Cycling Tour in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an excellent cycling destination, with well-maintained routes and diverse, scenic natural settings. There is so much to appreciate, from old religious and cultural sites to rain forests, national parks, mountains, animals, and magnificent coastline and there is no better way to explore than by bicycle, as the views, the feels, and everything that goes with cycling come in abundance in Blue Lanka Tours’ cycling tour.
Did you know how thrilling cycling can be in Sri Lanka?
For generations, adventurers and traders have been lured to this Indian Ocean pearl. Many travelers, from Marco Polo to Paul Theroux, have been inspired by the island’s wide variety of topography and animals within a tiny geographical space. Monkeys, crocodiles, elephants, leopards, and unique bird speciaes are among the island’s natural species. Following the end of a 30-year civil war in 2009, Sri Lanka is quickly becoming a popular cycling vacation destination, Blue Lanka Tours is more than excited to bring forward a Cycling Tour for all cyclists who are keen to explore Sri Lanka – a truly diverse nation that has everything to offer.
Sri Lanka in a Cycle
Blue Lanka Tours’ cycling tour in Sri Lanka begins with a very exciting morning ride to the Negombo Fish Market and then continues bypassing the fishing areas of Chillaw as we ride on to explore the cultural triangle; the historic Sinhalese ‘King’s Land,’ encountering medieval ruins and holy temples. There is nothing like getting on your cycling and taking a historic memory lane down to the stories of our great kinds in Anuradhapura , Polonnaruwa and Dambulla kingdoms.
Take the next destination cycling tour to Kandy, where the final Sri Lankan bastion to resist colonial invaders in the nineteenth century. There is lots to see and enjoy here, set in the rainforest with an outstanding religious temple and beautiful gardens. Our Blue Lanka Tours, cycling vacation continues as we pedal through the sensational hill country – get off from Nanu Oya and hop on your cycle as you progress to Nuwara Eliya town. There is nothing like the cool climes tempting at your skin.
The exciting ride continues to Udawalawe through beautiful sights of Water Falls and a mini detour trek. From waking up the next day to taking your jeep safari at Udawalawe National Park, the cycling continues down South, where the beautiful coastal line boasts the tropics of Sri Lanka. With many activities waiting for you down the Southern costal line, we continue on to old Galle, a 16th century walled city where our cycling adventure comes to a close. From Galle, you will be taken back Colombo city escapes where you may take a cycling tour in the city closing curtains to a rather perfectly splendid Cycling Tour with Blue Lanka Tours.
1
BIA to Negombo
- Airport Pickup & Transfer to Negombo
- Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to Negombo, where you will spend the night.
- Overnight stay in Negombo
Riding Distance: None
2
Negombo to Anuradhapura
- In the morning, embark on a test-ride to the Negombo Fish Market (please note it’s closed on Sundays) for a glimpse into the dry fish industry.
- Cycle to Chilaw passing through picturesque fishing villages, coconut plantations, tile factories, and along the scenic Dutch Canal.
- From Chilaw, transfer to Anuradhapura for an overnight stay.
Riding Distance: Approx. 40kms/25 Miles, Mostly Flat with Approx. 170m/560ft of Elevation Gain
3
Exploration of Anuradhapura
- Explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura by bicycles, paying a visit to the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi Tree and Isurumuniya Temple.
- In the afternoon, enjoy a jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park before returning to Anuradhapura for the night.
Riding Distance: Approx. 37kms/23 Miles, Mostly Flat with Approx. 130m/430ft of Elevation Gain..
4
Anuradhapuara to Polonnaruwa
- Cycle from Anuradhapura to Ritigala, passing through paddy fields and man-made water tanks, and explore the ancient Ritigala Monastery.
- Then, transfer to Polonnaruwa for an overnight stay.
Riding Distance: Approx. 70km/44 Miles, Mostly Flat with Approx. 210m/690ft of Elevation Gain
5
Plonnaruwa to Dambulla
- In the morning, explore the Polonnaruwa Ancient City by cycles before transferring to Dambulla.
- Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple and take a leisurely ride along the shores of Kandalama Lake in the evening.
- Overnight stay in Historic Dambulla
Distance: Approx. 10km/06 Miles
6
Dambulla to Kandy
- Cycle to Sigiriya in the morning and explore the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
- Continue your journey to Matale, passing through spice plantations and countryside, before transferring to Kandy.
- Check into the hotel and relax for the night.
Riding Distance: Approx. 50km/31 Miles, Mostly Flat with Approx. 150m/500ft of Elevation Gain.
7
Kandy to Nuwara Elliya
- Start your day with blessings at the Kandy Tooth Relic Temple before embarking on a scenic train trip to Nanu Oya.
- Upon arrival, cycle to Nuwara Eliya and enjoy an authentic Tamil meal.
- Overnight Stay in Misty Nuwara Eliya
Riding Distance: Approx. 26.5 – 43km/16-27Miles
8
Cycling Tour in Nuwara Elliya
- Explore Nuwara Eliya on a cycling tour, visiting a tea plantation and tea factory for a tasting experience, Ambewela Farm, a strawberry farm, and Lake Gregory.
- Visit the Old Post Office before retiring for the night in Nuwara Eliya.
- Overnight Stay in Nuwara Eliya
Riding Distance: Approx. 43km/27Miles
9
Nuwara Elliya to Udawalawa
- Embark on a bike ride to Haldummulla to witness Bambarakanda Falls, which is the highest waterfall in Sri Lanka, then continue downhill to Udawalawe.
- Check into the hotel and relax for the night.
Riding Distance: Approx. 49km/30Miles, Downhil
10
Udawalawa to Galle
- Enjoy a morning jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park before cycling to Mirissa, enjoying a downhill coast to the flatlands.
- Conclude your ride at Wijaya Beach and transfer to Galle for an overnight stay.
Riding Distance: None
11
Relaxation in Galle
- Spend the morning relaxing by the beach before participating in a wood carving workshop.
- Enjoy a stroll around the historic Fort and watch the sunset from the Rampart.
- Watch the Sunset from The Rampart
- Overnight stay in Legendary Galle
Riding Distance: None
12
Galle to Colombo
- Transfer to Colombo and explore the city, optionally by bicycles.
- Relax at the hotel for the night
Riding Distance: None
13
Departure from Colombo
- Transfer to the airport for your departure with amazing memories collected with Team Blue Lanka Tours!
Journey Highlights
- Cycling across the scenic landscapes of Sri Lanka.
- Exploring the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa on two wheels.
- Riding through the picturesque hill country of Nuwara Eliya.
- Delighting in the craftsmanship of local handicrafts.
- Immersing in the vibrant Sri Lankan Batik culture.
- Take a refreshing dip in Sri Lanka’s Highest Waterfall
- Exploring charming little shops offering unique souvenirs for friends and family.
Insightful Tips
- Always pack comfortable and easy-to-wear clothing.
- Proper cycling gear is essential for your comfort and safety.
- Don’t forget to bring your cameras.
- Include some “Thambili Water” (King coconut) in your pack – nature’s finest isotonic drink.
FAQ
Q. How can I transport my bicycle?
By vehicle which we allocate exclusively for the transportation of bicycles.
Q. Is Tamil food spicy?
A typical Tamil meal consists of many spicy and non-spicy dishes. Many of these dishes are generally mixed and eaten with steamed rice, which is the staple food of the region.
Q. Is Ayurvedic Spa available at hotels?
Yes most of the hotels have spa facility.
Q. Where can I shop for souvenirs?
Colombo, Inamaluwa, Kandy, Galle
Nuwara Eliya
