Sri Lanka by Bike
11 Days Starting in Colombo and ending in
Visiting: Sri Lanka
Tour Overview
A land of misty highlands and tea plantations, dense jungles and national parks, Sri Lanka is ideally suited to cycle touring. From the palm fringed west coast, we cycle inland through a multitude of Buddhist and Hindu monuments and colonial heritage that characterises the country’s rich cultural history. Our journey leads deep into the rain forest of central Sri Lanka where monks conduct prayers in harmony with the forest before continuing to the hill town of Kandy with its splendid botanical gardens and lush tea plantations. We continue to the rock fortress of Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa - the medieval capital of Sri Lanka, where we swap our bikes for jeeps and take a wildlife safari in the Minneriya National Park.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Colombo, Transfer To Hotel.
On arrival you will be met and transferred to the group hotel, approximately an hours drive from Colombo International Airport and close to the beach. Overnight: Coco Royal Beach Hotel Waskaduwa or similiar.
Day 2 : Commence Cycling To Induruwa (34Km)
Before breakfast you will be able to inspect and select your bike to be used throughout the trip. Our technicians will be available to adjust to your specifications. After breakfast we commence riding to Induruwa in the south and travel through small villages full of friendly faces. Induruwa Beach Resort is the perfect place to end the day with a refreshing drink by the beach.
Overnight: Induruwa Beach Resort or similiar.
Day 3 : Cycle To Ahangama (70Km)
Today we follow the National Cycling Trail along the scenic southern coastal belt. A highlight today is a visit to the 400 year old Dutch Fortress in Galle, which is listed as a World Heritage site. As we cruise along we may also be able to see ‘Stilt Fisherman’ as they go about their daily life. Tonight is our last night by the coast so we will relax over dinner and enjoy the sea breeze.
Overnight Hotel Ahangama or similiar.
Day 4 : Cycle To Udawalawe (110Km)
The route today takes us through a variety of landscapes. We cycle on muddy tracks and some paved roads through a changing landscape of dry zone jungle, tea plantations and paddy fields. We will pass by the Udawalawe National Park, and if we are lucky we may be able to spot peacocks and perhaps an elephant or two! Today we also visit the Elephant Transit Home at Udawalawe.
Overnight: Elephant Trail Hotel or similar.
Day 5 : Cycle To Banadarawela (38Km)
Today we will drive through rural surroundings to Wellawaya where we commence cycling. The ride today will be challenging as there is a considerable amount of uphill cycling to reach our destination. At these higher elevations we are surrounded by lush green tea plantations, the climate is cooler, and you will feel refreshed and relaxed. Overnight: Orient Hotel, Bandrawela or similiar.
Day 6 : Cycle To Kandy (80Km)
En-route to Kandy we visit a tea factory and get the opportunity to taste pure unblended Ceylon tea. We also pass by the majestic Mt Pidurutalagala, the highest mountain in Sri Lanka. Once we reach Kandy the afternoon will be at leisure to explore the town and markets. This evening there will be a cultural performance by traditional Kandyan dancers, drummers and firewalkers.
Overnight: Hotel Senani or Gagaaddra Hotel or similar.
Day 7 : In And Around Kandy
Sri Lanka’s hill capital, stronghold of the Sinhala Kings, Kandy is the country’s most beautiful town. It is 488 metres above sea level and next to Colombo is Sri Lanka’s most visited place. The focal point of the town is, without doubt, the golden roofed Dalada Maligawa where the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha is enshrined. Our tour this morning visits the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, Upper Lake Drive (for a great view of the city), the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, and a Gem Museum. Kandy is an exciting place for shopping and you can pick up some great souvenirs in wood, copper, silver, brass, ebony and bronze. Ceramics, lacquer work, handlooms, batiks, jewellery and rush and reed-ware can also be purchased. Overnight: Hotel Senani or Gagaaddra Hotel or similar.
Day 8 : Cycle To Dambulla (100Km)
Today we cycle towards Dambulla where we visit the famous cave temple complex. En route we take a brief intervention to our ride within the regions of Matale for a brief education of Sri Lankan Spices and a Snack, there after we continue to the regions of Dambulla where we visit the spectacular cave temples of Dambulla that reveals Some of the best Buddhist art and sculpture with statues and paintings relating to the Lord Buddha. After exploring these impressive caves we continue our ride to the regions of Habarana to the comfort of our resort.
Overnight: Karshapa Lion Rock Resort or Lilly Resort and Spa or similar.
Day 9 : Cycle To Polonnaruwa (70Km)
Our final day of cycling we head towards Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital of Sri Lanka (11th century AD). The scenery today is breathtaking as we ride beside the Sea of Parakrama, a vast man made reservoir. Polonnaruwa is a well preserved city of beautiful parks, ancient dagobas and stunning statues. The majestic King’s Council Chamber, the Vatadage Relic House - lavished with moonstones, guardstones and sculptured railing, and Gal Vihare (rock temple) are a few of the memorable sites we will explore by bike. Returning to our hotel we pack away our bikes for the final time. Overnight: Karshapa Lion Rock Resort or Lilly Resort and Spa or similar.
Day 10 : To Colombo
We start our return journey to Colombo and explore the streets with a detailed city tour. Overnight: Fairview Hotel, Colombo or similiar.
Day 11 : In Colombo, Where Trip Concludes
Our trip concludes after breakfast with a transfer to the airport.
What's Included
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Accommodation
10 nights hotel -
10 breakfasts, 9 dinners
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comfortable hotels on twin share basis
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airport transfers (day 1 and 11 only)
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All internal transport by private vehicle
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support vehicle whilst cycling
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expert local cycling guide
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Cycling bike mechanic
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Sightseeing and site entry fees as listed
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21 gear bike
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International flights
What You Carry
In your daypack you will need to carry warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rainjacket or weather gear, water bottle and camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip-eze etc.
Grading
These trips involve trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to five or six hours a day at a slow but steady pace and should never be misinterpreted to mean they are easy trips. These trips do not spend time at altitudes above 4000m and are usually a week in duration. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.Suggested preparation: 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. For trekking, hill walking with a daypack in variable weather conditions is also recommended. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week for three months prior to departure is recommended.
Check out our Q&As
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
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What about environmental impact?
We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.
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What should I pack?
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.
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Are tips included in my trip price?
Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.
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Am I suited to small-group travel?
We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.
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Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?
While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person 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 world expeditions charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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