Sri Lanka by Bike

On arrival at Colombo International Airport, you will be met by a World Expeditions representative and transferred to the group hotel in Waskaduwa, located near the beach. The drive takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. Once checked in, you can settle in and relax, giving yourself time to adjust to the rhythm of Sri Lanka.

Overnight: Rathna Beach Resort or similar.

Transport: Airport Transfer (approx 1 hour)

The day begins with a bike fitting and setup at 7.00am, where all bikes will be assembled and adjusted by our team to suit your preferences. After breakfast, a trip briefing will be held at 8.30am to run through the day ahead and provide key information. you'll then set off at 9.00am, riding south to Ambalangoda through a series of laid-back coastal villages, where the friendly locals offer a warm welcome. Our day ends at the beachside town of Ambalangoda, the perfect place to relax with a cool drink by the sea.

Overnight: Jetwing J or similar

Cycling: (±) 32km/20mi

You start the day with breakfast before following the National Cycling Trail along Sri Lanka’s scenic southern coastline. A highlight is a visit to the historic Dutch Fort in Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back over 400 years. As you ride, keep an eye out for the iconic stilt fishermen, a traditional fishing method still practised along this stretch. Tonight is your final evening by the coast, and you'll enjoy a relaxed dinner to celebrate the journey so far.

Overnight South Lake Resort or similar

Cycling: (±) 70km/44mi

After enjoying breakfast, you set off along a mix of terrain, cycling on muddy tracks and sections of paved road through dry zone jungle and paddy fields as you make your way towards Udawalawe. In the afternoon, you’ll explore Udawalawe National Park on a jeep safari in search of wild elephants, birdlife, crocodiles and other wildlife. Afterwards, you’ll visit the Elephant Transit Home.

Overnight: Elephant Trail Hotel or similar

Cycling: (±) 110km/69mi

After breakfast, you’ll set off on your bike from Udawalawe, riding through a patchwork of rural villages and farmland towards Wellawaya. The route includes a steady uphill climb, making for a rewarding challenge as you gain elevation. Along the way, the landscape gradually transforms, with dry plains giving way to lush greenery and cooler air. On reaching Wellawaya, you’ll transfer by vehicle for the final ascent into the hill country, arriving in the laid-back town of Ella, surrounded by misty peaks and tea-covered slopes.

Overnight: Ella Gap Hotel or similar

Cycling: (±) 70km/44mi (25km/16mi ascent)

After breakfast, you depart the Ella region by vehicle, passing through the scenic hills and lush green tea plantations on the way to Nuwara Eliya. Here, you’ll enjoy a brief city tour before beginning today’s ride towards Kandy. Along the way, you’ll stop at a tea factory to learn about the production process of Ceylon tea and enjoy a tasting of pure, unblended varieties. The ride continues until reaching the outskirts of Kandy, where you’ll hand over your bikes near the University of Peradeniya. The afternoon is free to explore the town and local markets. In the evening, you'll attend a traditional cultural performance featuring Kandyan drummers, dancers, and a dramatic fire-walking finale.

Overnight: Gangaaddara Hotel or similar

Cycling: (±) 80km/50mi

After breakfast, you set out to explore Kandy, Sri Lanka’s hill capital and one of the country’s most scenic and culturally significant cities. Located 488 metres above sea level, Kandy was once the stronghold of the Sinhala Kings and is now a bustling centre known for its rich heritage. This morning, you’ll visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa), one of the most revered Buddhist sites in the country. You’ll also take in panoramic views from Upper Lake Drive, stroll through the beautifully maintained Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, and visit a gem museum. Kandy also offers excellent shopping opportunities, with a range of handicrafts including wood carvings, batiks, jewellery, brassware, and handlooms available in local markets and boutiques.

Overnight: Gangaaddara Hotel or similar

After breakfast, you transfer to the starting point of today’s ride at the Mahaweli Bridge in Katugastota. From here, you begin cycling towards the Habarana region. Along the way, you’ll stop in Matale for an introduction to Sri Lankan spices, including a traditional cookery demonstration. You'll enjoy a taste of a traditional Sri Lankan snack, accompanied by a soothing cup of spiced tea. After this refreshing break, you continue riding through rural landscapes until reaching your destination in Habarana.

Overnight: Lilly Resort and Spa or similar.

Cycling: (±) 100km/62mi

After breakfast, you travel to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a 5th-century royal citadel and UNESCO World Heritage site. Sigiriya is home to the world’s first known frescoes, a remarkable expression of ancient art that reflects the Ajanta style. Often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world, it remains one of Sri Lanka’s most extraordinary cultural sites. Following your visit, you begin cycling along quiet village roads towards the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a snack or light lunch before exploring the impressive ruins of Sri Lanka’s second capital. Dating back to the 11th century, Polonnaruwa reveals the island’s rich history and includes sites that reflect the influence of the Chola invasions. As this marks the final leg of your ride, a special traditional Sri Lankan lunch is served in a picturesque setting within the rice fields at a local farmer’s home – a rewarding way to reflect on the journey. If you would like, there is also the option to enjoy a traditional Ayurveda foot or body massage to help soothe tired muscles after nine days of cycling. Your bikes will be loaded onto the support vehicle, and you return by vehicle to Habarana for a relaxing evening.

Overnight: Lilly Resort and Spa or similar.

Cycling: (±) 70km/44mi

After departing Habarana, you begin your journey towards Colombo. En route, you stop to visit the spectacular Dambulla Rock Cave Temples, one of Sri Lanka’s most important and unique Buddhist sites, renowned for its richly painted ceilings and hundreds of statues depicting the life of the Buddha. On arrival, you'll enjoy a guided city tour that offers insight into the capital’s history and culture, with time also set aside for shopping. The evening is at leisure to relax or explore more of the city at your own pace. Overnight: Fairview Hotel or similiar.

Our trip concludes after breakfast with a transfer to the airport.