Colombo City
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Type
Gravel
Duration
16 Days & 15 Nights
Next Departure
2025
Status
To be announced
From
4.500 EUR
Sri Lanka by Bike
Embarking on a cycling adventure through Sri Lanka, we start our journey in the bustling streets of Colombo before boarding a train at Colombo Fort Railway Station that will take us to Jaffna. Crossing the Kokkilai Lagoon via local fishing boats adds an authentic touch to our voyage. Riding our bikes through less inhabited areas, we come across serene landscapes dotted with Hindu Temples, which offer glimpses into the island’s rich cultural heritage. Our exploration takes us to the breathtaking vistas of Ella, where we embark on a magnificent hike, immersing ourselves in nature’s splendor.
Thrilling adventures await as we delve into the wild wonders of Yala National Park on a Jeep Safari and dive into the vibrant underwater world while snorkeling in Pigeon Island National Park. Each experience reveals a new chapter in our Sri Lankan escapade, leaving us with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Highlights
Included
Excluded
- Tour Grade
Bike rental available: On request (Only MTB / EMTB)
Included and Optional Services
Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival
ARRIVAL TO COLOMBO
Cycling in the city of Colombo is an excellent way to explore this rapidly developing metropolis. This comprehensive cycling tour will take you to some of the main attractions of historical and cultural significance within the city, making you feel a part of its splendor. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to visit the Dutch Museum, built in the latter part of the 17th century, which was once home to Count August Carl Van Ranzow. On the Sri Lanka by Bike Tour, you will also explore the Neo-Baroque-style Old Parliament building, which was built during British rule and housed the country’s Legislative Council until 1983.
At the iconic Galle Face Green, you can enjoy some fresh pineapple, visit a typical Sri Lankan home, and receive a blessing at a Hindu Kovil. Cycling Holidays Sri Lanka gives you the chance to get an up-close and personal experience with the city while avoiding traffic and getting a good workout.
Cycling Distance
10 km
Elevation Gain
Soft
Fairway Colombo
DAY 2
Colombo Suburbs Riding Experience
COLOMBO CITY
Today, on the Sri Lanka by Bike tour, you’ll embark on the popular Colombo suburb cycling tour, a favorite activity for both locals and tourists who want to explore the outskirts of Sri Lanka’s capital city at their own pace. The trail takes you through some of the most scenic and interesting parts of the suburbs, providing a unique perspective on suburban life. Along the way, you’ll see a variety of sights such as picturesque villages, historical landmarks, and wetlands with lush greenery, as well as bustling markets. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a beginner, this tour is sure to be a memorable experience because the pace is leisurely and the terrain is mostly flat.
Cycling Distance
30 km
Elevation Gain
Soft
Fairway Colombo
DAY 3
Colombo – Jaffna
The princess of Northern line
The Jaffna District, located in the northernmost region of Sri Lanka, is one of the oldest districts in Southeast Asia. The peninsula is separated from India by the Palk Straits on the west and overlooks the Bay of Bengal on the east. A shallow lagoon, where elephants used to wade across, lies between Jaffna and the rest of Sri Lanka. Nowadays, Jaffna is home to 900,000 people, making it one of the most densely populated areas on the island. For visitors, Jaffna has everything – friendly people, a culture steeped in color and tradition, a pleasant climate, and a rustic, picturesque island, making it a true traveler’s paradise.
Train to Jaffna
Tilko Jaffna City Hotel
DAY 4
Jaffna – Sakkottai Cape – Iyakachchi
The North Point of Sri Lanka
After having breakfast at the hotel, you will begin your ride towards Sakkottai Cape, which is the northernmost point of the island. On the way, you will visit a few highlights, including Kadurugoda Temple, Dambakolaptuna Temple, and Keerimalai Naguleswaram Temple. After taking some photos at the most northern point of Sri Lanka, you will continue riding towards Kilinochchi via Kodikaman on AB 31 road until you reach A9, the Jaffna-Kandy Main Road, enjoying the Sri Lanka tour by bike along the way.
The ride on this day will mostly be through less inhabited areas, with few villages or towns to pass by. Hindu Temples are a common sight on this route, and the straight roads in this stretch will make your ride easy and enjoyable. The total journey will be on carpeted roads and may have some traffic if your ride falls on a weekend. Once you reach your hotel, you will be free to engage in some exciting activities on your own.
Cycling Distance
107 km
Elevation Gain
Soft
Reecha Mullai Resort
DAY 5
Iyakachchi – Kokilai – Nilaveli
Boat ride to cross the lagoon
Cycling Distance
106 km
Boat
Cross the Kokkilai Lagoon
Elevation Gain
Soft to Moderate
Pigeon Island Beach Resort
DAY 6
Nilaveli Beach Stay
Snorkeling in Pigeon Island National Park
After a couple of days of riding, today you will be free to spend a day of leisure in Nilaveli. It is all about unwinding and enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings. The main attraction is, of course, the stunning Nilaveli Beach. Here, you can relax on the soft white sand, soak up the sun, and take refreshing dips in the crystal-clear waters. The beach is perfect for leisurely walks, beachcombing, or simply sitting back and enjoying the breathtaking views.
Snorkeling in the Pigeon Island National Park would be a highlight of the stay while a cruise in the sea off Nilaveli for Dolphins and Whales is another optional activity that you could cherish. In addition to its natural beauty, Nilaveli offers opportunities for cultural exploration, with nearby historical sites such as the Koneswaram Temple and Fort Frederick in Trincomalee. With its range of accommodation options and restaurants, Nilaveli provides a perfect setting for a relaxing and memorable vacation.
Leisure and Snorkeling
Pigeon Island Beach Resort
DAY 7
Nilaveli – Habarana
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our journey from Trincomalee to Habarana via Kanniya. We will stop at Kanniya to visit the Kanniya Hot Water Springs, which date back to the Ramayana era. According to local belief, the seven springs were created when Sri Lanka’s King Ravana stuck the earth with his sword in several spots, and fountains sprang from these points.
After visiting Kanniya Hot Water Springs, we will continue our journey on the busy A6 road, passing through endless paddy fields and local communities. Don’t forget to enjoy a fresh pot of curd at Kanthale, which is famous for its freshness. As we reach Habarana, you may be lucky enough to see a few wild elephants grazing with their families close to the main road. Once you check in at your hotel, we will take you to visit the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the evening to complete your day.
Cycling Distance
98 km
Elevation Gain
Soft to Moderate
The Other Corner
DAY 8
Habarana – Knuckles
Walk in the Mini World’s End
We will begin our day’s ride by departing from Habarana and heading towards Riverstone after having breakfast either at the hotel or with a packed breakfast. During the ride, you will pass through the backyards of the enormous Sigiriya Rock Fortress and traverse the paddy and vegetable fields of local farmers. Riding along the Elahera Canal will provide a refreshing breeze despite being in the dry zone.
The first 71 km of the ride will mostly be on flat tarmac roads, while the next 22 km will be the most challenging stretch, with bumpy and uphill roads. Your vehicle will be following you, and you can hop in whenever you feel tired. Once we reach Sir John’s Bungalow, you can unwind and take a stroll in Mini World’s End to complete the day’s activities.
Cycling Distance
93 km
Elevation Gain
Moderate to Hard
Sir John’s Bungalow
DAY 9
Knuckles – Kandy
Visit Kandy Temple
A comparatively short ride of the day will allow you to explore Kandy in the evening. The first few kilometers will be the most strenuous stretch of the day, where you will need to use your pedaling skills to conquer. The rest of the route is mostly small uphills and downhills. You will ride on the A9 main road up to Ukuwela, from where you will take a detour to Kandy via Wattegama.
Upon reaching Kandy, you will have some free time to explore the city. Your first stop in Kandy will be the Temple of the Tooth, built in the 16th century, which houses Lord Buddha’s tooth. The temple is surrounded by artistic murals and paintings that capture the journey of Buddhism. You will find the daily rituals ‘pooja’, held amidst drumming and chanting, very intense and colorful, attracting many worshippers daily.
Cycling Distance
57 km
Elevation Gain
Moderate to Hard
Earl’s Regent
DAY 10
Kandy – Nuwara
Riding through the tea country
Get ready to use your best cycling skills as we embark on the toughest part of your journey today, from Kandy to Rikillagaskada. The track includes a mix of ascents and descents through the hillside of Kandy, with some challenging uphill slopes to keep you on your toes until you reach your destination. Along the way, you’ll ride along the Mahaweli River, Sri Lanka’s longest river, and pass by different types of crops that sustain the local population. This will give you the chance to interact with the locals and learn about their traditional lifestyles.
Once you reach Rikillagaskada, you’ll be halfway to Nuwara Eliya. As you continue uphill, you’ll ride through lush green tea plantations. You’ll even get the opportunity to visit a tea plantation and factory, where you can witness the process of making world-renowned “Ceylon Tea.” If you have more energy left, you can keep cycling or the sag wagon can take you further until you reach your hotel in Nuwara Eliya. You can discuss your options with your cycle guide.
Cycling Distance
110 km
Elevation Gain
Hard
Seasons Villa
DAY 11
Nuwara Eliya – Horton Plains – Ella
Ella via Satan’s Steps and Kalupahana
Today promises to be another thrilling adventure. After sipping on a warm pot of Sri Lankan tea and enjoying a packed breakfast, you’ll be taken to Horton Plains. Nestled in the misty mountains of Nuwara Eliya, Horton Plains is a vast plateau situated at around 2100 m above sea level. Keep your eyes peeled for Sambar deer and Leaf Monkeys as you ascend. Unfortunately, cycling is not permitted here, so we’ll take a nature walk through the Horton Plains National Park, which spans approximately 10,000 hectares.
The park is home to Elk, deer, squirrels, wild boars, hares, and porcupines, as well as an assortment of migratory birds. Afterward, we’ll hop back on our bikes and head down “Satan’s Steps,” a steep descent with hairpin turns. We’ll stop briefly at Sri Lanka’s highest waterfall, Bambarakanda, before embarking on a further 6 km descent. From the Kalupahana junction, we’ll begin the climb again up to Haputale, and from there, a downhill ride will take us to our hotel in Ella.
Cycling Distance
60 km
Elevation Gain
Moderate to Hard
3 Arch Resort
DAY 12
Exploring Ella
Ella Rock & Little Adams Peak. Visit to Nine Arch Bridge
Ella is a lovely mountain village that is known for its cool climate, situated in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. On a clear day, you can see the south coast of Sri Lanka from Ella. The village is a great place to relax, especially if you like to take walks through tea plantations to visit temples and waterfalls. The perfect climate of Ella can help soothe both your body and mind. One of the main attractions of the village is Ella Rock, which offers breathtaking views of the Hill Country with the town nestled in the hills below.
The trek to the top of Ella Rock takes about 2 hours and starts from the Ella railway station. You will walk along the train tracks and continue through the villages, plantations and bushes. The last part of the trek involves a steep ascent to the top, which can be physically demanding, but the stunning scenery over the mountain ranges and valleys underneath makes it all worth it. Little Adam’s Peak is another popular destination in Ella that offers gorgeous views of the highlands. The mountain is named after the holy mountain of Adam’s Peak because of its similar shape. The climb to the top is relatively easy, with a good path all the way up. If you take it slow and stop for breaks to take photographs, the trek takes about 2 hours. The peak is 1141 meters high, and the views from the top are truly breathtaking.
Ella Rock Hike
3 Arch Resort
DAY 13
Ella – Yala
Towards the Kingdom of Leopards
The journey from Ella to Wellawaya is an easy ride that’s entirely downhill. You’ll have the opportunity to stop at Ella Gap and Ravana Waterfall for photographs before you reach Wellawaya. If you want, you can take a few kilometers detour to visit Buduruwagala Temple. As you ride along, you’ll come across Block 6 of Yala National Park, and it won’t be a surprise if you encounter wild animals.
Riding along the bank of Lunugamwehera Reservoir will give you a chance to take hundreds of photographs, and the colorful avifauna will add more charm to your journey. You’ll pass through Kataragama Town, where you can witness how both Hindu and Buddhist devotees prepare for the Pooja in the famous Skanda Temple. Your day’s stay is only a few kilometers from Kataragama town, at the Big Game Tented Safari Camp located near the border of Katagamuwa Sanctuary.
Cycling Distance
103 km
Elevation Gain
Soft
Big Game Tented Safari Camp
DAY 14
Yala National Park
Jeep Safari in Yala National Park
Yala National Park is located in the southeastern region of Sri Lanka and is the country’s second-largest national park, covering almost 1000 square kilometers. It was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900, along with Wilpattu, and is considered one of the first two national parks in Sri Lanka. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, with leopards being the most popular animal.
Additionally, large herds of elephants, spotted deer, sambar, wild boar, wild buffaloes, sloth bears, jackals, and mongooses can also be found here. The park is home to over 215 species of birds, six of which are endemic to Sri Lanka. Your best chance to spot a leopard is generally early in the morning, as the young males are very confident and often seen walking on the tracks. Our safari campsite is located very close to the park’s entrance, providing excellent access to the park’s core areas and the best wildlife spots. You can stay in the park until the last moments and enjoy a beautiful ride back to the campsite through the wilderness.
Jeep safari
Big Game Tented Safari Camp
DAY 15
Yala – Tangalle
Ride from Yala to Tangalle
After an exhilarating night at the campsite, today’s cycling journey from Yala to Rekawa via Bundala on the Sri Lanka by Bike tour will be an exciting and invigorating adventure, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning natural landscapes of Sri Lanka. This cycling journey offers a unique opportunity to witness the diverse flora and fauna, picturesque villages, and captivating scenery along the way. As you pedal through the peaceful countryside, you’ll feel the cool breeze against your face and hear the soothing sounds of nature.
Take your time to appreciate the beauty that surrounds you, stopping occasionally to capture breathtaking photos or interact with the friendly locals. With proper planning, a sturdy bicycle, and necessary supplies, cycling from Yala to Tangalle promises to be an unforgettable experience. You can stay leisurely at your hotel overlooking the Indian Ocean during the day. At night, you will have the option to witness Turtle Nesting on Rekawa Beach.
Cycling Distance
99 km
Elevation Gain
Soft to Moderate
Sooriya Resort & Spa
DAY 16
Departure
OUR SPLENDID PROGRAM HAS COME TO AN END
Time flies when you’re having fun, but unfortunately, the Sri Lanka by bike tour tour has come to an end. We hope that the memories and experiences we have shared will remain with you forever. It’s time to get ready for your return trip home. We can’t wait to welcome you back soon to explore more of Exotic Nature Trails!