Compare Simply Sri Lanka by Intrepid Travel vs Sri Lanka Tip to Tip by Road Bike by SpiceRoads Cycling
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 652 | $ 3,700 |
| Price Per Day | $ 78 | $ 308 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Basic | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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N/A |
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
| Activities | N/A |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Sri Lanka is jam-packed with ancient sites, fascinating cultures, beautiful wilderness and idyllic beaches and this eight-day experience will introduce you to the most memorable. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, climb Lion Rock at Sigiriya, and explore the monkey-filled mangrove forests of Unawatuna. We’ve sorted the nitty gritty so you can focus on soaking up Sri Lanka at your own pace, with plenty of optional activities and the guidance of your local leader to help you out when you’re not sure where to start. Are you an independent traveller who wants to explore Sri Lanka with like-minded people and a local? This is your trip. |
Sri Lanka is an often overlooked holiday destination – mostly due to the recently ended civil war – but it is now a vibrant and safe island to explore with a commendable collection of ancient and natural sights and amazing beaches. For much of the past three decades, large areas of the north were off limits, but this final frontier is now open, and Sri Lanka is now ready for you to explore its hidden treasures from the northern most tip down to the southernmost point. |
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
We start riding from the hotel inland along minor roads at a relaxed pace, experiencing rural Sri Lanka that most tourists seldom see. After lunch, we transfer to Jaffna, stopping to stretch our legs at Killinochi, the former headquarters of the LTTE, or Tamil Tigers.
Day 3
We ride through Jaffna with its small fishing port, passing the old Star Fort built in 1618. Crossing to Kyats Island, we head north. At Casuarina Beach at the northern tip of the island, we dip our rear tires and maybe ourselves in the Indian Ocean, a symbolic start to our journey south.
Day 4
Cycling south to Ponneryn, we cross another causeway, and our road sees little traffic now but saw some major battles during the conflict era. We stop for lunch at Iluppaikkadavai, where the road first greets the sea. We end our ride at a 700-year-old Baobab tree, brought by Arabian traders, on Mannar Island.
Day 5
We head back to the mainland riding inland through Giants Tank, a wetland habitat reserve. We reach our hotel for lunch and rest before heading out for an exploration of the ancient city of Anuradhapura.
Day 6
We start with a relaxed ride on a route dotted with temples and stupas. We turn off the main road towards Ritigala, a nature reserve. We end the morning ride at our hotel. In the late afternoon, we climb up Sigiriya Rock, a 5th century citadel.
Day 7
We cycle on quiet country roads past Kandalama Lake to Dambulla, the largest cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. We transfer to Melsiripura and then cycle through the spice growing region. We pass through Matale to start climbing up the Wattegama valley with terraced paddy fields and jungle covered hills.
Day 8
A rest day in picturesque Kandy -- an important Sinhalese religious centre. Explore the town’s old shops, antique and gem specialists, or the bustling market. A must do is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
Day 9
The route will be hilly from here as we ride through the heart of tea country. We follow the Mahaweli River and cycle up to Hatton, one of the country's early tea plantation districts.
Day 10
More climbing, with a few rough sections of tarmac, up through tea estates. The last 30 km is on a good, straight flat road and ends close to Uda Walawe National Park.
Day 11
There is an option of an early morning safari in Uda Walawe park. Late morning, we start our last day cycling along scenic green paddy fields to Dondra Lighthouse, the most southerly point of the island. Here we again dip our tires in the ocean, marking the end of our tip to tip ride!
Day 12
Transfer to your Colombo hotel or extend your stay in Galle.
