Sri Lanka Cycling Special - 14 Days

Luxury Hotel Accommodation

ITINERARY
DAY 01
ARRIVAL

Today you will arrive in Sri Lanka and we welcome you with happy smiles. After you pass through customs, immigration and baggage clearance please look out for your driver-guide who will be waiting at the arrival lounge holding a placard bearing your name. After meeting and greeting, your driver will take you to your chosen hotel in Negombo. Check in and relax.
Overnight stay at: Jetwing Beach Negombo
Meals: Bed & Breakfast

Negombo - a famous fishing village North of Colombo. You will see a Dutch built Canal leading all the way to Colombo and the famous Dutch Fort bordering the beach. The canal itself is a hive of activity with all the fishermen traveling up and down in their adorned boats. This quaint town is also famous for its noisy fish market. Many churches in the area remind us of early conversions to Catholicism during Portuguese occupation. East of the town at the Angurukaramulla temple is a 6 metre long reclining statue of the buddha worth seeing. South west of the town you will see the Negombo Lagoon which is surrounded by a densely populated ethnic mix of Sinhalese and Tamils and a coastline brimming with hotels of all categories. The mangrove swamps attract a huge variety of water birds including cormorants, herons, egrets and waders.

DAY 02
ANURADHAPURA

Riding distance 40 km/elevation 530 ft

An early start after breakfast. You will ride from your hotel to Chilaw (approximately 40 km) Take a brief stop at the fish market where you will see fish laid out in the sun for drying. Continue to Negombo passing fishing villages, the Dutch canal, coconut plantations, and tile factories. Stop for lunch in Chilaw. This is your test ride for the day. After lunch you will be transferred by vehicle to Anuradhapura.

Anuradhapura is the most visited town of Sri Lanka’s ancient ruined cities. The city’s greatest treasures are its dagabas constructed of small sun-dried bricks hemispherical in shape. The most notable of these dagabas are the Ruvanveli which dates back to the 2nd Century BC and is 300 ft in diameter, the Jetawanarama is 370 ft and the Thuparama which enshrines the collarbone of the Buddha. The city’s most renowned relic is the sacred Bo-Tree which is said to have grown from a branch of the tree under which the Buddha gained enlightenment. It was planted 2250 years ago and is one of the oldest historic trees in the world.
Overnight stay at: Ulagalla Resort Anuradhapura
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 03
ANURADHAPURA

Riding distance 35 km/elevation 430 ft

After an early breakfast cycle approximately 20km each way for a guided bicycle tour of the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura. Among the ruins you will see a rich collection of architectural wonders showcasing a wide variety of huge brick dagobas, ancient pools, the sacred old Bo-Tree, broken columns of palaces and ponds, and other ruins spread over a large area, in tropical shrub-land settings dating back to 140 BC.
Enjoy a lunch at a local restaurant and return to your hotel and relax for the day.
Overnight stay at: Ulagalla Resort Anuradhapura
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 04
POLONNARUWA

Riding distance 70 km mostly flat/elevation 650 ft

After Breakfast cycle past the Kaladuwa Hills. This is a small climb to experience. The riding is on a good road surface. Watch out for wild elephants crossing the road. We’ll be riding along the forest edge which is part of a forest reserve until we reach the Polonnaruwa reservoir. Stop for lunch at a local hotel. We then ride through the historic park of Polonnaruwa, the 10th Century capital and best preserved of the ancient cities. Abandoned in the 13th Century, it was re-discovered in the 18th Century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Brahmanic monuments built by the Cholas and the chiseled stone monuments show us the glory of the ancient Rajarata Kingdom. After seeing the main sites we’ll have a 20 minute transfer to our hotel along the banks of the reservoir.

Polonnaruwa - The second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms, Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage Site. Polonnaruwa was the capital from 11th -13th century A.D. Here the monuments are better preserved. The circular relic house (Vata-da-ge) Lankathilaka, Thuparama, The Royal Palace, Rankoth vihara and Galvihara with the beautiful sculpted Buddha statues are interesting features of this town.

Overnight Stay at: Giritale Hotel, Polonnaruwa
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 05
SIGIRIYA/DAMBULLA

Riding distance: approx. 45km, mostly flat with approx. 160m elevation gain.

After breakfast ride through the countryside on a mix of tarmac and red dirt roads, passing orchards, paddy fields and elephant grass. Riding along the shores of Kandalama lake you will have excellent views of the ancient 5th century rock fortress known as Sigiriya (Lion Rock). We’ll park the bikes at the base of the fortress and walk through the old water gardens before climbing 300m to view the ruins of King Kasyapa’s summer palace. The highlights of this climb will be the impressive frescos, a mirror wall with ancient singhalese inscriptions and the ruins of the palace on the summit. After our descent we’ll head to a local restaurant for lunch.

Sigiriya - Sigiriya is a massive rock which was transformed into a citadel during the reign of King Kasyapa. The capital and the royal palace were abandoned after the king's death. It was used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century. The rock fortress is famous for its frescoes and the mirror wall. Sigiriya today is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. It is one of the best preserved examples of ancient urban planning. It is the most visited historic site in Sri Lanka.
Overnight stay at: Heritance Kandalama
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner.

DAY 06
KNUCKLES MOUNTAIN

Riding distance: 68 km (Pick up vehicle accompanying)

This morning you will pedal your way through beautiful country landscapes. Then drive through pristine landscapes in your support vehicle and stop to cycle through a pygmy forest located off the beaten track. Reach Corbet’s Gap to take in the panoramic views of the surroundings. Continue your ride through tea plantations, stop at some waterfalls before finally settling into your chalet for the rest of the day.

Knuckles Mountain - It is a real paradise for those who love to hike, offering numerous mountainous trails that lead you across clear rivers, dense forests, waterfalls, tea plantations, terraced paddy fields and colourful Kandyan home gardens. The chance to visit traditional small mountain villages gives an interesting insight into the close-knit community life style.
Overnight stay at: Dumbanagala Chalet, Knuckles

DAY 07
KATUGASTOTA/KANDY

Riding distance 50km/elevation gain 150m

After an early breakfast hop on to your bike and ride uphill to Katugastota. A support vehicle is right behind you if you want to take a break. Continue to Kandy and check into your hotel and enjoy an afternoon of free time. In the evening visit the temple of tooth relic and witness a cultural dance show thereafter.

Overnight stay at: Earl's Regency Kandy
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 08
NUWARA ELIYA

After Breakfast proceed to Nuwara Eliya
Optional: transfer by Local train. You will join locals on this train journey.
The diesel train will take you on winding tracks that pass through tunnels unfolding into beautiful scenery mixed with cascading waterfalls and lush green tea plantations. The climate will change from that of comfortable Kandy to cool misty mountains with nippy fresh air greeting you on very side. You will disembark at Nanu Oya railway station which is 6000 feet above sea level. Our representative will meet you at the station and transfer you to Nuwara Eliya for a City tour.

Nuwara Eliya - The ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka, is set against beautiful backdrops of Mountains, Valleys, Waterfalls and Tea Plantations. It is supposed to be one of the coldest places on the island similar to an English spring day, although the temperature does drop at night.
All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British influence. Houses are like country cottages or Queen Ann style mansions.

Sri Lankan Tea - Tea was first planted in Sri Lanka in 1824, when a few plants were brought from China. More were introduced from Assam in 1839. In 1867, a Scottish Planter named James Taylor planted tea seedlings on 8 hectares of forest land, in the Loolkandura Estate. In 1873, the tea export industry of Sri Lanka began with a modest 23lbs being shipped to London. Tea will grow only on rolling terrain and is classified into 3 main groups of elevation as low grown, medium, grown and high grown.

Overnight stay at: Galway Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 09
KITHULGALA

Riding distance 72 km (Pick up vehicle accompanying)

After Breakfast proceed to Kithulgala.
Kitulgala is a small town in the west of Sri Lanka in the wet zone rain forest, which gets two monsoons each year. The Academy Award-winning movie "The Bridge on the River Kwai" was filmed at a location near Kitulgala, although nothing remains now except the concrete foundations of the bridge. Kitulgala is also a base for white-water rafting, which starts a few kilometres upstream.
In the evening, we can experience the thrills of a white water rafting journey down the Kelaniya river.

Overnight stay at: Palmstone retreat kitulgala *****
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 10
UDAWALAWE

Riding from Kithulgala to Ratnapura distance 74 km (Pick up vehicle accompanying)

After Breakfast proceed to Udawalawa.
In the afternoon do the safari game drive at Udawalawe National Park . The national park was created to provide a sanctuary for wild animals displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe reservoir on the Walawe river, as well as to protect the catchment of the reservoir. It is a popular tourist destination and the third most visited park in the country.
Overnight stay at: Elephant Trails Hotel, Udawalawe
Meals: B.D

DAY 11 & 12 & 13
MATARA/AHUNGALA

Riding Udawalawe to Matara Distance 83 km (Pick up vehicle accompanying)

After breakfast cycle to Matara. Pick up vehicle accompanying.
Transfer to Galle.
Visit Galle Fort and proceed for a relaxing beach stay at the all inclusive resort at Ahungalla.
Meals/Beverages/Liquor: All inclusive basis.

DAY 14
AHUNGALLA/AIRPORT

After the breakfast, transfer to the airport in time to connect with your departure flight.

END OF TOUR

ACCOMMODATION

Negombo - Jetwing Beach Negombo
Anuradhapura - Ulagalla Resort
Dambulla - Heritance Kandalama
Polonnaruwa - Giritale Hotel
Knuckles - Dumbanagala Chalet
Kandy - Earl's Regency Kandy
Nuwara Eliya - Galway Forest Lodge
Kitulgala - Palmstone Retreat Kitulagala
Udawalawe - Elephant Trails Hotel
Ahungala - Hotel Riu

Inclusions

Transportation throughout the tour.

2 – 3 pax – A/C Van
4 – 6 pax – Backup coach
7 - 12 Backup truck & the coach.

Accommodation in all the places on Half Board Basis
(Breakfast & Dinner except Hotel Riu which is all inclusive)
(Except day , 11, 12, 13 on FB Basis

Water & Snack when cycling.
The service of an English speaking National Tour guide throughout the tour – if the Group is 07 pax or more.
Local cycle guide for all the cycling tours.
Jeeps at Udawalawe park for safari tour
Train Ride
Cycles & helmets costs or bring your own

Entrance Fees

Anuradhapura
Dambulla Cave Temple
Sigiriya Rock
Polonnaruwa
Temple of Tooth Relic
Udawalawa National park
Kithulgala White water Rafting

NOT INCLUDED:

Peak period supplement
XMAS SUPPLEMENT
NEW YEAR SUPPLEMENT
Expenses of personal nature (Telephone calls, Laundry etc.).
Tips and gratuities.
Any items specifically not mentioned in the itinerary.
Video and Camera permits.
Lunch or other beverages throughout the tour.

Important!!!!!! .
The hotel Star classification is based on local industry standard & is not based on the International standard
Price can be quoted based on 02 Pax - Maximum of 20 Pax per group.
Prices are net in USD and inclusive of applicable taxes as at 08.05.2013.
Rates may change without a notice if there is a significant currency fluctuation , Fuel Increase or Revision of taxes occurs.
Rooms will be on availability & if in case if the said hotels are fully booked due to any reason, similar hotels will be provided in the
vicinity or nearest location.

Cancellation Policy
(Based on hotel cancellation policy) :-
Important!!!!!!

30 days prior to arrival, no cancellation
15 days - 29 days prior to arrival, 50 % of the Room cost
01 - 14 days prior to arrival, 100 % of the Room

INQUIRE

Tour Overview

This Sri Lanka Cycling Special will take through the countryside riding along the back roads and dirt roads meandering through scenic rice fields, serene villages, rubber plantations, coconut plantations and wayside stalls. You will breathe the fresh air and feel the ambience of these routes as you ride along. Hope this tour meets your expectations. Have fun cycling Sri Lanka.