Guided Off-beat Sri Lanka: bike, hike, raft

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.

Kick off your cycling adventure with a ride to the lively fish market and further to Dummalasuriya. As we pedal through charming villages, observe the local way of life. Upon reaching Dummalasuriya, we arrange transfer to Kithulgala as the next leg of your journey.

With its lush rainforests covering vast expanses, Kithulgala boasts the distinction of being the wettest place in the country.

After enjoying a satisfying breakfast, kick-start your thrilling adventure by sliding down a five-meter waterfall and engaging in exhilarating waterfall abseiling. Prepare to be amazed as we set out on a trek through natural rock pools and cascading waterfalls, covering a distance of 1.5 kilometers. Along this exciting trail, you'll encounter seven incredibly beautiful natural pools.

Equipped with safety gear, you'll have the opportunity to slide down into the refreshing rock pools, take confident jumps into the crystal-clear waters, and swim in the cool embrace of the rainforest surroundings. The highlight of this adventure is the incredible experience of abseiling down the waterfalls, adding an extra dose of excitement to your day.

As the day progresses, immerse yourself in the ultimate adventure by indulging in white water rafting. Kitulgala is renowned for its thrilling rafting experiences, and you won't want to miss the opportunity to navigate the exciting rapids. Get ready to be splashed with water as you maneuver through the white waters, ensuring a fun-filled and memorable day.

Pedal today through scenic rubber plantations, taking in the natural beauty that surrounds you. Along the route, we make a stop at the renowned Belilena caves, which house ancient fossils and skeletal remains dating back thousands of years.

Nestled amidst the tea-clad hills of the Kandy Plateau, Kandy is home to one of the most revered sites for Buddhists—the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

Start your day with an early breakfast as we prepare to transfer you to one end of the majestic Knuckles mountain range. Get ready for a delightful day of hiking amidst this natural wonder. Aptly named the Knuckles range due to its resemblance to a closed human fist when viewed from certain points in Kandy, this picturesque landscape awaits your exploration.

Awaken to the soothing symphony of nature and the melodious songs of birds. After enjoying a delightful breakfast, we go on a trail, traversing the lush forest and passing by quaint villages. Follow the paths traditionally used by local villagers, immersing in their way of life. As we venture deeper into the wilderness, be serenaded by the melodious songs of birds and rewarded with breathtaking views at every turn.

Hiking: 14km

Today's ride promises to be nothing short of breathtaking as we set out 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. After lunch, we'll transfer 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 Oliphant Boutique Villa. 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.

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.

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.

Start your morning with an invigorating 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.

Later we ride towards Belihuloya, passing through forests, grasslands, and teak plantations. The initial descent can be steep, so we'll proceed with caution. After arriving at the base, continue riding uphill to Belihuloya, known for its lush green landscapes, rolling hills, tea plantations, and scenic beauty.

Today is largely downhill as we ride to Udawalawe. The landscape along the route from Belihuloya to Udawalawe offers a captivating mix of forests and rural villages.

In the afternoon, we'll set out 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.

Start day with 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.

Late morning, we'll set off towards Mirissa, 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 Mirissa, 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 Mirissa.

Today morning is free for you to enjoy snorkeling in the azure waters of Mirissa.

Late morning, we transfer to Galle and 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.

Later, we shuttle from Galle to the Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, aiming to reach by 6 PM. For added convenience and to account for any unforeseen delays, we highly recommend booking an international flight that departs at 10 PM or later on the same day. Alternatively, you may choose to spend a night in Negombo (our shuttle will drop you to your hotel) and depart at any time the following day. Please note that the group transfer is included if you depart today; however, if you choose to leave the next day, you will need to make your own transfer arrangements.

For those looking to extend their journey, consider spending a few relaxing days in Galle before heading to Colombo International Airport for your onward travel.