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Cycle the Back Roads of Sri Lanka (Bicycle Tours)

Summary:

Explore the Pearl of the Indian Ocean by bike, visiting iconic landmarks and mixing with the local people 

Duration
14 Days
Countries
2
Next Departure
20-Jul-2025
Starting at
± USD 3,105.00
Price per day
± USD 222.00
Tour Type
Tour Type

  • Overview
  • Dates and Details
  • Map, Destinations
  • Reviews (25+)
  • Exodus
 
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travel
Tour
Cycle the Back Roads of Sri Lanka
Travel Style
Bicycle Tours
Group Size
4 - 16
Overall rating
Star Rating: 5 (4.80)
Age Group
16 - 99 Years
Categories
tour category: Boattour category: Bicyclingtour category: Naturetour category: Traintour category: Safari

Summary

Explore the Pearl of the Indian Ocean by bike, visiting iconic landmarks and mixing with the local people 

Map: Cycle the Back Roads of Sri Lanka (Exodus)

Short Itinerary / Route

Day 1
Start Sigiriya
Day 2
Climb Sigiriya; Ride To Dambulla Cave Temple
Day 3
Ride To Polonnaruwa; Cycle Tour Of Ruins
Day 4
Ride Through Foothills Of Spice-Growing Region
Day 5
Free Day In Kandy
Day 6
Challenging Ride Through Tea Estates To Nuwara Eli...
Day 7
Morning Ride To Nuwara Eliya Town And Tea Factory;...
Day 8
Hill Country Ride To Ella
Day 9
Descent, Stopping At The Rock-Cut Buddha Statues A...
Day 10
Morning Ride To Kataragama Temple; Afternoon Drive...
Day 11
Ride Through Bundala National Park And By The Lago...
Day 12
Free Day On Beach; Optional Ride To Koggala
Day 13
Transfer To Colombo Via Galle
Day 14
End Colombo

Countries (2): India, Sri Lanka

Travel Cities (11): Colombo, Dambulla Cave Temple, Ella, Galle, Kandy, Lanka, Mirissa, Nuwara Eliya, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Yala National Park

Details

Sri Lanka is best explored on two wheels. Hop on a bike and you experience this compact island like a local: waving to smiling children and riding through a natural paradise of tea hills, safari parks and golden coasts. On this cycling adventure, we take the quietest roads possible, with a chance to test yourself against the scenic hill regions of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. That’s complemented with visits to iconic landmarks, including the mighty rock fortress at Sigiriya, Dambulla’s sacred cave temples and Yala National Park, where we search for the elusive leopard. And where better to end than the gold-sand beaches of the south coast? 

Highlights

  • Discover Sri Lanka by bike, meeting the friendly people and exploring the incredible landscapes
  • Challenge yourself on a ride through emerald tea estates to Nuwara Eliya
  • Enter Dambulla’s sacred cave temples to walk among ancient Buddha icons
  • Summit the mighty rock fortress at Sigiriya for unforgettable views over the central plains
  • Game drive through Yala National Park in search of the elusive leopard

Included in Price

  • All breakfasts and 10 lunches included. We suggest allowing about 7,000 rupees (US$23) per day for lunch and dinner. You can eat out very cheaply in Sri Lanka and your leader will provide recommendations for where to eat locally however, the options may not always be suited to larger groups. Some locations you stay may have limited local restaurant choice, in which case meals will be at the hotel. Hotel meals are generally buffets; the majority offer an à la carte menu, but service can be slow. Where suitable, your tour leader will be happy to arrange a shuttle transfer into the local town or, if you prefer to be more independent, take a tuk tuk or taxi. Your leader can help recommend some good places to eat. Sri Lankan cuisine is a fascinating reflection of the island’s heritage; there is a unique fusion of fresh local produce with spices brought to the island over the centuries by Malays, Arabs, Indians as well as the Dutch, Portuguese and English. Despite (or perhaps because of) these influences, Sri Lankan cuisine is often referred to as simply rice and curry. This is the staple dish in most restaurants and is usually a serving of rice accompanied by assorted meat and vegetable curries as well as various pickles, sambols (condiments), and a handful of tiny poppadum – all using the contrasting flavours of coconut, chilli, curry leaves, cinnamon and garlic. Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Please note, the availability of certain products is minimal or non-existent in Sri Lanka. For example, wheat- or dairy-free options outside of hotels are limited. Please be prepared for this and you may need to bring these from home. Spicier food can be avoided easily and lots of the hotels will serve Western options alongside traditional food. Mineral water is provided by our local operator in large containers throughout the trip so please bring a bottle with you to refill. Please note, restaurant service can be quite slow.
  • All breakfasts and 10 lunches
  • All accommodation
  • All transport and listed activities
  • Tour leader throughout
  • Local bike hire

NOT included in price

  • Travel insurance
  • Single accommodation (available on request)
  • Visas or vaccinations
  • E-bike hire

Travel Package

 

Coming from

 

Going to

Tour...

Sigiriya

Arrow Going To

Colombo

Group ToursThis is an Organised Group Tour: the itinerary has been predefined by the tour operator. The tour destinations, duration, accommodations, departure dates and the price are fix. You can join, enjoy and meet other people.

Memberships and Financial Protection

Abta ATOL Travelopia Safe Travels


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