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Cycle the Back Roads of Sri Lanka

5.0Based on
14 days
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14 daysDuration
Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants
16 peopleMaximum group size
16 - 99 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Challenging
Demands good physical fitness and stamina for more intense or extended activities.
Select Date
Best price guaranteedNo credit card or booking fees.Carbon neutral tours.
3 other people are considering this tour right now.

Highlights

Cycle quiet backroads through rice fields, rural villages and Sri Lanka’s changing landscapes

Challenge yourself on a rewarding ride through the tea estates of the central highlands to Nuwara Eliya

Enter Dambulla’s sacred cave temples, home to an extraordinary collection of Buddhist statues and paintings

Climb Sigiriya rock fortress for far-reaching views across the surrounding plains

Game drive through Yala National Park in search of the leopards, elephants and other wildlife

Itinerary

Discover Sri Lanka in the most authentic way—by bicycle. The "Cycle the Back Roads of Sri Lanka" tour is a challenging 14-day adventure designed for experienced travelers ready to embrace the island’s diverse beauty on two wheels. Starting in Sigiriya and finishing in Colombo, the journey takes you through tea hills, safari parks, and golden coastlines.

Pedal along quiet roads, wave to friendly locals, and test yourself in the scenic hill regions of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. Along the way, visit iconic sites like the Sigiriya rock fortress, Dambulla’s sacred cave temples, and Yala National Park in search of elusive leopards. The trip culminates on the sun-drenched beaches of the south coast—a perfect reward after days of cycling adventure.

The unique selling point of this trip package is its off-the-beaten-path approach, allowing for genuine interaction with local culture and landscapes, all while enjoying the camaraderie of a small group. Accommodation, transport, meals, and expert support ensure a seamless, exhilarating journey.

day 1Adventure starts in Sigiriya

Welcome to Sigiriya, where our cycling adventure begins. There are no planned activities today, so there’s time to settle into the hotel and relax before we get on our bikes tomorrow.
Around 6pm say ayubowan to your tour leader and fellow travellers at the hotel, where we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.
Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome by arranging a group dinner for your first taste of Sri Lankan cuisine.
Want to explore further? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Meals
Dinner

day 2Climb Sigiriya • Ride to Dambulla cave temple (4 hours cycling)

day 3Ride to Polonnaruwa • Cycle tour of ruins (5 hours cycling)

day 4Ride through foothills of spice-growing region (6 hours cycling)

day 5Free day in Kandy

day 6Challenging ride through tea estates to Nuwara Eliya (9 hours cycling)

day 7Morning ride to Nuwara Eliya town and tea factory • Afternoon free (3hr 30min cycling)

day 8Hill country ride to Ella (4 hours cycling)

day 9Descent, stopping at the rock-cut Buddha statues at Buduruvagela • To Tissamaharama (8 hours cycling)

day 10Morning ride to Kataragama Temple • Afternoon drive to Yala National Park for safari (3hr 30min cycling)

day 11Ride through Bundala National Park and by the lagoon for spectacular birdlife • Continue riding on the coast to Hambantota • To Ahangama (3 hours cycling)

day 12Free day on beach • Optional ride to Koggala

day 13To Colombo via Galle Fort

day 14Adventure ends in Colombo

What's Included

Accommodation
All accommodation: 8 Superior Comfort nights (hotels), 5 Comfort nights (hotels)
Meals
All breakfasts, nine lunches and one dinner
Transport
Immersive cycling itinerary with all transport and listed activities, including Yala National Park game driveGroup arrival and departure transfers available10 days cycling with full vehicle support
Guide
Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure, plus cycling support team
Others
Local bike hire of a fully serviced Proformance ACL-02 touring/hybrid bike

Customer Reviews

4.8

based on 256 reviews
215
40
1
A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

Par excellence!!

Super happy friendly locals, very varied terrain, loads of wildlife and a wide ranging introduction into Sri Lankan culture.

A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

Best cycling tour - so far!

This trip came well reviewed from many other travellers I have met on other cycling trips so we had so see what it was all about - expectations were exceeded in every way. The cycling was challenging but rewarding, the team flawless, most importantly, it provided an immersive experience in the very best Sri Lanka has to offer that you simply can't get from seeing the country any other way.

A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

Fantastic adventure

We had an incredible trip. A perfect balance of cycling, nature, culture and relaxation. Our tour leader Ruwan and and his team were amazing , the whole thing was perfect…..

A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

Cycling in Sri Lanka

What a fantastic trip. Our tour leader, Ruwan and the support crew were excellent, with great communication and no detail overlooked. Cycling is a great way to enjoy Sri Lanka and was made all the better with visits to local family-run businesses and homes to really get an insight into the lives of the local people. There were also many opportunities to see a variety of wildlife and birds. The two weeks seemed much longer because we packed so much in. All in all, a great holiday.

A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

Fantastic cycling trip

Amazing trip with a fabulous leader, Ruwan, great support team and group of other cyclists. The team ensured everything always ran smoothly with lots of smiles.

Monthly Price Comparison

Good to Know

Travel Insurance
Visa

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Our travel experts are ready to help.
Jane Andersen
Sine
Rasmus Juul Olsen

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3 weeks ago

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