Holiday Highlights
- Eying up the elephants at Udawalawe
- Stunning Sigirya and the Lion Rock
- Colonial cool in Nuwara Eliya
- Coastal cycling and beautiful beaches
- Honing in on Horton Plains after a day in the hills
- The Knuckles and Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth
Itinerary
We leave for Sri Lanka from our chosen departure airport arriving into Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) the next day.
- Meals: Dinner
Following arrival we head north to Chillaw (on Sri Lanka’s west coast)journey time is approx. 2.5 hours. It’s around 50kms away and is a great place to rest-up after a long flight. With most flights arriving by early afternoon we’ll meet-up as a group for bike sizing and dinner early evening.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Ascent: 700 Metres Approx.
After breakfast we take an initial transfer (2 hours / 70 kms) northwards to Nawagattegama a small town situated in the North Western province.
From here we set our sights on Anuradhapura, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Sri Lankan civilization it is one of the ancient capitals and dates back to the 5th century BC. The scenery for the day is one of constantly changing vistas – forests, paddy fields and lakes. Terrain wise we are still pretty much on the flat, with just one very slight climb to test the legs a little.
Late afternoon we’ll check out the ruins of Anuradhapura one of Sri Lanka’s most evocative sights and containing a rich collection of archaeological and architectural wonders. This includes the oldest living human-planted tree in the world (249BC), the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi which is said to be part of Sri Maha Bodhi under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
NB – Depending on the progress of the group we will either transfer (after lunch) the final 21kms to Anuradhapura or continue all the way to the hotel by bike.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Ascent: 475 Metres Approx.
An early start ensures we get a shaded start to the day and are well placed to appreciate the bird-life of this lovely area.
Our cycling today takes place pre-dominantly on quiet rural roads dotted with small villages, lakes and paddy fields skirting the Ritigala Nature Park.
Situated a short distance from Habarana our accommodation tonight is one nature lovers will simply adore. Should we arrive in good time there is the option to take a late afternoon jeep safari and admire the elephants of Minneriya for those interested.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Ascent: 600 Metres Approx.
Our day starts with an early morning visit to the UNESCO listed World Heritage Site of Sigiriya (Lion Rock). An ancient rock fortress that is dominated by a massive 200 metre high column of terracotta and grey rock. Built in the 5th century, the complex is an astonishing feat of engineering and construction and is one of the best-preserved examples of ancient urban planning. It’s a great place to wander around and if you choose, you can walk up the narrow walkway that clings to the side of the rock and scale its lofty heights. From here you will be rewarded with superb views of the surrounding area.
Once safely back at ground-level, we commence our cycling. As with yesterday we are very much on the flat for the day with our ride taking in some lovely peaceful sections close to Kandalama Lake and alongside the irrigation channels which dissect the rice paddies. We end the ride in Pallepola where we’ll have another delicious Sri Lankan meal in the evening.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Ascent: 1500 Metres Approx.
A challenging day in the saddle, but as with all days, there will be plenty of space in our support vehicle(s) for those looking to take things a little easier.
Our initial riding sees us enjoying a lovely undulating route (15kms) along the quiet narrow backroads that weave their way around the base of the Knuckles mountain range. From here it’s time to start heading up towards the hills and so expect a few ‘cheeky climbs’ along the way. We’ll be snaking our way up the Knuckles and during today’s ride will gain around 1100 metres. The highest point is at 650 metres and occurs at the mid-point of our ride.
We’ll now be surrounded by tropical rainforest which contrast dramatically with the previous forest scenery we’ve encountered and the ride ends at the town of Wattegama following a superb winding descent.
So as to avoid a busy road section we’ll transfer from here to Kandy (10kms) and our centrally placed hotel. It’s a quick turn-around once there in order to make the most of the city. Our first place of interest is the Kandyan Cultural Centre where we enjoy a display of traditional Sri Lankan dance, drumming and fire walking. This is followed by a visit to one of the most sacred places of Buddhist worship – The Temple of the Tooth, which like Anuradhapura and Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our evening meal is taken at the hotel and for those with still a little energy to spare Kandy is an interesting place to explore.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Ascent: 1500 Metres Approx.
Today we’ll be heading to the Hill Station of Nuwara Eliya on a ride which is without doubt the most challenging of the trip. During the course of the 50kms we’ll be ascending nearly 2000 metres. Whilst some will want to tick off each and every km, our support vehicle is always close at hand if you fancy hopping aboard for any of the steeper sections.
Avoiding once again the busy traffic of Kandy we have a short transfer (30 minutes) to Haradama where our cycling commences. An initial downhill will warm up the legs then its onwards and upwards to lunch. Today’s scenery includes plantations of tapioca, banana, guava and mango, as we cycle up the winding roads with their beautiful views of the area’s famous tea plantations.
On the ride up we’ll stop at bustling small towns including Padayapelella where we’ll take a snack-stop and enjoy a wander through its ramshackle streets.
Lunch is taken at the 50km mark and for many this will mark the end of the day’s cycling. For those with the legs there is an optional 10km section that will see them edging further up the mountain range.
Once we’ve loaded up the bikes we round off our day’s activities with a visit to the Pedro Tea Plantation for a guided tour of their facilities and a post-tour cuppa. Boasting strong ethical credentials, it’s the perfect place to buy your supplies of their Lovers Leap blend.
Nuwara Eliya with its colonial buildings and bustling market makes for a pleasant place for a wander pre-dinner which is usually taken at the accommodation.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Ascent: 1000 Metres Approx.
Our cycling today takes us from the Hakgala Forest past Kande Ella (the highest lake in Sri Lanka) and is one of changing vistas throughout the day.
We soon leave the tea estates behind replacing them with lush hillsides filled with vegetables. Our next section takes us through Ambewela (also referred to as Little New Zealand) a place famed for its dairy farming and milk production. After 20Kms we leave these lush rolling meadows and climb steeply for 4kms, through teak and rhododendron forest to reach Horton Plains National Park. Situated at an altitude of just over 2,000 metres these atmospheric grasslands are amazing to cycle through and totally different to anything you’ll have encountered so far. It’s a lovely rolling route through the park and which then descends through winding pine forests to Ohiya.
Ohiya is small outpost with little more here than a train station, with its tea shop making for a great place to take a break. We might even be lucky enough to catch a steam train making its journey to Ella. Our ride ends in the town of Borlanda after a great downhill section through the Ohiya eucalyptus forest. From here we load-up the bikes for the final 15kms to Bandarawela, situated at 1245m, some 700 metres lower than this morning. Our accommodation here is a beautiful colonial hotel which makes for the perfect place to unwind after what will have been a memorable day’s cycling.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Ascent: 675 Metres Approx.
70kms to 97kms (depending on elephants – see below) – Mainly downhill
Leaving bustling Bandarawela we’ve a gradual climb though the tea plantations for a few kms. From here on in the emphasis become a very much downhill affair as we descend for around 20kms to end close to Ella. We then continue our journey downwards to the Southern Plains passing numerous teak, eucalyptus and rubber plantations. The highlights keep on coming and after around 50kms our ride meanders through an area of sugar cane production, with lunch taken at a local house. The area is rich in birdlife so keep your eyes peeled for Hornbills and Peacocks as you cycle along.
Our cycling ends close to the pilgrimage town of Katharagama and once again our hotel is superb, boasting great rooms, lovely grounds and a swimming pool. Early evening we transfer the short distance to main pilgrimage sight Kataragama and which is a holy place for Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus and the Veddah people. It’s a great place to visit at sunset. With Puja taking place around this time it’s always a colourful and interesting spectacle.
NB. With elephants free to roam in the area close to Katharagama, the riding distance today may be reduced due to them being on the road. Should we be informed of this the final kms will be made in our support vehicle.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Ascent: 575 Metres Approx.
Back on the bikes and riding on the flat is very much the order of the day. The vegetation on today’s ride is completely different from our previous days as we explore forests interspersed with sections beside huge lakes, paddy and grasslands.
This is an area famed for its curd (yoghurt) and honey production and with this in mind it would be rude not to stop off at one of the roadside vendors to enjoy a few mouthfuls during our day on the bike.
Our final pedal strokes take us on a spectacular stretch alongside the Udawalawe Reservoir to our wildlife destination of Udawalawe. The National Park here was created to provide sanctuary for those wild animals that were displaced following the construction of the reservoir. Our accommodation tonight is situated just a few minutes away from the National Park and is the perfect place to base ourselves for tomorrow’s Jeep Safari. For those interested we’ve an optional visit to the nearby The Elephant Transit Home, which has helped care for dozens of injured, sick or orphaned baby elephants. Here we’ll be able observe them being fed by the park wardens, which is always an entertaining affair.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
With no major schedule until early afternoon you’re free to take a lazy breakfast, chill-out by the pool and take a wander. Udawalawe is famous for its wild elephants (around 400) that live here and during a visit it is not unusual to see a parade of adults and youngsters feeding, bathing and playing in the water. The park is also home to crocodiles, water buffalo, sambar deer and monkeys. It’s also a location that boasts numerous species of birds including the impressive crested-hawks.
Late afternoon we’ll set-off by 4WD jeep for our open-top safari. With experienced and knowledgeable nature guides with us, you’ll be in expert hands throughout making this an unforgettable experience. We return at sunset, with our evening meal taken at the accommodation a time to discuss who saw what and compare photos.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Ascent: 550 Metres Approx.
Our ride today starts with a beautiful section as we head towards the coastal area. Small towns and villages mark our progress, with the final stretch taking in some very scenic roads that are dotted with small ponds bustling with birds. Quiet village backroads then lead us to the Rekawa Lagoon and finally to small coastal town of Tangalle from where it’s a short distance to our beachside accommodation. Surely there’s no better way to celebrate our ride today than with a chilled Lion Beer as the sun sets over the horizon!
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Ascent: 850 Metres Approx.
Riding from the hotel we avoid the busy main beach road and use the network of quieter side roads that will allow you to really experience southern Sri Lankan charm. There’s lots to see along the way as we wind our way through the small villages and towns of the area and edge towards Mirissa.
Although a reasonably long ride it is a rolling route and we’ll be stopping regularly to replenish ourselves with fresh fruit, snacks and water.
We plan to end the day’s cycling early afternoon so as to enjoy fully our luxurious hotel. Beautifully positioned by a gorgeous stretch of beach it is a fitting place to end your cycling journey through Sri Lanka. The time has come to kick of your cycling shoes and relax and reflect by the pool or on the beach.
- Meals: Breakfast
A relaxing start to the day and after a lazy breakfast we head-off mid-morning towards Colombo. En-route we stop-off at Galle. It’s wonderful Dutch-colonial buildings (within its historic fort area) are crammed full of small boutiques, shops, art galleries and cafes making it a great place to wander around. We’ll take lunch here before continuing our journey to Colombo, which is around a 2-3hour drive.
Our accommodation is situation close to the Old Dutch Hospital a building that was originally a hospital during the Dutch occupation of Sri Lanka, and which is considered to be the oldest building in the historic Colombo Fort area.
Tastefully converted in 2011 there are some superb restaurants here and is where we’ll take our evening meal to celebrate our amazing cycling journey through Sri Lanka.
- Meals: Breakfast
Departure in the morning for Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) for onward connections (journey time to airport from final hotel is approx. 1 hour). For those staying on in Sri Lanka the train station is close-by and reached easily from the hotel.
Gallery
The Cycling
Terrain
The first few days of our cycling journey will take place mainly on the plains until we start to climb up to the Hill Country, notably to Kandy, and then Nuwara Eliya. From here we’ll descend (on undulating terrain) all the way to the coast, where the cycling will be pre-dominantly on flat terrain.
We’ll mostly be riding on well-surfaced roads, although there will undoubtedly be sections that are unsurfaced and potholed in places. We also do our best to avoid sections involving heavier traffic.
Cycling Adventures Grade
Distances generally between 20-45 miles / 32-72 kms per day
For the leisure cyclist with a good level of physical fitness
May include some steeper, cheeky climbs
Possibly sections of varying terrain (eg. forest tracks, gravel paths etc)
Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!
For more information about our grading system click here.
Is this suitable for you?
Although you may not cycle everyday, you do keep yourself relatively fit and maybe enjoy an afternoon out on your bike at the weekend. Your preference is perhaps for flatter terrain but you don’t mind tackling some hills, and the occasional steep climb if you can take it at your own pace. For those happy to tackle some ups and downs, and possibly some sections of varying terrain (eg. forest tracks, gravel paths etc) we’d recommend our grade 3 trips. We’d generally expect those on a Grade 3 holiday to have a decent level of physical fitness and be comfortable with some longer days in the saddle.
For more information about the grading of this holiday in particular, please check out the terrain section which will give you some specifics of what to expect on this tour.
Dates & Prices
Secure Your Holiday With A Deposit
Book now with a £400 deposit and nothing more to pay until 60 days before departure. Choose a date to start your booking and see all prices, including bike hire and single room supplements.
Whats Included
A) Hotel accommodation (shared twin / double en suite rooms)
B) Meals as per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
C) Full tour service, including Skedaddle guides
D) Unless stated, at least one leader qualified in first aid
E) Support vehicle(s) and luggage transfers
F) Entrance to Kandy Cultural Show – Day 6
G) Entrance fees to all sites / temples as per the itinerary
H) Udawalawe Jeep Safari (Day 11)
I) Group airport transfer from Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) (Day 2)
J) Group airport transfer to Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) (Day 15)
K) Financial Protection through ABTOT
What's not Included
A) Bike rental (available if required)
B) Flights and charges for travelling with your bike
C) Travel insurance
D) Meals not stated in the itinerary
E) Tips for guides, drivers, support staff
F) Any personal expenditure (phone calls, souvenirs etc)
G) Entrance fees to sites not listed in the itinerary
H) Optional Jeep Safari – Day 4 – $45 / £40 approx.
I) Elephant Transit Centre – Day 10 – £3.00
J) Sri Lankan visa – Approx. $50 (depending on nationality)
K) Medical check-up and inoculations
L) Airport transfers on non-scheduled arrival/departure days
Private Departures
Are you keen to only travel with your family or friends? Struggling to find the right date? Well, we can organise a private departure for this tour and tailor aspects to suit your group's specific needs. Contact our friendly team and we'll help you turn your dream into reality.
The Essentials
News, Reviews & Stories
Reviews
Desmond, BelfastI loved the changing landscapes...This was my first Skedaddle overseas trip – I had already done several UK trips with you. Group size at 5 was small, which I was a little concerned about initially, but it worked very well – the group got on well together.
Overall the quality of the hotels was excellent, and much better than I had expected. My favourite day was from Nuwara Eliya to Bandarawela – I loved the changing landscapes, from tea plantations, to forests, to rolling farmland, and of course Horton Plains National Park. The weather was much more agreeable as well which helped – at that altitude it was cooler and fresher.
Our tour leader handled the tour in a highly competent and relaxed manner. He quickly established a good rapport with the group-a very likeable and affable guide. The tour support staff was superb – always smiling, helpful, on hand at junctions to show the way etc etc. Our coach driver, and the guide for all matters of a tourist,cultural,and religious nature was very competent and also a good driver getting us around safely on the transfers. The bus was comfortable, and most importantly on this trip, air conditioned.
The headline price doesn’t appear good value, especially when compared to competitors, but the trip really is very inclusive with practically all meals included. Comparing the headline price is therefore not comparing like with like. I spent less during this trip, than on any comparable overseas cycling trip.
Jim, GlasgowCould not recommend this enough...This is my second time on this trip! The Sigariya rock, added to the cycling made a great day, but the two days coming down from Horton Plains are hard to beat. Bikes were overall perfect for this holiday. Our guides were also overall very reliable, helpful and knowledgeable. The office team did a good job making sure all was OK. Overall, this holiday is a great mixture of cycling, culture and wildlife. Could not recommend this enough, huge amounts to do and see on and off the bike.
Betty, EdinburghIt was a wonderful holiday.It was a wonderful holiday. The group really gelled and everyone was supportive, helpful and worked as a team – probably the best combination of people that we have been on holiday with. It is a beautiful country and the Sri Lankans are so friendly and obliging. The trip was well organised and the guides did their best to accommodate all the wishes of the team. The wildlife was wonderful and we were very lucky with our safaris – beyond expectation! Really enjoyed the different activities that were put on for us – even the visits to the Temples in the rain! Thoughtful to provide lungies etc for the party to no problems with access to the temples. Enjoyed visit to Theatre in Kandy, to spice farm at Nalanda and tea factory in Nuwara Eliya and the walk about on the last night in Colombo. Enjoyed the visit to the Lion Rock immensely. Had not realised it was so vast or so magnificent! All helped to give us a better idea of the country.
Difficult to give a favourite day as so many were so special for different reasons. Safari on the night we went to Habrana was exceptional in that we saw about 150 elephants close at hand. Visit to Sigiriya Rock was so interesting and then the visit to the spice farm and neck massage! Scenery to Kandy and Nuwara Eliya was so varied and visit to tea factory interesting.
Horton Plain and then the descent through the Eucalyptus forests was beautiful – had to keep stopping just to take in breath-taking views. Safari at Udawalawe was out of this world. We had the privilege of seeing a 3 month old calf suckling from his mother – while some of the herd stood by protectively. It was a very emotional moment as the mother was so patient, calm and watchful! Also all the other variety of wild life – in beautiful hot sunshine!
The guides were all very eager for us to enjoy our rides and the whole Sri Lankan experience. Courteous and attentive.
Very good value for money. The hotels were better than on previous holidays. The additional activities arranged were really enjoyable and interesting. Also enjoyed the impromptu cookery lesson which we were given at our lunch stop on the way to Tangalle! I Have (recommended Skedaddle) so many times in the past and will continue to do so.
Pauline, WorcestershireThis was a wonderful way to visit Sri Lanka.This was a wonderful way to visit Sri Lanka. The beautiful route, variety of activity, excellent food and a great opportunity to see what I am sure is the real Sri Lanka. We saw children so pleased to cheer us on, smiling ladies hard working folk. It was certainly a well packed holiday with a great range of activities organised for after the cycling.
All hotels were very happy to cook eggs on request and there was plenty of choice. I loved the street food snacks and the traditional fare we were given, coconut water, curd and honey, freshly cut pineapple and mango, fresh bananas to remind us of how they should taste. the food was excellent off the beaten track, but more western in the south. I loved the traditional food.
The team were great, from warm ups to support on the ride and the guides and drivers were amazing and so helpful. They were thorough and always there for us all and very friendly.
They were very keen to make sure we were all comfortable and happy and nothing was too much trouble for them. They were attentive and looked after the bikes well for us too. The bike did the job well and was comfortable and the right size. my first tour on a mountain bike and it was certainly good recommendation to use it for this tour…. I was pleased for its solidness on the rough and bumpy roads.
Catherine, SurreyThanks very much for a great time!The trip ran seamlessly, it was really well organised and there was so much food! Particularly enjoyed the picnics/lunches and it was great to be given local treats at some of our stops. My litre of coconut treacle made it home safely and is great on porridge.
The scenery was stunning and everyone very friendly. Prateeque and his team excelled themselves at all times, always cheerful, friendly with lots of local knowledge about plants and animals. I haven’t stopped telling people how amazing the trip was since I came back. Thanks very much for a great time!
Samantha, Tyne and WearBrilliant introduction to cycling holidays!It’s been a fab trip and I’m pleased to have shared it with great people. Thanks for a brilliant introduction to Skedaddle and cycling holidays – what a way to explore! I think I might have got the bug and would certainly travel this way again.
Suzanne, WorcestershireA magical moment...Very Good! Booking was great – the onsite staff were very well organised. it all ran really smoothly. My favourite day was Nalanda to Kandy – despite heavy rain on the way up the final climb – the clouds lifted just as I reached the tea plantation and it was a magical moment with sun on the distant hills.
Allan, ScotlandWell thought out.Snacks are important if cycling all day. these were plentiful and varied. Cuisine in Sri Lanka is good and was of high standard everywhere we went. The distances and challenges were well thought out so no day was outrageous. The route allowed us to see the sights not just cycle. The transport / support vehicle provided was excellent – the perfect mix 1 Land Rover + 1 minibus + 1 lorry for bikes.
Jill, CheshireReally brilliant holiday!Loved it! Terrific back up by the lovely, friendly team. Tour leader was such a lovely man. Really kind, compassionate, a great cyclist and good company. One of the best we have had. Guides were all funny, kind, happy and really good at their jobs. Our bikes were cleaned and checked daily. We loved them! We are already looking forward to our next Skedaddle holiday.
Clare, CumbriaExcellent!Loved Sri Lankan food – lots of variety! We have done holidays with other companies and enjoyed tham but Skedaddle definitely have the edge – team seems to care more!