Best of Sri Lanka Luxury Bike Tour

Srilanka5_Day4(2)_5

Overview

From the lush tea plantations to the stunning beaches, this trip offers an ideal introduction to the country's rich culture and diverse landscapes.

Immerse yourself in the local way of life as you ride through scenic villages and diverse topographies, encountering wildlife and majestic mountains along the way. Experience the charming hill station of Nuwara Eliya, where the tea planters community resides, and witness the beauty of Udawalawe's elephants in their natural habitat.

Highlights include a stunning 90-min train journey to Ella, a hike to World’s End, and a visit to the famed Nine Arch Bridge.

End the trip on a high with a stay at the luxurious Anantara Peace Haven Tangelle Resort. Nestled in a local coconut plantation bordering the glistening ocean and golden shoreline, this tropical paradise is the perfect venue to experience the tranquillity of Sri Lanka’s coast one final time.

Read a comprehensive insight into the trip on our blog here.

Start

Negombo | 17:00hrs

Finish

Negombo

Lodging

premiere

Level

moderate to challenging

Avg. dist. cycled

50km or 30mi

Suitable for

Age: 16+

Fly-In

CMB

Fly-Out

CMB

Highlights

Highlight Image

myriad landscapes

Ride through the the different topographies of Sri Lanka – tea plantations, beaches, meandering irrigation canals, hills, forests and historic towns

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

DayPlacepremiere Inns or similarMealsDistanceActivity
DAY 1NegomboJetwing BlueD
DAY 2 KandyEarls RegencyB,L,D40km / 24micycling
DAY 3Nuwara EliyaThe GrandB,L,D70km / 42micycling
DAY 4Ella98 Acres Resort and SpaB,L,D30km / 18micycling, hiking
DAY 5Ella98 Acres Resort and SpaB,L,D
DAY 6Udawalawe National ParkGrand Udawalawe Safari Resort (Casual Inn)B,L,D30km / 18micycling, hiking
DAY 7TangalleAnantara Peace HavenB,L60km / 36micycling
DAY 8Colombo via GalleB40km / 24micycling

Detailed Itinerary

Itinerary Image

Day 1: Negombo

On the day of the tour, our guide will meet you at your hotel in the evening at 17:00hrs. We'll use this time to do a bike fit to ensure that your cycling experience is as comfortable as possible. After that, we'll have a relaxing dinner together and go over the briefing for the tour.

Negombo is a vibrant coastal town with a mix of Dutch and Portuguese architecture and a bustling fish market. If you have time, we recommend exploring the town's canals, beaches, and historic sites. You could also take a boat ride to the nearby Muthurajawela Marsh, which is home to a variety of bird species and other wildlife.

Meals: D
Accommodation: Jetwing Blue
Itinerary Image

Day 2: Kandy

Today we recommend hitting the road early to avoid the heat. After a short transfer, get ready for the day’s cycling. An easy-paced ride that takes us along the stunning coastal route with stops at fish markets. Later we turn inland and take a shuttle transfer of about 3hrs to Kandy.

Perched amongst the tea-clad hills of the Kandy Plateau, this is home to one of the most significant sites for Buddhists: the Temple of Sacred Tooth Relic which we visit in the evening. As we enter the temple's hallowed halls, we'll be mesmerized by the intricate architecture and awe-inspiring religious artifacts, including the tooth relic itself, believed to be a sacred relic of the Buddha.

Negombo_Kandy.png

Meals: B,L,D
Cycling Distance: 40km / 24mi
Accommodation: Earls Regency
Itinerary Image

Day 3: Nuwara Eliya

Today's ride promises to be nothing short of breathtaking as we embark on a journey through Sri Lanka's stunning hill country, with its lush tea plantations and sweeping mountain vistas. The route to our destination, the old British tea valley of Nuwara Eliya, is a challenging one, with gradual climbs and a few steep hills to conquer. However, the awe-inspiring scenery, glistening reservoirs, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic views of the majestic mountain ranges make every pedal stroke worth it.

We'll stop for a delectable lunch at a picturesque spot overlooking a stunning waterfall and panoramic landscape. Here, we can take a moment to soak in the beauty of our surroundings and rejuvenate ourselves for the rest of the journey. We continue riding to Nuwara Eliya, where we'll spend the rest of the day exploring this charming town.

Nuwara Eliya, also known as 'Little England,' is a town that exudes colonial-era charm, with its well-manicured lawns, Victorian-era architecture, and immaculate gardens.

Here we stay at the The Grand hotel. The place still retains its old-world charm with wooden lofts, and old brass fans. Perfect ambiance coupled with exquisite comforts to transport you back to the colonial times of Sri Lanka.

Kandy_Nuwara.png

Meals: B,L,D
Cycling Distance: 70km / 42mi
Accommodation: The Grand
Itinerary Image

Day 4: Ella

Today's ride promises to be the highlight of the tour, offering a breathtaking undulating ride from Nuwara Eliya through a diverse range of landscapes. We will pass through lush grasslands, dense forests, dairy farms, and windmills, and stop at Pattipola railway station, the highest railway station in Sri Lanka, situated 1,897 meters above sea level.

The final stretch of the ride includes a challenging 4km uphill climb, leading to Horton Plains, one of Sri Lanka's most popular national parks. This vast expanse of grasslands and thick forests is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including many endemic bird species. We will explore the park's designated trails on foot, including a hike to World's End, a dramatic scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of the park. The total hike is approximately 8km, and we will also visit Baker's Falls, a stunning waterfall in the park.

If time permits, we will take a downhill ride to Ohiya railway station for lunch, followed by a scenic 90-minute train journey to Ella. Ella is a charming town situated at an elevation of 1,041m, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Please note that as our arrival time at Ohiya railway station is uncertain, we cannot make advance reservations for 1st class tickets on the train. We will need to purchase on-the-spot tickets, which are available only for the 2nd and 3rd class.

nuwara-horton.png

Meals: B,L,D
Cycling Distance: 30km / 18mi
Itinerary Image

Day 5: Ella

Today spend the day at leisure. If you're still up for an activity, hike to Little Adam's Peak and Nine Arch Bridge, both easily accessible from Ella. Enjoy panoramic views of lush green hills and valleys, and take in the beauty of the impressive Nine Arch Bridge, a railway viaduct that dates back to the British colonial era.

Meals: B,L,D
Itinerary Image

Day 6: Udawalawe National Park

Today we start our ride towards Udawalawe National Park, passing through forests, grasslands, and teak plantations. The initial descent can be steep, so we'll proceed with caution. After arriving at the base, we'll take a short transfer to our lunch spot and refuel for the rest of the day.

In the afternoon, we'll embark on an exciting safari adventure in Udawalawe National Park. The park is home to hundreds of Sri Lankan elephants, as well as other wild animals such as leopards, deer, and buffalo. With well-planned safaris and knowledgeable guides, you'll have a chance to observe these magnificent creatures up close in their natural habitat.

Ella_Udawalawe.png

Meals: B,L,D
Cycling Distance: 30km / 18mi
Itinerary Image

Day 7: Tangalle

Today, we'll set off towards Tangalle, cycling along one of the beautiful irrigation canals that flow towards the southern coast. Along the way, we'll pass through lush banana plantations, providing a refreshing change of scenery from the mountainous terrain of the past few days. Cycling through the countryside will give us an opportunity to soak in the rural lifestyle and connect with the local culture.

As we approach Tangalle, the air becomes warm and humid, with the salty scent of the sea in the distance. After a long day of cycling, there's nothing quite like relaxing on the beach and taking in the beautiful surroundings of Tangalle.

Upon arrival in Tangalle, we will check into the luxurious Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort. The resort is nestled in a coconut plantation and boasts a stunning beachfront location. It is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of Sri Lanka's southern coast.

udawalawe_tangalle.png

Meals: B,L
Cycling Distance: 60km / 36mi
Accommodation: Anantara Peace Haven
Itinerary Image

Day 8: Colombo via Galle

Today, we embark on a beautiful coastal and interior trail as we ride toward Galle after a short transfer. The stunning views of the ocean and the gentle sea breeze keep us company throughout the ride. As we make our way toward Galle, we will pass through charming coastal villages and verdant countryside landscapes.

Post-lunch, explore the historic Galle Fort on foot. The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the best-preserved colonial-era fortifications in Asia. As we walk through the narrow streets and alleys, we will discover an abundance of Dutch and Portuguese architectural gems, museums, and cathedrals. The picturesque coastline also provides a perfect opportunity to relax on the sunny beaches and soak in the beautiful surroundings.

Extend at Galle/Tangalle and spend the days at leisure or transport to the Colombo International Airport for your onward journey. We aim to reach Negombo by 6 pm.

Meals: B
Cycling Distance: 40km / 24mi
Accommodation:

Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.

Map

Accommodation

Each hotel has been thoughtfully selected to ensure an exceptional and memorable experience for guests. Should the listed hotel be unavailable, we will ensure an alternative of similar quality.

Highlight Image

Jetwing Blue

Experience coastal luxury at its finest at Jetwing Blue Hotel, where pristine beaches meet unparalleled hospitality. Indulge in a harmonious blend of modern elegance and tropical charm at Jetwing Blue Hotel, your ultimate seaside escape.

Dates and Prices

Members get an estimated 10% off on this trip.

$50/yearLearn more


Single Supplement

From US $900

E-Bike Upgrade

From US $180


Couldn't find a trip with convenient dates?

Open your date as a join-in tour or customize further as a private one.


Essential Info

Inclusions

LODGING

All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).

trip leader

Expert Trip Leader(s) who look after your every need and add meaning to your vacation.

bike

Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.

shuttle

A Van support follows the group of riders and carries all belongings.

meals

Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.

refreshments

Refreshments and mineral water while cycling.

entrance

Entrance fees to most of the monuments and temples.

E-bikes

E-bikes are available (subject to availability) on this trip at a surcharge.

Exclusions

Airport pickup and drop

We recommend to book direclty from airport or hotel.

meals

Some meals may not be included. Please check your itinerary.

Beverages

Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.

Bikes

When you have a road and the thrill of a journey ahead of you, it’s imperative to have a good bike to enjoy it. Our fleet majorly consist of the below bikes as a part of this tour. However, sometimes due to height or availability constraints, we may provide a different but similar quality bike.

Bike Image

Merida Big Seven or similar

mountain

Included in your trip price

Bike Image

Scott E-Aspect or similar

ebike

Available at a surcharge

Weather

With a tropical climate, Sri Lanka has two cycles of monsoon which bring rain to the west and south-west coastal lines from May to September, and between October and February, it rains in northern regions and east coastline. Although the rains are generally short, with occasional heavy downpours.

Leaving out the monsoon season, the remaining months receive plenty of sunshine and are mostly dry. Temperatures remain fairly consistent year-round, with coastal regions averaging from 25 to 32°C and the mountain regions from 15 to 20°C. Sri Lanka is humid as well with relative humidity ranging between 60% & 90%.

Predominantly, Sri Lanka is almost a year-round cycling destination and our bike tours run around the year.

Visa

Most travelers require a visa to visit Sri Lanka. The process for acquiring one is relatively straightforward. For trips to Sri Lanka of up to 30 days, visas, also known as ETAs (Electronic Travel Authorization), can be obtained from the government’s Department of Immigration and Emigration website. The Electronic Travel Authorization System is available online or at the port of entry. Visitors are strongly urged to use the online system to avoid lengthy delays at the port of entry.

Reviews from our friends

End of reviews