At 72, Michelle is anything but “the average senior.” A lifelong cyclist and hiker, she’s pedaled and trekked her way across countries for decades, and she’s not slowing down anytime soon. “I’m open to traveling to new places or returning to countries I enjoyed and will continue to do so as long as I can,” she says.
Since 2023 alone, she’s ticked off three international trips with Bookmundi. First came a Bangkok-to-Saigon cycling holiday in February, followed by another biking adventure in Vietnam the very next month. And Sri Lanka? That one had been calling her name for years. So when the timing finally aligned, she hopped onto Bookmundi without hesitation and signed up for Cycle Sri Lanka, a group tour built for cyclists of every age and pace.
Her Cycle Story to Sri Lanka
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.
Bundala is home to a small subspecies of Sri Lankan elephants, often seen roaming openly across the landscape.
Getting to interact with local fishermen in Sri Lanka and seeing them in action is a highlight on any trip to the country.
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.
From mangoes to a classic banana-leaf spread, Michelle’s Sri Lankan food experience was unforgettable.
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.
Sri Lankan moments: crafting rope by hand and the calm presence of a Buddha statue.
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.
For Akriti, writing found her long before her love for travel did; she blames her acute motion sickness for the delayed onset of the latter. But when the two interests did meet, it resulted in many memorable (and sometimes revolting) travel stories. As a traveler, she enjoys challenging treks as much as lazy walks on the beach. She hates road trips unless it is on the back of a truck or a motorbike. She loves good food; even more so when paired with a local drink.
Readers will find her writing to be much like her hometown of Kathmandu—rich, soulful and quirky.
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