Trips

Negombo

Ayu-bowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure begins in the town of Negombo which is located close to the international airport. You can arrive at any time today as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting at 5:30 pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where the meeting will take place. Those arriving early can get into the spirit of seaside Sri Lanka by observing the local fishing craft and perhaps feasting on fresh seafood. The beautiful surrounding countryside is best explored on a bicycle, which you can rent with help from the hotel reception. Notes: If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time for the welcome meeting, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. Riding distance: none

Anuradhapura

Rise early and enjoy some breakfast at the hotel. Start off with a test-ride through the city streets then cycle from Negombo to Mahawewa (approx. 35km) with the Laccadive Sea your constant companion. Along the way, you'll encounter quaint fishing villages, the scenic Dutch canal, coconut plantations and various tile factories. Sit down to a picnic lunch on arrival in Mahawewa. Afterwards, hop aboard the support vehicle and travel to Anuradhapura (approximately 140km/3hrs). Here you can settle into your hotel, relax or grab a well earned beer (or tea). You have the option of joining a 'food crawl' through the streets and markets of Anuradhapura – a great chance to sample some tasty local cuisine. Riding distance: approx. 35kms/22 miles, mostly flat with approx. 170m/560ft of elevation gain.

Anuradhapura

After breakfast, cycle to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Anuradhapura (approximately 20 km each way). Enjoy a guided 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. Pay a visit to the Anuradhapura museum, then enjoy a local lunch. Return to the hotel and enjoy free time for the rest of the afternoon. Riding distance: approx. 37kms/23 miles, mostly flat with approx. 130m/430ft of elevation gain.

Jaffna

Take the train (approx. 4hrs) to the very north of Sri Lanka and the delightful city of Jaffna. This city was only recently reopened to tourism after the Sri Lankan Civil War and has a strong southern Indian influence which you can see on the streets and in their food. Despite it's more recent trouble this colonial port town has a rich 2000 year history and boasts a vibrant Tamil culture, Dutch and Portuguese influenced architecture, buzzing markets, beautiful nearby beaches and golden-hued temples. Enjoy an evening ride around the city to get a better feel for a city that very few travellers get to experience. Riding distance: approx. 40kms/25 miles, mostly flat with approx. 140m/470ft of elevation gain.

Jaffna

Today is an early start as we start cycling (approx. 35kms) early from the city to the Kurikadduwan Jetty, the jump off point to the nearby islands. Take a boat to Delft Island, named during Dutch colonial times and enjoy a ride around this fascinating isalnd. The colonial legacy remains with the limestone and coral Portuguese/Dutch fort and the free roaming wild horses, as well as ruins of 3 ancient stupas dating back to the 14th century. Kick back and relax for a while on one of the white sand beaches then take the boat to the island of Nainativu and walk to the nearby Nagadeepa Buddhist Temple, considered one of the 16 holiest Buddhist Sites in Sri Lanka. From here we transport by vehicle back to Jaffna. Riding distance: approx. 45kms/28 miles, mostly flat with approx. 130m/420ft of elevation gain.

Trincomalee

Leave Jaffna and cycle (approx. 40kms) the flat coastal roads and causeways south to your first real 'climb' on the trip, the Sangupiddi Bridge that separates Palk Bay from the Indian Ocean. Continue on to the small town of Pooneryn then take the support vehicle for the long drive (approx. 3-4hrs) to the east coast and the charming coastal town of Trincomalee. Surrounded by wildlife, hilltops and rock formations laid back Trincomalee offers beautiful white sand and nearby Nilaveli is one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka. From March to August it is also famous for whale watching, or for more dramatic views check out Koneswaram Temple, built on the very edge of an ocean cliff. Riding distance: approx. 40kms/25 miles, mostly flat with approx. 100m/320ft of elevation gain.

Trincomalee

Today is chance to rest those cycling legs and enjoy a free day to sit back and enjoy the laid back atmosphere or get active by exploring the town and surrounds. For a close up ocean view why not take a snorkeling trip out to the clear waters surrounding Pigeon Island, one of only two marine National Parks in Sri Lanka, with some of the best remaining coral reefs in the country.

Dambulla

Enjoy a leisurely cycle (approx. 35kms) to the oddly named Naval Headworks Sanctuary, a forty-thousand acres reserve rich in dense forest and biodiversity. From here drive inland to Habarana (approx. 1.5 hrs) a popular destination for safari lovers in the nearby Habarana jungle and Minneriya sanctuary, which is heavily populated by elephants, then continue to Dambulla where you spend the evening. Riding distance: approx. 35kms/22 miles

Dambulla & Sigiriya Rock

This morning you will cycle (approx. 17km) to Sigiriya, an ancient rock fortress perched among lush greenery that strikes an awesome pose against the skyline. Hike to the top and enjoy some well-earned rest, taking in the lovely views over the surrounding countryside. Afterwards, jump back on your bike and pedal your way through the pleasant countryside (approx. 23km) to Dambulla and enjoy some free time on arrival. In the evening you'll visit the Dambulla wholesale vegetable market, where there's an option to join in on a food crawl. Riding distance: approx. 40km/25 miles

Nalanda Gedige

Cycle back into Dambulla and visit the famous Buddhist rock cave temple before riding on to the small town of Nalanda on the shores of the Bowatenna Reservoir, home of the ancient Nalanda Gedige stone temple and once considered 'the centre of Sri Lanka'. Riding distance: approx. 35km/22 miles

Kandy

Cycle approximately 40kms through the heart of Sri Lanka along quiet palm tree-flanked roads, passing through small villages and on to the town of Rattota. Climb back into the support vehicle and avoid the increasing traffic as you drive on (approx. 1hr) to the ancient 'royal' city of Kandy. Surrounded by towering hills and centred on the serene Kandy Lake it is also home of The Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most revered places of worship in the Buddhist world. Riding distance: approx. 40km/25 miles

Kandy

After breakfast at the hotel you have the option to either head out for some extra cycling in the Hanthana Mountain Range (weather/time permitting) or stay in Kandy and explore. Later in the morning the group will head to Giragama (approximately 15 km) for a guided tour of a tea factory. This is a great chance to learn about how Sri Lanka's best-known beverage is made. You will also sample some of the delicious varieties on offer. Enjoy an afternoon of free time to relax. In the evening you will visit the Temple of Tooth Relic, the most important Buddhist site in the country. Explore the complex that surrounds it, then return to town for an (optional) food crawl. Riding distance: none (optional cycling available)