Cycle the Back Roads of Sri Lanka

The group flight usually departs in the evening from London Heathrow.
**

Day 2

The group flight from London typically arrives at Bandaranayake International
Airport around lunchtime and we transfer to Sigiriya (approximately 4 hours)
where we stay for the next 2 nights.
*Hotel Sigiriya or alternative accommodation in the area*

Day 3

After breakfast we ride along gravel roads following an old irrigation canal
to Dambulla, the 2nd Century BC Buddhist cave temple. It is well worth the
walk to view the five caves, which contain many ancient Buddha statues, some
carved from the solid rock. Returning via the busy market town we take
another quiet back road riding through chilli and rice fields before cycling
back at our hotel for lunch and a relaxing swim in the pool. In the late
afternoon we climb the 5th Century rock fortress of Sigiriya to see the
beautiful frescoes painted onto the rock face (not recommended for those who
suffer from vertigo). The ruins of the palace on the summit are surpassed
only by the magnificent aerial view of the surrounding jungle. Stay as long
as you like, as it's only 10 minutes walk back to our hotel.
*Hotel Sigiriya or alternative accommodation in the area*

Day 4

A long morning ride along a quiet back road which is part of the Sigiriya
nature reserve, before joining the highway travelling east towards
Polonnaruwa, riding all the way to our lunch stop and overnight stay. For
those who fancy a swim, the hotel also has a swimming pool, a pleasant place
to spend the hot early afternoon. Later we tour the old ruined city of
Polonnaruwa, which dates from the 10-13th centuries.
*The Village Hotel or alternative accommodation in the area*

Day 5

We follow the local lake's man-made 6km dam and feeder canal to its source,
the Amban Ganga River. The afternoon ride is flanked by the stunning
Kalanduwa hills on one side and the borders of Wasgomuwa Wildlife Park on the
other. As the jungle gives way to plantations, we enter the spice growing
region of Sri Lanka. The night is spent in a family-run guest house with
small cabanas dotted around the estate. It’s basic but the home cooking in
clay pots on wood fired stoves gives you the real flavour of Sri Lanka. If
you would like to find out more about the spices used in the piquant Lankan
curries, the owners can arrange a visit to one of the renowned spice gardens
a short walk down the road.
*Countryside Hotel or alternative accommodation in the area*

Day 6

Today is tougher as we head for the hills and Kandy, the spiritual and
cultural capital of the hill country. Those who feel like an easy day can
jump onto the bus for the 50km trip to Kandy, while the rest of us pedal
away, riding through the Moorish town of Matale. Its inhabitants, descendants
from Arab spice traders, still control most of the spice market, which is a
good place to pick up some freshly ground curry powder. As Kandy's roads are
as old as the city itself, we may have to drive the last few kilometres to
avoid the traffic. Surrounded by hills, the town is centred around a small
lake and the Temple of the Tooth. The afternoon is free to wander through the
streets and markets.
*Hotel Thilanka or alternative accommodation in the area*

Day 7

A free day to explore the town. Kandy has many interesting attractions
including the wonderful Botanical Gardens, the famous Temple of the Tooth,
and streets lined with interesting curio shops. The surrounding hills are
dotted with wonderful temples.
*Hotel Thilanka or alternative accommodation in the area*

Day 8

For anyone who doesn't do hills, we strongly recommend the train ride to
Nuwara Eliya. For those who feel like a challenge, it’s 84km, climbing up
to 2000m above sea level to reach this most favoured hill station. For the
first part of the ride we take the old road, a far more pleasant route, and
one of the few places where you see terraced paddy fields. Beyond the paddy
fields is tea country and the area is reputed to produce the finest teas on
the island. Tickets for the train journey are dependent on availabilty on the
day (although usually available, there may be the chance that the bus will
need to be used instead for those who don't fancy the hill).
*Mirage King's Cottage or alternative accommodation in the area*

Day 9

In the morning we visit a tea factory on the edge of the town, and then cycle
through hilly country towards Ella, stopping for lunch at a local restaurant
and later tea in Bandarawela, a trading centre where exotic fruits from the
east coast are traded for hill-country vegetables. Arriving in the late
afternoon, we watch the sunset from the famous view point, Ella Gap. On a
clear day you can see the coast shimmering in the distance.
*Hotel Country Comfort or alternative accommodation in the area*

Day 10

Descending 1000m we leave the breathtaking scenery of Uva Province for the
gentle rolling hills of the dry zone, stopping at the impressive rock-cut
Buddha Statues at Buduruvagala. The giant 15m rock carving of Buddha is
flanked by small figures depicting his helpers and a very rare image of
Maitreya, the future Buddha, which dates from the 10th Century. The
tranquillity of the place is enhanced by the lotus-covered lake where we will
relax on the banks and enjoy some fresh fruit before riding on to lunch. Here
we can retreat from the heat of the day, before the final 30km to
Tissamaharama, the capital of the old Ruhuna Kingdom.
*Chandrika Hotel or alternative accommodation in the area*

Day 11

In the morning we cycle to Kataragama temple, which lies 16km northeast of
Tissa. People of all faiths come to seek favour with the god Skanda, who is
reputed to restore people's health. The colourful and noisy pooja is always
busy, with thousands of pilgrims during the festival season from July -
August. Tissa is close to Yala National Park, the best park in Sri Lanka to
see leopard. After lunch we have a safari in the park, when we may see
elephant, deer, wild boar, sloth bear, asian jackal, lots of birdlife and if
very lucky a leopard. We return to Tissa for the night (please note that the
sanctuary may be closed for 4-6 weeks from September to October allowing the
park authorities to check the animals. We therefore go to an alternative area
close by, usually Lunugamvehera or Udawalawe National Park).
*Chandrika Hotel or alternative accommodation in the area*

Day 12

Leaving early to avoid the heat of the dry zone, we ride along the boundary
of Bundala Bird Sanctuary. During certain times of the year thousands of
flamingos can be seen wading in the brackish shallows, eyed up by crocodiles,
basking in the early morning sun. We hit the main road for the final 30km to
Hambantota, a series of sandy bays fanning out from this typical coastal
town. Transfer from Hambantota to Ahangama by coach. For the next 2 nights we
stay in Ahangama.
*Insight Resort or alternative accommodation in the area*

Day 13

Relax at the hotel or join a late morning ride along rural roads to the
village of Wandurugama before returning via Koggala Lake and back to the
hotel to end our riding. This afternoon is free to explore the beach area or
swim and laze by the pool. In the late afternoon we can view the stilt
fishermen climb their poles to catch a few bites for supper. From November to
April we can also go whale watching off Dondra head, near Mirissa, which is
one of the best places in the world for seeing Blue and Sperm whales. Huge
pods of dolphins are also often seen accompanying the boats.
*Insight Resort or alternative accommodation in the area*

Day 14

Leaving mid morning, we will stop to visit Galle. The Old Dutch fort was
built in 1663 after the Dutch took the island from the Portuguese. The old
ramparts and small back streets bring alive some of the history of the fight
for colonial domination of this prized island. You’re free to find your own
lunch, meeting back at the bus at around 2.30pm for the 2 hour drive to
Colombo. The rest of the day is free to relax by the pool or shop along the
main street. For the last evening meal we can choose from one of the many
restaurants in Colombo.
*Hotel Mirage or alternative accommodation in the area*

Day 15

If you are travelling on the group flight we will have a morning transfer to
the airport for the daytime flight to London. The arrangements for those not
flying with the group end after check out.
**