Duration
13 days / 12 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Bicycling
Destinations
Sri Lanka

For 13 days, this cycling tour will take you on an unforgettable journey through some of the most exquisite sites and views Sri Lanka has to offer. From religious monuments, colonial architecture, temples and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, to the stunning views the nature, beaches and landscapes have to offer, the famous cycling trails will guide you through the cultural demographics that are a blended combination of British, Indian, Portuguese and Dutch influences into the local Sri Lankan way of living. You will get to taste the rich spices of local Sri Lankan cuisine, sip on locally-produced tea, while resting your body in accommodation ranging from bungalows to luxurious spa resorts across the magical island destination. Feel and experience Sri Lanka in a healthy, nature-filled way. 

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Dambulla Loop: After visiting the 150 Buddhist statues of the “Golden Temple”, take your two wheels on the 37 miles of the Dambulla loop to Lion Rock, trailing through the natural beauty of paddy fields, orchards and elephant grass.
  • Colonial Kandy: Famed around the world for its distinctive pastoral scenes of both imperial-era manicured gardens and the natural mountain beauty of central Sri Lanka, this tea-laden region will see travelers visit a Sinhalese religious retreat, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, and can’t-miss local shops.
  • Wasgamuwa National Park: A lesser known wildlife refuge, cyclists will journey from Polonnaruwa to Wasgamuwa National Park through the wilderness for a safari; expect encounters with elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and wild buffalo.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Negombo

Arrive in the west coast city of Negombo. From the airport, you will be collected and transferred to the hotel and given a tour briefing, welcome dinner and initial meet-and-greet for all cyclists on the trail. The tour briefing will outline the basic itinerary for the cycle tour, including information on the terrain and viewpoints you’ll encounter along the way. Retire that night to your hotel room, and rest up for the days ahead.

Hotel Options
About

In a haven of tranquility, hugging Sri Lanka’s immaculate western coast’s golden shoreline, lies Jetwing Beach, the winner of 2013 Certificate of Excellence and member to the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. This lavish beach resort is one of Negombo’s finest hotels, offering a relaxing holiday in sophisticated comfort.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 2

Dambulla

Wake up and indulge in a nutritious breakfast to start your day highly-energized and ready for the 11 days straight of bicycling through Sri Lanka. The first leg of the cycle tour is roughly 34 miles, across moderate terrain. A good breakfast get you off on the right foot, before you embark on the coastal route toward Karavas, renowned for its fresh fish markets and boats. The trail will then take an inward turn along the country roads for 31 miles, before you are collected and transferred to Kurunegala Lake for lunch and overnight stay at Dambulla, home to the Buddhist “Golden Temple” with over 150 Buddhist statues dating back to the 2nd century.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Based in the epicentre of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka the Kandelama is an architectural wonder. Shaped like a bird with its wings drawn out and carved into the side of a mountain overlooking the eighth wonder of the world (Sigiriya), this hotel offers guests something really special.

History: The hotel was constructed between the years 1992-1995 on the outskirts of an area known as Dambulla, thought to be inhabited from as early as the 7th to 3rd century BC. Here, statues and paintings dating back to the 1st century BC can be found in caves.

Service: The Kandelama has won numerous awards for service including the CNN Ultimate Service Award in 2001. It also picked up the Trip Advisor Excellence Award in 2012.

See Hotel
Heritance Kandalama Preferred Hotel
Dambulla
Dambulla

Day 3

Dambulla

The Dambulla loop is approximately 37 miles from the resort to Lion Rock, a 5th-century fortress, trailing through the natural beauty of paddy fields, orchards and elephant grass. You will be provided with a local lunch near the ancient water gardens of the remains of King Kasyapa’s summer residence, before completing the last stretch along red dirt roads that winds along an old irrigation canal.

Day 4

Polonnaruwa

Start your day with a hearty breakfast to energize you for the day ahead: you’ll take on a 48 mile forest trail up Kahaduwa Hills, which will provide not only scenic splendors, but also great chances of encountering wild elephants in the reserved land. Lunch will be served in a hotel in Polonnaruwa tank, a 10th-century city that contains the ancient Rajarata Kingdom's stone monuments. Expect fascinating views and a traditional touch, amidst well-preserved natural antiques.

Hotel Options
About

Deer Park Hotel is surrounded by ancient royal hunting forests on the banks of Giritale Reservoir. The resort’s private cottages are nestled in the tranquil forest, abundant with wild plants, flowers and water lily ponds.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 5

Wasgamuwa

Polonnaruwa to Wasgamuwa National Park is a 47-mile cycle in wilderness. Expect potential encounters with elephants, leopards, sloth bears, wild buffalo, and deer. One bridge crossing may or may not be possible, depending on water levels. If too high, a transfer will be arranged. After a well-earned, relaxing lunch, a Jeep will be waiting to take you on a three-hour safari within the national park. The national park  has a well-preserved jungle feel to it. Embrace the wilderness.

Hotel Options
About

This boutique hotel offers a clean and comfortable stay in the wilds of Wasgamuwa. All 25 rooms feature a balcony with seating area to enjoy the views and come with complimentary WiFi.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Wasgamuwa
Wasgamuwa

Day 6

Kandy

Taking in the breathtaking beauty of Wasgamuwa is not a bad way to start a cycling day. After a well-earned rest and healthy food, you will commence a 48-mile trail hike that will lead you to the spice capital of Sri Lanka: Matale. The day will start with a half-mile climb over Laggala Pass to access the spice trail. The higher altitudes means temperatures may drop, so it’s recommended you take a waterproof jacket or some kind of lightweight cover to keep you comfortable in cooler atmospheres. From Matale, you will be transferred to Sri Lanka’s second-largest city, Kandy, where you will then have a day of rest and relaxation at your hotel. 

Hotel Options
About

Located in the centre of Kandy, just a short drive from the railway station and the famous Temple of the Tooth, Earl's Regency Hotel is a luxurious property with splendid views of the mountains around Kandy. All its rooms are air-conditioned and come with a minibar, tea- and coffee-making facilities and a TV with satellite channels.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

Tucked away in green in the heart of the city, Kings Pavilion offers an urban retreat in a prime Kandy location. Guest rooms are decorated in a cozy and modern style, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows flooding the space with natural light and balconies with mountain views.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 7

Kandy

Experience the beauty and buzz of the Sinhalese religious retreat, nestled along a lakeside in the mountainous terrain. Kandy - a Buddhist pilgrimage center, is renowned for its gem stores, markets, shops, while also home to the UNESCO Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Explore the natural surroundings, speak to locals and stock up on energy in this beautiful mountain city. Here, you’ll be kindly welcomed and encouraged to try local bites to eat.

Day 8

Kotagala

Not for the faint-hearted, nearly 50 miles of challenging, steep terrain will take you through the traditional tea plantations, Hindu temples and local communities known as Tamil, where you will uncover Sri Lanka’s roots. Start your day feeling relaxed, refreshed and replenished after your day of rest - today, you’ll be reaching altitudes up to 4550 feet, with the final stretch being almost 2000 feet of gradual inclination to your bungalow in Kotagala, where you will rest for the night. Support vehicles will be on call should you need them for this leg of the journey.

Hotel Options
About

Located in the midst of a tea plantation just a 10-minute drive from Hatton, the Strathdon is a well-placed hotel that offers the look and feel of a colonial estate. Spacious rooms are fitted with wooden floors, mosquito nets, sofa, and ensuite showers with classic checkered tiles.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Kotagala
Kotagala

Day 9

Udawalawe

The Kotagala to Udawalawe leg is a more relaxed cycle than the previous days’ climb. You’ll trace tracks for a total of 45 miles through tea estates towards Bogawantalawa town, with ample opportunities for photos, tea stops and chit-chat with local tea workers. Lunch will be served picnic-style, amidst all-encompassing, enchanting valley views from the exquisite Balangoda town. Before reaching Udawalawe, you’ll be transferred to your hotel from the cycling trail, giving you extra time to focus on the scenery rather than the handle bars!

Hotel Options
About

This environmentally-friendly four-star resort, covering seven acres of land, is an exclusive, one-of-a-kind resort in the north of Sri lanka. The resort offers 53 Deluxe and Superior rooms and four suites.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 10

Tangalle

Today will be another long, scenic ride - a total of 47 miles - that will enable you to experience a variety of views, from banana farms along an irrigation canal, to a coastal path that will lead you to a breathtaking sunset over the Indian Ocean in the town of Tangalle. Sri Lanka has 14 strains of bananas, each with unique medicinal characteristics. Lunch will allow you to taste Ash Plantain - cooking banana - at a local roadside stall, before continuing to the beaches of Tangalle.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: This Aman Resorts property is located right on a tranquil crescent beach in the middle of a coconut grove.

History: Designed by one of Sri Lanka’s most important architects, Geoffrey Bawa, this property combines modern comfort with traditional local materials.

Service: With only 30 suites, guests are treated to personalized round-the-clock service and top-notch Sri Lankan hospitality.

See Hotel
Amanwella Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Set on Sri Lanka's south coast, the Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle enjoys beautiful panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.

History: Traditional Sri Lankan touches in the decor, architecture and cuisine provide an accent of authenticity.

Service: From the concierge and spa therapists to the staff in the kids' club, the entire friendly team is on hand to meet your needs at all times.

See Hotel
Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Group Oriented: The concept of the estate is designed around bringing groups of friends, family, and acquaintances together and closer. They’ve built their business around this concept, and they are good at it.

Service: The estate’s surface is thought-out and comprehensive, and everything from in-room masseuses to private tennis instructors can be arranged.

Luxury: Whether to relax at the private plunge pool, villa infinity pool, or in the ocean itself is a question guests of the estate will have to come up with an answer to — it’s a good problem to have.

See Hotel
ÀNI Sri Lanka Preferred Hotel

Day 11

Tangalle

Allow your body a peaceful, well-deserved rest day at your beachfront resort. Alternatively, for those who may be interested, Rekawa is a turtle sanctuary, only 12.5 miles away. Enjoy sleeping in, and relax in any shape or form that suits your needs. This rest day will give you time to perfect your tan, while experiencing the serene, simple beauty the island has to offer.

Tangalle
Tangalle

Day 12

Colombo

Today, you’ll push yourself to the finish line. It’s the last 50-mile stretch - you’re heading to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Asia’s largest city fortress; Galle. Galle is a port that incorporates a true mix of colonial European architecture with the traditional Southeast Asian culture, offering fantastic and informative guided tours. Lunch will be provided in Galle. After this, you’ll transfer to Colombo, where this evening, you’ll enjoy a final dinner. 

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: The Tintagel is located in the middle of the city, surrounded by upmarket residences and shops. It’s approximately a 45-minute drive away from the airport and five minutes’ walk from Odel Shopping Mall, the most desirable shopping location in the area.

History: Colombo was one of the most popular East-West trade routes in centuries past. The Tintagel, a colonial mansion that takes one back in time, echoes such history.

Service: The Tintagel is widely-known for its unbeatable, bespoke service, and its friendly, warm staff.

See Hotel
Tintagel Preferred Hotel

Day 13

After 12 days straight of cycling across Sri Lanka's lush countryside, you have made it to the end. After breakfast, relax and unwind at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your flight home. 

Suggested Hotel For Day 1

Jetwing Beach Resort

Jetwing Beach Resort


In a haven of tranquility, hugging Sri Lanka’s immaculate western coast’s golden shoreline, lies Jetwing Beach, the winner of 2013 Certificate of Excellence and member to the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. This lavish beach resort is one of Negombo’s finest hotels, offering a relaxing holiday in sophisticated comfort. Designed by one of Sri Lanka’s top architects, Geoffrey Bawa, this exquisite resort enables you to wind in hours of recreational beach fun, revitalize in invigorating spa wellness treatments, indulge in mouthwatering Sri Lankan dishes and rich international cuisine in one of several dining venues, and take advantage of the gorgeous swimming pool. Your day will always end on a high note, as you watch the stunning sun drop off the edge of the horizon, illuminating the sky into warm shades of pink, yellow, orange and red.


Suggested Hotel For Days 2–3

Heritance Kandalama
Preferred Hotel

Heritance Kandalama

Designed by famed Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, the unique Heritance Kandalama hotel is set into a cliff face among dense tropical forests, flanked by the Dambulla rock temple and Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The hotel’s buildings were planned to blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment and are covered with hanging vines and flowering plants. Each of the 152 rooms faces either Kandalama Lake or the forest – even the bathrooms were planned to showcase the view – and is decorated in an elegantly simple contemporary style. The Kandalama is the first Green Globe 21-certified hotel in Asia, and the first hotel in the world to be awarded the prestigious LEED Green Building certification. There are three restaurants to choose from, including the Kanchana Café, which has won multiple awards. Among The Kandalama’s amenities are a pool, business center and fitness center, while the world-renowned Six Senses Spa has a location here that offers Asian, Swedish, aromatherapy and Ayurvedic massage.

Suggested Hotel For Day 4

Deer Park Hotel

Deer Park Hotel

Deer Park Hotel is surrounded by ancient royal hunting forests on the banks of Giritale Reservoir. The resort’s private cottages are nestled in the tranquil forest, abundant with wild plants, flowers and water lily ponds. The hotel offers a pleasant outdoor pool, four dining options, a spa and a laundry and dry cleaning service. Guestrooms feature high-quality furnishings, a work desk, tea- and coffee-making facilities, a TV with satellite channels, a living area with a day bed and open air showers. Deer Park Hotel in Sri Lanka is your window to the fascinating past of Sri Lanka’s ancient civilizations and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Brace yourself for the legendary tales of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya and Kandy, as you travel some 2,500 years back in time and unravel the historical tapestry of the cultural triangle.

Suggested Hotel For Day 5

Lavendish Wild Safari Hotel

Lavendish Wild Safari Hotel

This boutique hotel offers a clean and comfortable stay in the wilds of Wasgamuwa. All 25 rooms feature a balcony with seating area to enjoy the views and come with complimentary WiFi. There are larger rooms to accommodate families as well as a playground for young guests. Other facilities onsite include a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, bar and garden. The restaurant serves a Continental breakfast buffet.

Suggested Hotels For Days 6–7

Kings Pavilion

Kings Pavilion

Tucked away in green in the heart of the city, Kings Pavilion offers an urban retreat in a prime Kandy location. Guest rooms are decorated in a cozy and modern style, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows flooding the space with natural light and balconies with mountain views. Suites also offer living areas and whirlpool tubs. Hotel facilities include a restaurant with a terrace, an outdoor swimming pool, lush gardens and a spa with a sauna.
Earl's Regency Hotel

Earl's Regency Hotel

Located in the centre of Kandy, just a short drive from the railway station and the famous Temple of the Tooth, Earl's Regency Hotel is a luxurious property with splendid views of the mountains around Kandy. All its rooms are air-conditioned and come with a minibar, tea- and coffee-making facilities and a TV with satellite channels. Free WiFi is available in the public areas. The hotel also has a 24-hour coffee shop, as well as the sumptuous Far Pavilions restaurant, which offers local and international cuisine. The spa has massage rooms, a sauna and steam room, and there are also tennis and badminton courts.

Suggested Hotel For Day 8

Strathdon Bungalow

Strathdon Bungalow

Located in the midst of a tea plantation just a 10-minute drive from Hatton, the Strathdon is a well-placed hotel that offers the look and feel of a colonial estate. Spacious rooms are fitted with wooden floors, mosquito nets, sofa, and ensuite showers with classic checkered tiles. Western and local dishes are offered in the dining room or can also be served on the open-air terrace.

Suggested Hotel For Day 9

Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort

Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort


This environmentally-friendly four-star resort, covering seven acres of land, is an exclusive, one-of-a-kind resort in the north of Sri lanka. The resort offers 53 Deluxe and Superior rooms and four suites. With its magical flora and fauna that can be seen on- and off-site, it’s in a prime location, offering the perfect getaway for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Udawalawe National Park and Ath Athuru Sevana Elephant Orphanage are both within walking distance to make for exciting, action-packed days, while a picturesque swimming pool allows guest to relax in the warm sun, with excellent service at hand. Expect to dine in style at the hotel’s restaurant, which can can serve up to 250 guests at a time. The resort’s piece-de-resistance is its stunning free-form swimming pool, surrounded by loungers, and complete with adjoining bar. 


Suggested Hotels For Days 10–11

Amanwella
Preferred Hotel

Amanwella

Situated in the midst of a coconut grove on a secluded bay, the Amanwella resort is one of the world's most exclusive beach retreats. The resort sits on a perfect crescent of white-sand beach and is surrounded by the Indian Ocean, national parks and exotic wildlife and a 5 and 1/2 hour drive from Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). There are 30 suites, each equipped with a plunge pool, terrace, and floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides. A number of ocean suites are located further down the hill and have uninterrupted views of the coconut palms and the beach. The Amanwella restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating, and uses its location next to the ocean to cook up fresh Asian- and Mediterranean-style seafood. The Pool Terrace also serves meals in a more laid-back setting. When not enjoying a safari, snorkeling, or swimming in the pool, there is a library with Internet access and reference books on Sri Lanka. The spa offers massages and traditional therapies using local, natural ingredients, which can be given either in the spa's suite or in selected garden locations. There is no fitness center.

Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort
Preferred Hotel

Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort

Set on a cliff overlooking the South Indian Ocean, the Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle enjoys secluded peace. Yet, as it is located in the very centre of Sri Lanka's south coast, some of the best attractions on the stunning island are within easy reach. Colonial towns and national parks are just an hour's drive away, while a beautiful beach lies just a stone's throw from the property. From comfortable rooms to sprawling two-bedroom suites which boast their own plunge pool, there is accommodation to suit all guests and parties. All rooms feature modern comforts with charming traditional designs. Dining options are diverse, allowing for everything ranging from light snacks by the pool to full-blown Chef's Table degustation menus - complete with wine pairing. The facilities are top notch, and include a well-equipped kids'club and play pool for the little ones. Meanwhile, adults can take a break by indulging in the spa, joining yoga classes on the beach or simply relaxing by the water.

ÀNI Sri Lanka
Preferred Hotel

ÀNI Sri Lanka

Located along the beautiful coastline of Dickwella, southern Sri Lanka, the beautiful Ani Sri Lanka estate is the handiwork of Reda Amalou and AW2 of Paris. Contemporary tropical architecture is merged with the finest bespoke finishes and furnishings across the 15 bedrooms of this two-villa estate. The Villa Monara has eight suites while the Villa Divia has seven. Either of the villas can be rented separately, or the whole estate can be rented at once. Both villas have their own oversized infinity pools and are located right along the beach. Rooms are spacious and lavishly appointed. They can be fitted with a king-size or two twin beds. Bathrooms feature both showers and tubs, and many rooms even have private plunge pools. There is a lot to do at the estate besides basking under the sun; namely, there is a private spa, state of the art fitness center, tennis and basketball courts, yoga pavilion, and a shuffleboard court. All meals are provided by the estate’s kitchen according to guests’ preferences, whether this means authentic Sri Lankan meals or International favorites. There are also several places worth visiting nearby, such as the Galle Fort, tea plantations, and Uda Walawe National Park.

Suggested Hotel For Day 12

Tintagel
Preferred Hotel

Tintagel

The dramatic and sultry Tintagel property is located in central Colombo, close to Colombo Town Hall, National Art Gallery and Sinhalese Sports Club. The hotel was previously home to three of Sri Lanka’s political leaders, making it an important structure of national heritage. This unique and intimate hotel boasts ten high-ceilinged suites with timber floors, lavishly decorated with a unique blend of color, texture and atmosphere. The spacious bathrooms feature rain showers, bathtubs and large vanities. All rooms include complimentary WiFi, LCD TV screens with DVD/CD players, a minibar, tea- and coffee-making facilities and Egyptian cotton bedding. Selected suites come with a private courtyard or a balcony. There are a range of dining facilities including an alfresco restaurant, a chic indoor restaurant offering international cuisine, a private dining room and a bar with black leather lounges and bronze tables. Other facilities and services of the hotel include a spa with optional in-room service, swimming pool, gym, steam room, library and courtyard.

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