Example Itinerary

Cycle Sri Lanka: From Highlands to Coast

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

Map

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

Map

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.

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Heritance Kandalama Preferred Hotel
Dambulla
Dambulla

Day 3

Map

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

Map

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

Map

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

Map

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

Map

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

Map

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

Map

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

Map

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.

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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.

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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.

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ÀNI Sri Lanka Preferred Hotel

Day 11

Map

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

Map

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.

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Tintagel Preferred Hotel

Day 13

Map

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. 

Why Remote Lands?

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With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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