Michelle Discovers the World: One Cycling Trip at a Time

Here’s her story from the saddle as she cycled her way through Sri Lanka:

Q: What made you choose a group tour?
A: Traveling alone, I wanted to be with other people.

Q: The trip you booked was a guided tour. How did it feel to travel with a guide on this tour? Would you travel with a guide again? Why or why not?
A: The guide took us to places and pointed out things we would have missed otherwise. Very knowledgeable of the area and knew many people and unique spots only a well traveled local would know.

Q: How was it joining a trip to Sri Lanka as a solo traveler?
A: Fabulous experience sharing this exceptional country with other like minded cyclists.

Q: How was it joining a group of mixed-aged travelers on a cycling trip? Any word of advice for older travelers considering such a trip?
A: Mixed ages on this tour but all good cyclists.

Q: Were there any parts of the trip that surprised you in terms of quality or value?
A: We got to see and explore such diverse parts of the country, culture, heritage and religion.

Q: Which destinations, cities, or highlights did you cover on your trip, and which stood out the most?
A: So many! Seeing herds of elephants at Bundala National Park, snorkeling with sea turtles, Temple of the Tooth in Kandy and getting carried to the poles where the local fishermen were perched fishing with sticks and given the fish they had just caught for my picture. They even washed and dried our feet before putting our shoes back on. The tea plantations at higher elevations were beautiful and impressive in spite of having to cut our ride short due to heavy rain, lightning and thunder.

Q: What was a memorable moment or story from your journey that you’d like to highlight?
A: Getting carried to the fishing perch by the local fishermen in his lungi.

Q: Did you try any local food or cultural experiences that you would recommend?
A: We got to try several specialties. Mangos in season, fresh coconut water, coconut ice cream, buffalo curd with coconut syrup, so many local vegetables and meals that you eat on banana leaf lined baskets. Hot chili condiments are a specialty but only for those with a tolerance.

Q: Did you have any unique interactions with locals, guides, or fellow travelers that made your trip special?
A: A visit to a factory that makes rope from coconut fiber. Salt packaging factory. Natural color making for painting masks and other wood sculptures. Interacting with local people at the rest stops where we had the opportunity to sample their food. Handing out recycled coffee jars to be used for storing in their homes.

Q: What was the biggest surprise you encountered during your trip to Sri Lanka (positive or unexpected)?
A: A very safe country and friendly people.

Q: Looking back, what was the best part of your entire journey?
A: Being able to cycle while exploring the country and seeing so many sites.

Q: If you could relive one day of your trip, which day would it be and why?
A: All of them!

Q: What would you say to someone considering this tour or destination?
A: Do it sooner rather than later.

Q: Any tips or things you wish you’d known before going on a trip to Sri Lanka?
A: Best to be open minded.