Cycling Sri Lanka

Want to explore Sri Lanka at your own pace? Then cycling Sri Lanka is a good way to do it all. Exploring Sri Lanka on a bicycle gives you the best opportunity to see Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes from a cycling perspective.

You will see the very best of this beautiful Island. You will meet friendly locals while passing through lush mountainous landscapes and tiny hamlets in rural Sri Lanka. You can enjoy the warmth of Sri Lanka’s tropical beaches whilst having plenty of time to check out the best tropical surfing spots. You can see the ancient cities and stop to experience the thrills of camping amidst wildlife and much more. Cycle though Sri Lanka and take back with you unforgettable memories. More

Overview

Sri Lanka often known, as “The pearl of the Indian ocean” is truly a Holiday Island offering palm fringed beaches, rolling plantations, sacred sights steeped in spirituality and wildlife galore.

Furthermore, Sri Lanka has a huge network of roads and tracks making it especially appealing for those keen on seeing the country on a bicycle.
With charming people, ancient ruins, some of the best cuisine in the world and many remnants of the influence of the British, Dutch & Portuguese colonisation, you will find Sri Lanka an amazing destination to discover on two wheels.
The holistic experience you gain by exploring Sri Lanka on a bicycle, the scenic mountains, the undulating landscapes, the customs, the culture, the nature and beauty of this resplendent Island is definitely worth discovering on two wheels.
Besides cycling you can combine your cycling tour with a safari, a hike, a little bit of canoeing, exciting white water rafting, rock climbing, cave exploration, camping in the wilderness, covering ancient archaeological sites and finally relaxing on a beautiful palm fringed pristine beach somewhere on the coast and ending it all with a little bit of Yoga, meditation and Ayurveda. For more information on cycling go to this link or check the following cycling tours in Sri Lanka.

(1) Cycling, Rafting & Yoga Sri Lanka 9 days
(2) Sri Lanka Cycling Tour 13 days
(3) Mountain Biking Sri Lanka 6 days

Day 1 & 2

Sigiriya

Your tour could commence with a warm up down the narrow and mostly deserted roads surrounding Sigiriya, on the way stopping at the 3rd-century caves at Dambulla, which is home to plenty of Buddhist statues housed within an ancient cave.

Take a break and climb the summit of Sigiriya. You will get a 360-degree view of the surroundings once you reach the top. Don’t forget to climb the staircase leading to the world famous Frescoes depicting topless maidens of king Kasyappa. This is a heritage listed rock fortress by UNESCO. Don’t miss this great opportunity to climb this historic fortress, which can be seen from afar.

DAY 3 & 4

Polonnaruwa Ruins

Cycle through the peaceful and serene backroads of Sigiriya and then hit the highway to Polonnaruwa to check out the 10th century ruins. Enjoy a bullock cart ride at Polonnaruwa and taste Sri Lankan cooking in clay pots of the Hindurangoda village. Enjoy a canoe ride in the lake, take a hike and return to your hotel for the night.

Day 5 & 6

Lake in Wasgamuwa

Cycle alongside canals and take a brief stop at Amban Ganga River. Enjoy the freshness of this area and continue your journey on a breath-taking ride up the hills at Kalanduwa along the border of Wasgamuwa wilflife park.

Encounter a herd of wild elephants crossing the road or stop to take a safari in the national reserve at Wasgamuwa.

Day 7,8 & 9

White water rafting

Now that you have cleared most of your cycling through flat terrain it is time to start the hard journey uphill on the winding roads leading to Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. You will pass through the famous hill country town of Kandy where the famous tooth relic of the Buddha is housed at the lakeside temple known as the “Dalada Maligawa” Rest a day or two in Kandy or settle for a scenic train ride to Nuwara Eliya. Try a bit of water rafting if you have time to travel to Kitulgala.

Day 10 &11

Tea factory Nuwara Eliya

Cycle your way up the hills to Nuwara Eliya. Pass through terraced paddy fields and tea plantations. Once you have reached Nuwara Eliya the weather here is very much cooler during the day and the nights are comfortably cold setting you up for a nice long sleep.

Wake up in the morning feeling completely refreshed. Take a hike to Hortan planes and cycle to Ella water falls and witness the beautiful sunrise from a lookout point at Ella Gap. There are Buddha statues on the way to Budurugala. As a point of caution please do not touch or take pics standing beside Buddha statues. It is considered offensive and might get you into trouble with the law.

Day 12

Leopard at Yala

When you reach Yala take a safari, spot the elusive leopard and watch the flamingos by the water holes or the deer and sloth bear

7 elephants roaming the shrub land. Relax by the beach and absorb the peacefulness of the area. Enjoy the stars in the milky way at night, try to catch the fire flies and take in all the peace within yourself and the surroundings.

Day 13 & 14

Yoga

Take a break from cycling and begin your relaxing stay at a beach resort before your departure.
The palm studded beaches and beach side hotels will cater to all your relaxing needs with Ayurveda, yoga and meditation available at most resorts. Enjoy the rest of your stay in Sri Lanka and indulge in all the niceties provided at these resorts and go home feeling relaxed and happy that you had a beautiful cycling holiday in Sri Lanka.

If you have another travel story please feel free to send in your story.

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