Overview
Day 1 - BIA to Negombo
• Upon your arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, receive a warm welcome
• Your LF Lanka Tours Tours representative will greet you at the arrivals area
• Private transfer to the coastal town of Negombo
• Complete hotel check-in and settle into your accommodation
• Take time to relax and prepare for the cycling adventure ahead
• Overnight stay in Negombo
• Riding Distance: None
Arrival:
- Airport arrival scene
- Negombo Beach coastline
Day 2 - Negombo to Anuradhapura
• Morning embark on a test-ride to the Negombo Fish Market
• Please note the market is closed on Sundays
• Witness the dry fish industry in action – a unique local experience
• Cycle south to Chilaw passing through:
• Picturesque fishing villages along the coast
• Coconut plantations with swaying palms
• Local tile factories – see traditional manufacturing
• Along the scenic Dutch Canal – a colonial-era waterway
• From Chilaw, transfer by vehicle to the ancient capital of Anuradhapura
• Complete check-in at your Anuradhapura hotel
• Overnight stay in this historic city
• Riding Distance: Approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles)
• Terrain: Mostly flat terrain
• Elevation Gain: Approximately 170 meters (560 feet)
Coastal Cycling:
- Local markets and fishing industry
- Cycle tour through rural landscapes
Day 3 - Exploration of Anuradhapura
• Explore the sacred ancient city of Anuradhapura by bicycles
• Visit the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree – the oldest historically documented tree in the world
• This sacred fig tree was grown from a cutting brought from India
• Discover Isurumuniya Temple – famous for its stone carvings
• Admire the ancient rock sculptures including the famous lovers carving
• Afternoon enjoy a jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park
• Search for leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and diverse bird species
• Return to Anuradhapura for overnight stay
• Riding Distance: Approximately 37 kilometers (23 miles)
• Terrain: Mostly flat terrain
• Elevation Gain: Approximately 130 meters (430 feet)
Ancient City Cycling:
- Anuradhapura archaeological wonders
- Stupas and monastic ruins
Day 4 - Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa
• Morning cycle from Anuradhapura toward Ritigala
• Route passes through scenic paddy fields (rice paddies)
• Pass man-made water tanks (reservoirs) used for irrigation
• Explore the ancient Ritigala Monastery – a forest hermitage
• This unique monastery features "double platforms" and medicinal gardens
• After the ride, transfer by vehicle to Polonnaruwa
• Complete check-in at your Polonnaruwa accommodation
• Overnight stay in this medieval capital
• Riding Distance: Approximately 70 kilometers (44 miles)
• Terrain: Mostly flat with gentle undulations
• Elevation Gain: Approximately 210 meters (690 feet)
Cultural Ride:
- Gal Viharaya rock carvings
- Ritigala monastery ruins
Day 5 - Polonnaruwa to Dambulla
• Morning exploration of the Polonnaruwa Ancient City by cycles
• This UNESCO World Heritage Site was the medieval capital
• Highlights include the Royal Palace, audience hall, and sacred quadrangle
• See the magnificent Gal Viharaya rock Buddha statues
• Transfer by vehicle to the Dambulla region
• Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple – a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Explore five caves filled with ancient Buddhist murals and over 150 Buddha statues
• Evening take a leisurely ride along the shores of Kandalama Lake
• Enjoy the peaceful scenery as the sun sets over the water
• Overnight stay in historic Dambulla
• Riding Distance: Approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles)
Short Exploratory Ride:
- Polonnaruwa ancient city ruins
- Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple
Day 6 - Dambulla to Kandy
• Morning cycle to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress
• Climb the famous "Lion's Rock" – a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Explore the ancient palace ruins, frescoes, and mirror wall
• Continue your cycling journey toward Matale
• Pass through fragrant spice plantations along the route
• Cycle through scenic countryside with small villages
• Transfer by vehicle to the royal city of Kandy
• Check into your hotel and relax after the ride
• Overnight stay in Kandy
• Riding Distance: Approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles)
• Terrain: Mostly flat with some gentle climbs
• Elevation Gain: Approximately 150 meters (500 feet)
Rock Fortress Ride:
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Kandy Temple of the Tooth Relic
Day 7 - Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
• Start your day with blessings at the Kandy Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
• Witness the morning rituals at this sacred Buddhist shrine
• Embark on a scenic train trip from Kandy to Nanu Oya
• This is one of the worlds most beautiful railway journeys
• Pass through tea plantations, misty mountains, and tunneled hillsides
• Upon arrival at Nanu Oya station, mount your bicycles
• Cycle to the charming hill station of Nuwara Eliya
• Enjoy an authentic Tamil meal upon arrival
• Complete check-in at your Nuwara Eliya accommodation
• Overnight stay in misty Nuwara Eliya
• Riding Distance: Approximately 26.5 to 43 kilometers (16 to 27 miles)
• Terrain: Gradual uphill through tea country
Train & Ride:
- Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth)
- Nuwara Eliya hill country
Day 8 - Cycling Tour in Nuwara Eliya
• Explore Nuwara Eliya and surroundings on a full-day cycling tour
• Visit a working tea plantation and tea factory with tasting experience
• Learn about the process of making world-famous Ceylon tea
• Sample different grades of freshly brewed tea
• Discover Ambewela Farm – known as "New Zealand of Sri Lanka"
• See dairy cows grazing on lush green pastures
• Visit a strawberry farm and taste fresh-picked berries
• Cycle around scenic Lake Gregory – perfect for photos
• Visit the Old Post Office – a colonial-era red brick building
• Return to your hotel for overnight stay
• Riding Distance: Approximately 43 kilometers (27 miles)
Highland Cycling:
- Tea estate views
- Ambewela Farm landscapes
Day 9 - Nuwara Eliya to Udawalawe
• Embark on a bike ride toward Haldummulla
• Witness Bambarakanda Falls – the highest waterfall in Sri Lanka
• At 263 meters (863 feet), it plunges through a narrow cleft
• Take time to photograph this spectacular cascade
• Continue riding downhill toward the Udawalawe region
• The route features mostly descending terrain through scenic hills
• Check into your hotel near Udawalawe National Park
• Relax after the ride and prepare for tomorrows safari
• Overnight stay in the Udawalawe area
• Riding Distance: Approximately 49 kilometers (30 miles)
• Terrain: Mostly downhill through hill country
Downhill Descent:
- Bambarakanda falls in Sri Lanka
- Rural village scenery
Day 10 - Udawalawe to Galle
• Morning enjoy a jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park
• Witness wild elephants in their natural habitat – guaranteed sightings
• Also spot crocodiles, water buffalo, deer, and abundant birdlife
• After the safari, cycle toward the coastal town of Mirissa
• Enjoy a downhill coast from the highlands to the flatlands
• The route descends from the hills to sea level
• Conclude your ride at Wijaya Beach on the south coast
• Transfer by vehicle to the historic city of Galle
• Complete check-in at your Galle accommodation
• Overnight stay in legendary Galle
• Riding Distance: From Udawalawe to Mirissa (distance varies)
• Note: Main cycling segment plus vehicle transfer
Coastal Transfer:
- Mahoora Tented Safari Camp area
- Mirissa beach views
Day 11 - Relaxation in Galle
• Spend the morning relaxing by the beautiful Galle beaches
• Take a dip in the Indian Ocean or simply sunbathe
• Participate in a traditional wood carving workshop
• Learn from local artisans who create intricate designs
• Try your hand at carving a small souvenir
• Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the historic Galle Fort
• This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the Dutch colonial era
• Walk along the ramparts with ocean views on both sides
• Visit the lighthouse, old Dutch church, and colonial buildings
• Watch the sunset from the Rampart – a magical experience
• See the sky painted in brilliant oranges and pinks
• Overnight stay in legendary Galle
• Riding Distance: None – rest day from cycling
Rest Day:
- Sinharaja Rain Forest (reference)
- Traditional mask making in Sri Lanka
Day 12 - Galle to Colombo
• Morning transfer by vehicle to Sri Lanka's capital city – Colombo
• Journey north along the coastal highway
• Explore the vibrant city of Colombo
• Optionally explore by bicycles if you wish to ride
• Visit key attractions including:
• Gangarama Temple – an eclectic Buddhist temple
• Independence Square – national monument
• Local markets for souvenir shopping
• Pettah bazaar district – bustling with activity
• Check into your Colombo hotel
• Relax and enjoy the city atmosphere
• Overnight stay in Colombo
• Riding Distance: None for the main route (optional city cycling available)
City Exploration:
- Red Mosque (Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque), Colombo
- Gangarama Temple Sri Lanka
Day 13 - Departure from Colombo
• Enjoy a final breakfast at your Colombo hotel
• Complete hotel checkout formalities
• Private transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)
• Arrive at the airport with ample time for check-in
• Take home wonderful memories from your cycling adventure
• Bid farewell to Sri Lanka with Team LF Lanka Tours Tours
• Depart for your onward flight home
Departure:
- Airport transfer
- End of cycling tour
