Cycle the Backroads of Sri Lanka

Day 1  Fly to Colombo

Day 2  Sigiriya
Upon arrival into Colombo airport, transfer to Sigiriya and your tour starts here in the heart of the Cultural Triangle.

Day 3  Sigiriya
After breakfast, your first ride will follow gravel paths along an old irrigation canal to the ancient cave temples at Dambulla. Take time to explore the intriguing caves before cycling back to Sigiriya. In the afternoon climb Sigiriya rock fortress and admire the views.

Day 4  Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa
Cycle along quiet back roads before joining another route all the way to the old ruins of Polonnaruwa. The city was the former capital of Sri Lanka, during the 10th to 13th Centuries.

Day 5  Polonnaruwa to Kandy
Leave the ruins behind for a ride through the foothills of this spice growing region. Cycle along the banks of the Amban Ganga River, before transferring by road to Kandy making a short stop at a spice garden to learn more about traditional Sri Lankan cooking.

Day 6  Kandy
Today is at leisure to rest and explore lively Kandy. Perhaps visit the wonderful botanical gardens or visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic?

Days 7-8  Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
Head to Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka’s highest town at over 1,800m above sea level and famed for producing the finest teas on the island. The next day, cycle through terraced paddy fields and lush green tea plantations, stopping en route at a tea factory.

Day 9  Nuwara Eliya to Ella
Today, cycle through hilly country roads towards Ella, lovely scenic views along the way.

Day 10  Ella to Tissamaharama
Today, descend 1,000m and head for the gentle rolling hills of the ‘day zone’, visiting the impressive rock-cut Buddha statues at Buduruwagala. The tranquillity of the site is enhanced by its lotus-covered lake, which is a great place to relax before the final ride to the capital of the old Ruhana Kingdom, Tissamaharama.

Day 11  Yala NP
Today, follow the ancient pilgrimage route to Kataragama Temple, where people of all faiths come to seek favour with the God Skanda. In the afternoon, enjoy a safari in Yala National Park, the best park in Sri Lanka to try to spot leopards. Later, return to Tissamaharama.

Day 12  Tissamaharama to Ahangama
Enjoy a final ride along the boundary of Bundala Bird Sanctuary, home to thousands of flamingos wading in the shallows. Continue to Hambantota and follow the sandy bays of this beautiful area before being transferred by road to Ahangama.

Day 13  Ahangama
Today is free to relax on the beach or explore the area with a cycle through the rural roads to the small villages. In the evening, watch the stilt fishermen climb their poles to catch supper.

Day 14  Ahangama to Colombo
After breakfast, head to the old Dutch fort of Galle built in 1663 and wander the ramparts and small back streets. Later, continue to Colombo for the final night of your tour.

Days 15-16  Fly home