Compare Simply Sri Lanka by Intrepid Travel vs Sri Lanka Spice Trails by SpiceRoads Cycling

Day 1 Negombo

Ayu-bowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure begins in the town of Negombo, located close to the international airport. You can arrive at any time on Day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting at 5.30 pm. Those arriving early can get into the spirit of seaside Sri Lanka by observing the local fishing craft and perhaps feasting on fresh seafood. The beautiful surrounding countryside is best explored on a bicycle, which you can rent with help from the hotel reception.

Day 2 Dambulla

After breakfast, leave Negombo and drive approximately 4.5 hours to Dambulla, arriving just after midday. In the afternoon you may like to relax at the hotel after check-in, or take an optional visit to a nearby wildlife reserve – a jeep safari excursion that takes you into elephant country. Which park is available to visit depends on the season, but both Minneriya and Kaudulla are within easy reach of Dambulla. Another option is the nearby Dambulla Caves with their magnificently decorated interiors.

Day 3 Sigiriya - Kandy

Early this morning, before the heat is too intense, head to Sigiriya (approximately 30 minutes). This ruined fortress is one of Sri Lanka's premier sights. Those who make it to the top are rewarded with astounding views. Make sure you are wearing sturdy footwear, as this is a very steep climb with some uneven slopes. Those unable to climb to the top can explore the gardens at the base of the rock and still get some fantastic shots of the fortress from below. Return to the hotel for breakfast before heading to Kandy (approximately 3 hours). On the way, there's the option of stopping at one of the region's wonderful spice gardens for lunch. In beautifully located Kandy, visit the Dalada Maligawa (aka Temple of the Tooth), Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist site, and mingle with the white-clad pilgrims who come here to worship.

Day 4 Kandy

The morning is yours to explore Kandy, a pleasant city surrounded by lush countryside. It’s home to a picturesque lake, old shops, a bustling market and some great restaurants. It was once the capital under the last Sri Lankan king, and the area managed to resist European control for hundreds of years, long after the coastal areas surrendered. Perhaps walk through the town to take in the sights of Kandy – explore the citadel, or take a nature walk at Udawattakele Sanctuary, close to Kandy, which offers the chance to see flowers, birds and monkeys in 160 acres of tropical rainforest. Regroup for today’s lunch, which is sure to be one to remember! Visit the Hela Bojun Restaurant, a social enterprise founded by the agriculture ministry of the Sri Lankan government to provide employment to women from local communities while training and empowering them. Here you’ll enjoy some truly delicious Sri Lankan dishes while learning about the important work they do. The rest of the day is free for your own discoveries.

Day 5 Unawatuna

Journey south in a private vehicle to Unawatuna (approximately 6 hours). This fantastic stretch of beach has plenty of local restaurants and bars to relax in. There are no included activities today, so you'll have free time to explore Unawatuna and its surrounds. Perhaps take a walk through the monkey-filled mangrove forest off Galle–Matara road or unwind with an indulgent massage. 

Day 6 Unawatuna

Sleep in, relax on the beach, work on your tan or grab a cocktail under the shade of a beachside restaurant. Feel like something a bit more active? Today is a good opportunity to pop into nearby Galle for some sightseeing. The city is a memorable collection of Dutch-colonial buildings with boutique shops and cafes to visit. Walk around the perimeter of the Galle fort and cool off with an icy ginger drink in a cafe, then mosey on back to the beach for some more chillaxing.

Day 7 Colombo

Leave Unawatuna behind and make the journey to Galle, where you'll jump on a train to Colombo (approximately 4 hours). On arrival in Sri Lanka's capital, head out on a city walk with your leader. On your way, visit local shops and do some sightseeing. If you're lucky enough to be in Colombo on a Saturday, visit Good Market, a local market full of stalls showcasing social enterprises and responsible businesses. Tonight is free, but your leader will suggest an optional group dinner for your final night together.

Day 8 Colombo

Have string hoppers and a super-black coffee for breakfast, then pull your saddest face as our trip comes to an end.

Day 1

Meet at the hotel for a trip briefing and welcome dinner.

Day 2

Riding along the coast, we pass the distinct patchwork sails of the Kara-vas fishing community. Turning inland on quiet back roads, we head to Dambulla to visit a 2nd century Buddhist cave temple.

Day 3

Ride on a mix of tarmac and red dirt roads passing orchards, paddy fields and elephant grass, we cycle to the ancient 5th century rock fortress Sigiriya, where we walk up 300 m to view the ruins of King Kasyapa's summer palace. After our descent, our afternoon ride follows an old irrigation canal.

Day 4

Watch out for wild elephants as we descend out of the Kaladuwa Hills. We ride through the historic park of Polonnaruwa, the 10th century capital and best preserved of the ancient cities

Day 5

We transfer back to Polonnaruwa and ride around Parakrama and through Angammedilla National Park, a small forest reserve that is an elephant corridor linking two parks. Here, we follow the Ambon Ganga (river) to the foothills around Naula, said to be the centre of the Island. Lunch in the spice growing region of Sri Lanka before transferring onto Kandy.

Day 6

A rest day in picturesque Kandy -- an important Sinhalese religious centre and a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists. Explore old shops, antique and gem specialists, or the bustling market. A must see is the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

Day 7

Prepare to tackle Sri Lankan hill country. Those who find hills a bit too challenging can take the train after cycling 21 km. From Gampola, we start to see the tea carpeted slopes of hill country and can stop to take photos of brightly dressed tea pickers and colourful Hindu temples. We then descend to reach Hatton.

Day 8

There is a long climb with an easy gradient up to Bogowantalawa that takes us to a remote pass with dramatic views. The reward for the long climb is a stunning descent through small villages and tea country, ending close to Banlangoda. After lunch at a local restaurant, we transfer to our hotel on the edge of Udawalawe National Park.

Day 9

We cycle to Udawalawe National Park, one of the best parks to see wild elephants in Sri Lanka. You may also see wild buffalos, crocodiles, sambur deer, and monkeys. There are also lots of water fowl and hawk eagles to keep the photographers happy. After lunch, we cycle along an irrigation canal back towards our hotel.

Day 10

We bike through a network of back roads for some fantastic cross-country riding. It’s a quite a long, undulating ride with lots of fruit stops to break up the day. We try to get to the beach by early afternoon, so there is some free time to enjoy the beach or a nearby surf camp.

Day 11

Riding through open paddy fields and cinnamon estates, we arrive in Galle mid-morning with plenty of time to explore the fort. You are free to choose your own lunch venue, and we meet up again for a farewell dinner.

Day 12

We transfer hours to Colombo for the airport or hotel.