 miles (total 390 metres/1280 feet accumulated ascent and descent).
Day 3: Climb Lion Rock, Then Cycle To Polonnaruwa
Location: Polonnaruwa
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Sudu Araliya
Meals Included: Breakfast
First thing this morning, we'll drive the short distance back to Dambulla where we'll cycle (24 kilometres/14.9 miles) alongside lakes and canals to Sigiriya. We'll then leave the bikes as we climb the imposing 'Sky Fortress' of King Kassapa, whose 5th-century ruins are one of the country's major archaeological attractions.
Rising dramatically from the central plains, the UNESCO-protected ruins of this 5th-century 'Sky Fortress' are one of Sri Lanka's major attractions and an impressive feat of engineering skill. The fortress was built in just seven years as a fortified palace atop the granite peak, to protect the reign of merciless King Kassapa who had assassinated his father and deposed his brother.
Before our final ascent to the summit, we'll pass between a set of enormous lion paws carved out of the rock - all that remains of an ancient gateway that gave Sigiriya, the 'Lion Rock', its name. From here a series of switchback steel stairways ascend to the top. Once at the 200-metre/656-foot summit, we can take in the magnificent views of the surrounding jungle and countryside. We return to our hotel in time for a late breakfast.
Returning to the base of Lion Rock, we'll drive to Minneriya (a 45-minute journey) where the second leg of today's ride commences. Back on our bikes, we'll ride to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Our route follows a series of relatively straight and flat backroads through a landscape dotted with forests and villages, with around 10 kilometres/6 miles on decent, dirt road.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 50 kilometres/31.1 miles (total 340 metres/1116 feet ascent and descent).
Day 4: Pedal To Polonnaruwa Archaeological Site
Location: Polonnaruwa
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Sudu Araliya
Meals Included: Breakfast
Polonnaruwa reached the height of its glory in the 12th century and the city is still blessed with a number of ancient monuments, including the spectacular ruins of its Royal Palace and the Circular Relic House, a curious structure with a beautifully preserved 'moonstone' carved at the foot of a flight of steps. We'll spend this morning cycling around some of the area's major archaeological sites, before continuing by bike after lunch to explore the villages near Parakkrama Lake, one of the country's most impressive ancient reservoirs. Around 4 kilometres/2.5 miles of today's route is on gravel or dirt roads.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 33 kilometres/20.5 miles (total 210 metres/689 feet ascent and descent).
Day 5: Cycle And Drive To Kandy, Visit Spice Gardens En Route
Location: Kandy
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Casamara Kandy
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we'll cycle through the Knuckles Range and on to Kandy, one of Sri Lanka's cultural highlights. We'll start our day's ride at our hotel and cycle alongside Parakrama Samudra reservoir - built by the Singhalese kings in the 12th century - always staying close to Wasgamuwa National Park. Our ride ends before we get to Pallegama, and we'll get back in the vehicle to drive up into the Knuckles Mountain Range. These striking landscapes and isolated cloud forests provide a haven for a rich diversity of flora and fauna. After around an hour and a half, we reach the highest point at Riverston Pass. From here we descend for about another hour and a half to Matale Spice Gardens where we plan to visit. Finally, we drive on to Kandy and our accommodation for the night (a one-hour journey).
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 61 kilometres/37.9 miles (total 600 metres/1969 feet ascent and 500 metres/1641 feet descent).
Day 6: Explore Kandy On Foot
Location: Kandy
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Casamara Kandy
Meals Included: Breakfast
With no cycling planned for today, we'll have free time to enjoy one of the country's cultural gems. Lying in the mountains to the north-east of Colombo, Kandy is renowned as a centre of spiritual and cultural importance. The busy city is home to the famous 'Temple of the Tooth', whose jewelled shrine is believed to hold the left canine of the lord Buddha. It was also the last capital of the Sinhala Kings, and its wonderful mix of colour, local life and vibrancy makes it an ideal spot to explore at our own pace.
No cycling today.
Day 7: Into The Beautiful Highlands, Colonial Nuwara Eliya And Tea Plantation Visit
Location: Nuwara Eliya
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Blackpool Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leaving Kandy this morning, we'll drive for around two hours through a picturesque landscape of rolling, verdant hills into Sri Lanka's central highlands. On our journey, we'll stop at a tea estate to learn about tea picking and processing and to see the impressive Ramboda Falls. Keen cyclists have the option to ride on good (albeit steep!) tarmac before reaching the tea estate and there is also the option to ride the final 18 kilometres/11.2 miles section up to our hotel in Nuwara Eliya. Following the tea factory visit, we'll continue on foot through the tea plantations to a Tamil hamlet and will hopefully meet some families of tea pickers. Those not riding the optional sections will make the journey by bus. Nestling amongst the lush, cool hills, nearly 1,900 metres/6234 feet above sea level, Nuwara Eliya was once a summer retreat for the British and still retains a distinctly colonial feel that harks back to its 19th-century origins.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 18 kilometres/11.2 miles (optional) (total 900 metres/2953 feet ascent).
Day 8: Highlands Cycle. Visit Bambarakanda Waterfall
Location: Badulla
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Senya Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, we'll leave the hotel, cycling out through the highlands towards Badulla. Later changing direction to ride through the tea estates to Haputale on the southern, increasingly lush and tropical slopes of the mountain. Whilst the overall bias is on downhill, later in the day there are a few undulating and hillier sections as well. Later, we can make a detour to visit the Bambarakanda Waterfall, the highest in Sri Lanka, before arriving at our hotel. This evening dinner is included.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 68 kilometres/42.3 miles (total approx 970 metres/3183 feet ascent and 2200 metres/7218 feet descent).
Day 9: Cycle To Udawalawe National Park; Optional Safari
Location: Udawalawe National Park Safari
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Athgira River Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we'll cycle through the spectacular southern slopes of the highlands via Rajawaka and Pallebedda until we reach Highway 18 where our ride ends. We'll then drive to the Elephant Transit home (a 30-minute journey) for the chance to see baby elephants being fed. Afterwards, we'll either drive to our permanent tented camp with free time this afternoon to relax or alternatively have an optional 4WD jeep safari in Udawalwe National Park. The park is famous for its large elephant herds and has many other game to look for, from buffalo to sambar deer plus many bird species. This evening dinner is included.
Tonight, we'll sleep in a permanent tented camp close to nature on the banks of the Rakwana River, close to the National Park. Each large tent is equipped with twin beds, simple ensuite bathrooms, fans and fixed mosquito nets making this a comfortable style of camping and waking next to the river is ideal for a spot of early morning bird watching.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 37 kilometres/23 miles (total 420 metres/1378 feet ascent and 830 metres/2723 feet descent).
Day 10: Cycle Country Roads To Yala National Park; Optional Safari
Location: Kataragama
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kithala Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Turning southeast this morning, our cycle route leads us to the town of Kataragama where we'll spend the night. We plan to visit the interesting local temple dedicated to Hindu and Buddhist gods. Lying close to the beautiful and abundant landscapes of Yala National Park, our afternoon arrival provides us with a chance to enjoy an optional game drive through the park. One of Sri Lanka's more popular reserves, Yala is home to a rich diversity of ecosystems and is blessed with an abundance of wildlife, including sea turtles, sloth bears, one of the world's highest concentrations of leopards and over 215 species of birds. We use one of the less frequented Yala park entrances, around a 40-minute drive from Kataragama.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 49 kilometres/30.5 miles (total 320 metres/1050 feet ascent and 370 metres/1214 feet descent).
Day 11: Ride Along The Coast Through Bundala National Park
Location: Mirissa
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Koggala Beach Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we'll drive for 30 minutes to the coast and then cycle the first 23 kilometres/14.3 miles section along the coast and Bundula National Park, giving us a good chance to spot crocodiles. We'll then get back in the vehicle and drive for around an hour to a point beyond Tangalla. From here, we'll cycle again following back roads heading to the west. Our cycle ride ends in Matara where we get back on the bus again and drive to the hotel in Koggala (a 45-minute journey). Around 20 kilometres/12.4 miles of today's ride is on gravel or dirt roads.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 65 kilometres/40.4 miles (total 600 metres/1969 feet ascent and descent).
Day 12: Cycle The Coastal Backroads And Visit Galle
Location: Mirissa
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Koggala Beach Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We'll cycle from our hotel this morning, through the backroads. We'll explore the coastal and inland backroads, next to Koggala Lake on a bike route that eventually leads us back to the hotel in time for lunch. Later this afternoon, we'll drive for around 40 minutes to Galle for a stroll through the old town.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 33 kilometres/20.5 miles (total 380 metres/1247 feet ascent and descent).
Day 13: Day At Leisure In Koggala
Location: Mirissa
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Koggala Beach Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today has been left free to enjoy the laid-back ambience and turquoise waters of Sri Lanka's southern coast. Rich in biodiversity, colonial history and golden beaches, the area offers a wealth of options to make the most of our last day in the country. There are snorkelling trips available, ayurvedic massages and even the possibility of enjoying a whale-watching trip during the migration season (December to April).
No cycling today.
Day 14: Tour Ends At Colombo Airport
Location: Colombo
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip ends at Colombo airport. There are 2 transfers planned today.
Departing Koggala this morning, we'll drive for around two hours and 45 minutes to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo where our trip ends. The first transfer is planned to arrive at the airport at 10am, the second transfer is planned to arrive at the airport at 5.20pm and you'll need to select which you want at the time of booking.
The earliest your flight can depart is 1pm.
What's Included
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Meals
Breakfast: 13 Lunch: 5 Dinner: 2 -
Bike rental
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Accommodation
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Fully Guided
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Country Entry Visas
Why Book this Tour
Unlike many other operators, we include the hire of your bike in the overall cost of the holiday: you don't need to bring your own or pay extra to hire one locally. We also provide a support vehicle, spare parts and take care of day to day bike maintenance. All you need bring is your own helmet.
Meals
Breakfasts: 13
Lunches: 5
Dinners: 4
Check out our Q&As
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes
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What is the maximum group size?
16
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?
It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.
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Should I get travel insurance?
Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us
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How long has the tour company been trading?
At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.
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What is the accommodation like?
We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.
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Do I need to be very fit to book with you?
All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o
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Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel
It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.
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Free Date Changes
Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.