Best Sri Lanka Cycling Holidays Itinerary

DAY 1
Airport – Negombo

Arrive at the Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to your first beach hotel in Negombo (included). Negombo is famous for its beach, the Dutch Heritage Sites, and, of course, fresh seafood.
Acclimatize & relax at the beach restaurant or swimming pool.
Overnight at the Beacon Beach Resort B&B, Negombo.

DAY 2
Negombo

After breakfast test-ride your bikes along the beach road and through the city streets to Negombo’s fish market (approximately 20 km). Starting from as early as 4 AM, fishing boats begin to make their way to the beach laden with that morning’s catch. Shrimps, crabs, and lobsters are caught in the Negombo Lagoon, while fresh fish is hauled in from the Indian Ocean. Witness the day’s catch being laid out on enormous mats made of coconut fiber. Using an age-old method of open-air drying, the fishermen use the heat of the sun to remove all moisture from the fish and extend their shelf life. It will then get salted before being shipped all over the island and sold in stores; dried fish is a very common inclusion in Sri Lankan cuisine.
In the afternoon you can explore the surrounding countryside on your bike or go on an optional boat ride on the Colonial Dutch Canal. The boat ride takes you along the old canal which runs through Waikkal, providing you with the opportunity to see tropical birds close up; waders, stunning kingfishers, rare pied kingfishers, bee-eaters, Brahminy kites, etc. Water monitors, bearing an uncanny resemblance to crocodiles, are also bound to make an appearance, so keep your eye out for a glimpse! If you like, you can prolong your boat journey by following the canal into the Indian Ocean, where you continue to travel onwards to Negombo town.
Overnight at the Beacon Beach Resort B&B, Negombo.

DAY 3
Negombo – Chilaw – Anuradhapura

After breakfast leave Negombo and start to cycle to Chilaw (approximately 40 km). Along the way, you’ll encounter quaint fishing villages, the scenic Dutch canal, coconut plantations, and various tile factories.
In the afternoon the support vehicle will take you to Anuradhapura (approximately 90 km) with cycling opportunities on the way. Check into your hotel, relax, and take a swim in the pool.
Overnight at Gamodh Citadel HB, Anuradhapura.

DAY 4
Anuradhapura

After breakfast cycle to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Anuradhapura (approximately 20 km each way) and start your bicycle tour of the ancient city. Among the ruins, you’ll see the sacred old Bo Tree – a spiritual reminder of the beginnings of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and the inspiration for Anuradhapura’s great buildings. The ruins themselves are spread over quite a large area, with some in woodland settings and others appearing more cultivated with columns and ponds dotted about. While you’re here you will visit the impressive Isurumuniya Temple. Pay a visit to the Anuradhapura museum and try a local lunch. Return to the hotel and enjoy free time for the rest of the day.
Overnight at Gamodh Citadel HB, Anuradhapura.

DAY 5
Anuradhapura – Sigiriya

An early start ensures we get a shaded start to the day and are well-placed to appreciate the bird life of this lovely area.
Our cycling to Sigiriya (approximately 74 km) takes place predominantly on quiet rural roads dotted with small villages, lakes, and paddy fields skirting the Ritigala Nature Park.
Overnight at Jungle Hut HB, Sigiriya.

DAY 6
Anuradhapura – Polonnaruwa – Dambulla

Saddle up for a morning ride to Polonnaruwa (approximately 59 km). Arrive at the ancient site of Polonnaruwa, the second oldest of Sri Lanka’s kingdoms, and do some exploring. The route is flat and you have plenty of time, so you certainly don’t have to be in top condition for this ride, it is mainly about enjoying yourself. The historic city of Polonnaruwa is full of ruins and landmarks from the 11th to 13th centuries. These were the heyday of Sri Lankan sculpture. In addition to the many ruins, the royal palace, the Gal Vihare complex, and the tomb of Alahana Pirivena are also of interest.
Next, travel to Dambulla by support vehicle. Dambulla Rock Temple is a magnificent gallery of Buddha images and wall and ceiling paintings not seen anywhere else on the Island. It is a complex of five cave temples with its origin going back to the first century BC. Dambulla and its five cave temples are filled with Buddhist murals and many Buddha statues. Visitors must remove their shoes and approach the shrines barefoot. The first cave is filled with the 47-foot-long recumbent image of the meditating Buddha.
In the second cave, there are 150 beautifully carved and preserved gilded statues of gods and Buddhas. The rock ceilings are painted in brilliantly preserved and intricately detailed patterns and images of the holy figures.
Overnight at Jungle Hut HB, Sigiriya.

DAY 7
Sigiriya – Wildlife Safari

In the morning climb up to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Sigiriya Rock, a part of Sri Lanka’s ‘Cultural Triangle’, where you will have a chance to gaze over the stunning views of Central Sri Lanka. On top of the Sigiriya Rock are the ruins of an ancient palace/rock fortress, overlooking the beautiful plains of North-Central Sri Lanka. Built by an exiled Indian prince, the breathtaking ruins are one of Sri Lanka’s main attractions and date back to AD 477. Despite its age, Sigiriya still retains much of its former beauty and features some of the finest examples of ancient wall paintings, as well as a network of attractive gardens and reservoirs, and Sigiriya’s namesake – a gigantic pair of lion’s paws cut into the rock. With its fascinating history and unerring beauty, Sigiriya is often referred to as the 8th wonder of the world and the UNESCO-sponsored Central Cultural Fund has even restored Sigiriya’s 5th century Water Gardens, so that you can get a glimpse of what Sigiriya might have been.

Afternoon we make an adventurous jeep safari in the Minneriya National Park (approximately 35 km), The park is known for the many hundreds of elephants that live there. You make a safari through this beautiful park by 4WD, where the chance that you see elephants drinking in the lake is almost guaranteed. Then take the support vehicle back to the hotel.
Overnight at the Jungle Hut Resort HB, Sigiriya.

DAY 8
Pallepola – Knuckles Mountain Range – Cultural Show – Kandy

A more challenging day in the saddle (approximately 46 km), but as always, there will be plenty of space in the support vehicle for those looking to take things a little easier.
Our initial riding sees us enjoying a lovely undulating route (approximately 15 km) along the quiet narrow backroads that weave their way around the base of the Knuckles mountain range. From here it’s time to start heading up toward the hills and so expect a few ‘cheeky climbs’ along the way. We’ll be snaking our way up the Knuckles and during today’s ride will gain around 1100 meters. The highest point is at 650 meters and occurs at the mid-point of our ride.
We’ll now be surrounded by tropical rainforest which contrasts dramatically with the previous forest scenery we’ve encountered and the ride ends at the town of Wattegama following a superb winding descent.
So as to avoid a busy road section we’ll transfer from here to Kandy (10 km) and our centrally placed hotel. It’s a quick turn-around once there in order to make the most of the city. Our first place of interest is the Kandyan Cultural Centre where we enjoy a display of traditional Sri Lankan dance, drumming, and fire walking. This is followed by a visit to one of the most sacred places of Buddhist worship – The Temple of the Tooth, which like Anuradhapura and Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight at Thotupola Residence HB, Kandy.

DAY 9
Kandy- Nuwara Eliya

Today we’ll be heading to the Hill Station of Nuwara Eliya on a ride that is, without doubt, the most challenging of the trip. During the course of the 50 km, we’ll be ascending nearly 2000 meters. The support vehicle is always close at hand if you fancy hopping aboard for any of the steeper sections.
We start cycling at Haradama, and the initial downhill will warm up the legs before then it’s onward and upwards till lunchtime. Today’s scenery includes plantations of tapioca, banana, guava, and mango, as we cycle up the winding roads with their beautiful views of the area’s famous tea plantations.
On the ride up we’ll stop at bustling small towns including Padayapelella where you can enjoy a wander through its ramshackle streets.
At the 50 km mark, we end today’s cycling and board the support vehicle for a visit to a tea plantation. Here you can enjoy a guided tour of the facilities and a post-tour tea tasting.
Nuwara Eliya with its colonial buildings and the bustling market makes for a pleasant place for a pre-dinner stroll.
Overnight at Kings Mirage Cottage HB, Nuwara Eliya.

DAY 10

Nuwara Eliya  – Scenic Train Ride – Ella

The train journey from Nuwara Eliya to Ella is the most beautiful train ride in Sri Lanka, if not in the world! Board the train and experience breathtaking views of lush green tea plantations, mountains, viaducts, valleys, and dense jungle. What’s more, it’s the perfect way to experience Sri Lankan life. Meet smiling locals on the train, wave to the running children along the tracks, and eat the spicy snacks sold by vendors who board at each stop.
The route takes you through tea plantations, jungles, and mountains. As the journey goes on, you move into the lush green highlands, dotted with tea plantations, beautiful hilltop villages, and waterfalls and it’s 100% worth the journey.
Alternatively, enjoy the thrill of the downhill ride to Nuwara Eliya.
Overnight at Kings Mirage Cottage HB, Nuwara Eliya.

Ella is a small village located among the peaks of Sri Lanka’s central highlands. This sleepy village is nestled in a valley peering straight through the Ella Gap to the plain nearly 1000 m below and across to the coastline. Apart from the mesmerizing natural views, Ella is surrounded by hilly countryside perfect for walks & bike rides; through tea plantations, waterfalls, ancient temples, and artifacts. This hidden sanctuary with the perfect climate is probably one of the best-kept secrets of the country and is easily accessible from the comfort of your Ella hotel.
Overnight at Mount Heaven BB, Ella.

DAY 11
Ella – Udawalawe National Park – Tissa

In the morning we are heading to the South Coast via the Udawalawe National Park (approximately 46 km). It’s an easy, downhill ride ride and once you reach Udawalawe, have a quick lunch before starting your Jeep Safari.
Uda Walawe (Udawalawe) National Park covers area of approximately 30,821 hectares and is largely inhabited by elephants, spotted deer, sambhur, water buffaloes, mongoose, bandicoots, foxes, water monitor lizards, crocodiles, wild boars, Toque Monkeys, Grey Langur and leopards.
The bird life includes Sri Lanka Jungle Fowl, Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Wooly-necked Stork, Black-headed Ibis, Black-shouldered Kite, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Shikrs, Sirkeer Malkoha, and Blue-faced Malkoha.
Overnight at Raintree Hotel HB, Tissa.

DAY 12
Tissa – Mirissa

Cycle along the South Coast beaches to Mirissa (approximately 119 km). It’s a pleasant ride along the beach road, passing villages, market towns and old temples. Stop for a swim wherever you like or switch to the air-conditioned support vehicle if you want to take a break from riding.
On the way to Mirissa Beach, visit a state-of-the-art sea turtle hatchery and rescue center, complete with water tanks to care for newborn turtles, along with adult turtle species that have been rescued from the sea due to injuries.
Overnight at Morning Star HB, Mirissa.

DAY 13
Mirissa Beach – Whale Watching

Located on Sri Lanka’s picturesque South Coast, Mirissa still offers the charm of an idyllic fishing village. Enjoy walks along uncrowded beaches, still untouched by mass tourism, and be fascinated by the famous stilt fishing men. Mirissa is more than beach life. Much more. Surrounded by rubber and coconut plantations, ancient temples and spice gardens, natural sanctuaries and exotic wildlife, Mirissa offers something for everybody.

Especially Whale Watching! Mirissa is an ideal destination for those who wish to catch a rare glimpse of those beautiful and gentle giants of the Ocean. It comes as no surprise that these amazing marine mammals migrate through the vast and fertile stretch from December to April during the annual breeding season.
Setting off from Mirissa there is up to 90% opportunity to come across Sperm whales and good pretty chance of sighting the Blue whale as well. There are believed to be around 26 different species of whales traversing this region and this includes the well loved dolphins.
Overnight at Morning Star HB, Mirissa.

DAY 14
Mirissa Beach – Galle Fort – Airport/Negombo

In the morning you will cycling to the Galle Fort (approximately 36 km). A Unesco World Heritage Site, this historic city is easy to explore on foot, an endlessly exotic old trading port blessed with imposing Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient mosques and churches, grand mansions, and museums. Most travelers are utterly seduced by Galle’s ambiance, and it’s undoubtedly southern Sri Lanka’s one unmissable sight.

From here head directly back to the Airport or Negombo and enjoy your last day on the beach while watching one of the spectacular sunsets.

End of your Sri Lanka Cycling Holidays. Depending on your travel plans, you can extend your stay with one of our other Sri Lanka Tour Packages.

Book Ultimate Sri Lanka Cycling Holidays 14 Days

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