Private 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
Sigiriya – East Coast – Trincomalee – Nilaveli Beach

After breakfast, we will be heading for the East Coast  (approximately 90 km) – hop into the support vehicle, and start an orientation tour of Trincomalee, the cultural and economical capital of Sri Lanka’s East Coast. The ancient town of Trincomalee is the third-largest city in Sri Lanka and is best known for its harbor, one of the world’s largest deep-water anchorages. The former Dutch Fort Frederick is on the way to Swami Rock – a breathtaking cliff that is topped by the Koneswaram Hindu Temple, one of the holiest Shiva shrines in Sri Lanka.
Following the coast for 8 km, we finally arrive at Nilaveli, your base for the next nights. Nilaveli is a laid-back beach resort with miles of white, unspoiled beach scenery.
Overnight at Trinco Pigeon Island Resort HB, Nilaveli.

DAY 9 to Day 12
Trincomalee & Nilaveli Beach

The beaches along the east coast are known for their calmer, clearer waters compared to those in the south. High waves here are non-existent, and the flat waters provide better conditions for snorkeling than surfing.
Nilaveli Beach is arguably one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka. This long stretch of beach is lined with palm trees and there are few developments in the area. Nilaveli is quieter and more secluded than Uppuveli Beach (see below), and the clear water makes it the best beach in the Trincomalee area.
The beaches, surrounding villages, and Trincomalee Town can easily be explored by mountain bike.

WHAT TO DO

SNORKELING / SCUBA DIVING
If you do not bring your snorkeling gear with you, you can rent it for little money locally. However, we recommend bringing your own mask for the best fitting and comfort.
You can get scuba equipment at one of the many diving schools – for free with a licensed diving course. PADI is the most common, but SSI, SDI, and NAUI certifications are also available. Choose from open water beginner up to dive master certifications, or for specialized dives like scuba refresher, night- or wreck diving.
For more advanced certifications we recommend our 21 days package.

PIGEON ISLAND
The two islands are called large pigeon island and small pigeon island. The large pigeon island is fringed by a coral reef and is about 200 m long and 100 m wide. Its highest point is 44.8 m above mean sea level. The small pigeon island is surrounded by rocky islets. The national park is situated within the dry zone of Sri Lanka.
The reef here is shallow, making snorkeling almost as satisfying as scuba diving, and it’s home to dozens of corals, hundreds of reef fish (including blacktip reef sharks), and turtles. This is an ideal place to spend your day underwater day with breaks in the shade of a tree or on the powder-like white sand.

WHALE WATCHING
Just off the coast of Sri Lanka swims the majestic blue whale, the largest creature on earth. Nowhere in the world is it possible to see these ocean giants so close to shore.
Trincomalee is rapidly emerging as an internationally important whale-watching destination. Blue whales in particular (plus smaller numbers of sperm whales) can regularly be seen around six to eight nautical miles east of Trincomalee (about 30min by boat), Dolphins (mainly Spinner) are also regularly seen. Most sightings occur between March and September, as the whales continue their migrations around the island from the south coast.

UPPUVELI BEACH
Similarly, to Nilaveli Beach, Uppuveli is a long, sandy beach with clear waters and no waves. It attracts a bigger crowd than Nilaveli Beach and is known as a ‘party beach‘. However, there is more pollution and debris along the shoreline and the beach itself is nothing to rave about. Ideal for a day trip and cool drinks.

TRINCOMALEE

Fort Frederick
If you can tear yourself away from Trincomalee’s beaches, we highly recommend a visit to Fort Frederick and the Konneswaram Temple. Fort Frederick dates back to the Portuguese period in Sri Lanka yet many buildings were rebuilt or redesigned by the Dutch, and later, the British. You can explore the old fort and admire many of its most historic buildings on foot. Look out for the Georgian-era Wellesley House.

Konneswaram Temple
Perched 400 feet above the sea, at the southern extremity of the peninsula that separates the inner from the outer Trincomalee harbor, lies a magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (one of only five such temples in Sri Lanka). Referred to by European writers of the 18th and 19th centuries as the ‘Temple of a Thousand Pillars’, it is a sacred ground for Hindu devotees. The temple sits prominently in Fort Frederick on Swarmi Rock – a promontory boasting spectacular views over Trincomalee Harbour. If you’re visiting the temple, we’d recommend wearing (or bringing) socks and covering your knees and shoulders.

Sri Pathirakali Amman Kovil
Do visit the Sri Pathirakali Amman Kovil to gain a colorful insight into Hindu religious culture – the aroma of incense will hit you from the street. The exterior structure is one of the most vivid in Sri Lanka, evocatively decorated with figures, pillars, and Hindu gods, whilst inside the complex of connected shrines, murals visualize stories from the scriptures.

Maritime and Naval History Museum
A tour of the museum will allow you to gain insights into Sri Lankan maritime history, marine biodiversity, and information on the history of the local naval affairs. The museum building is on two floors, each floor containing its own specialties. The ground floor contains displays covering Sri Lankan naval history dating back to the times of Marco Polo and includes a video documentary as well. The first floor contains artifacts that shed light on the marine ecosystem with particular emphasis on the flora and fauna of the east coast. The museum also houses exhibits of various corals, mangroves, sea grasses, and marine mammals. It is most definitely worth a visit!
Overnight at Trinco Pigeon Island Resort HB, Nilaveli.

DAY 13
Trincomalee – Passikudah Beach

Passikudah & Kalkudah are small coastal villages situated on the East Coast of Sri Lanka, about 113 km from Trincomalee.
Famous for its golden bay and clear, shallow waters in which you can wade 50m out to sea. It is a virgin beach and is renowned throughout the country for its beauty.
Overnight at Amaya Beach Resort HB, Passikudah.

DAY 14 – 16
Passikudah Beach

The bay of Passikudah is truly scenic and is protected by a reef that runs across the bay making it one of the safest and calmest stretches of coastline in the east. The reef is home to some lovely coral formations and schools of reef fish can be seen while snorkeling.
If you are a scuba diver, then there are some excellent diving spots, including the wreck of the HMS Hermes, a WW2 British naval ship.
If you want to take a break from the beaches & underwater scenery, you can explore the nearby villages and market towns by mountain bike.
Overnight at Amaya Beach Resort HB, Passikudah.

DAY 17
Passikudah Beach – Batticaloa – Ella

The Batticaloa Fort (approximately 35 km) is often deemed Sri Lanka’s most picturesque ancient fort. Set on a small spit of land which is surrounded by the sea on one side and a lagoon on the other, the fort offers stunning views for visitors. The fort was built by the Portuguese in 1628 and later taken over by the Dutch ten years later who heavily fortified it. The interior of the fort is relatively well maintained- you can still see some of the Dutch canons. Enjoy a stroll through the ancient ramparts.
From here the support vehicle will take you across the country to Ella, Sri Lanka’s highest village.

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 18
Ella

Get ready for a great biking adventure! Ella is recognized for being one of the best places to go biking in Sri Lanka due to its scenic location. After having a hearty breakfast, ride through the tea plantations towards Namunukula (approximately 35 km). – Pedal hard to the Namunukula mountain range. – and proceed back to the hotel. On the way, take a break to view the Southerland Estate, the Nine Arch Bridge, and then ride to the Demodara Railway Station to view the majestic Demodara railway loop. – Head back to the resort in the evening for a well-earned rest!
Overnight at Mount Heaven BB, Ella.

DAY 19
Ella – Scenic Train Ride – Nuwara Eliya

The train journey from Ella to Nuwara Eliya 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.

DAY 20
Nuwara Eliya – optional World’s End/Horton Plains National Park

No visit to the hill country is complete without a visit to a tea estate, where you can view the vibrant green fields of tea which for so many people epitomize the image of Sri Lanka. Surrounded by the breathtaking, idyllic landscape, you will also get a chance to taste and purchase some of the world’s finest tea. Nuwara Eliya is situated around 2000m above sea level and surrounded by lush tea plantations.
Once a pleasure retreat of the European planters the town is still very much an English town with many English-style bungalows and buildings. Nicknamed “Little England” it is one of the coldest cities in the country. All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British influence including red telephone boxes and well-tendered hedgerows. The town’s high altitude affords visitors breath-taking vistas over the valleys, grasslands, and mountains. Some of the finest teas in the world are produced here, and a visit to a tea factory and a tea plantation is a must. The process is unchanged since Victorian times, and you can follow it through from picking, drying, and crushing to fermenting, packing, and finally tasting.

And if this is not enough, you can start the day with a visit to Horton Plains National Park ( (approximately 50 km).
Horton Plains became a National Park in 1988. The undulating plateau is bounded by the country’s second and third-highest mountains and is the catchment area for most of its major rivers. At ‘Worlds End‘ the 2000-meter plateau comes to an abrupt end, plunging 700-1000 meters to the valley floor. This gentle walk takes two to four hours depending on how much time is spent identifying the impressive bird life seen along this route. It is worth starting early to avoid the crowds, the mist that drifts up the valley can often obscure the views as the day wears on. ‘Little Worlds End‘ is another popular location, falling a mere 300 meters, along with Baker’s Falls.
The plains appear to have a lot more in common with the moors and highlands of Britain than with the rest of Sri Lanka’s National Parks. The large sambar population, along with the purple-faced langurs, wild boar, and barking deer support a small number of leopards.
Horton Plains is also one of the top destinations for birders who visit the area to look for several of Sri Lanka’s endemics; these include the Yellow Eared Bulbul, the Ceylon Hill White Eye, Ceylon Whistling Thrush, and the Ceylon Blue Magpie. The montane forest is very distinctive with all the trees reaching a similar height to protect themselves against excessive precipitation, the western slopes support the most extensive area of cloud forest in the country.
Overnight at Kings Mirage Cottage HB, Nuwara Eliya.

DAY 21
Nuwara Eliya – Airport – or Extention

End of your Private Sri Lanka Cycling Holidays. Depending on your travel plans, you can extend your stay with one of our other Sri Lanka Tour Packages, or be driven back to the airport.

Book Private Sri Lanka Cycling Holidays 21 Days

USD 1.650 pp sharing a double room * 2 pax traveling together

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