Cycle Sri Lanka

Intrepid Travel Preferred
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
4.6 . Excellent
94%
Travel Style: Array Mixed
Physical Level: All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included. Moderate
Lodging Level: Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels. Value (3*)
14 days
From: $ 2,268 $ 162 / day
Checking price

Overview

Highlights (Bullets)

  • Cycling allows you to get closer to the real Sri Lanka, with a leopard-spotting safari and scenic train trip taking the sightseeing to the next level. 
  • From the sensational seafood of Negombo to the pulsing night markets of Colombo, Sri Lanka a feast for the senses. Optional ‘food-crawls’ in most locations connect you with the best local street food. 
  • Step back in time as you explore Sri Lanka’s most important religious and heritage sites, including the Temple of Tooth Relic and Kataragama. 
  • Forget the coffee stops, this is Le Tour with a twist. Visit a tea factory in Giragama for a guided tour and taste of Sri Lanka’s most beloved beverage. 
  • Relax and unwind along the famous sandy beaches and azure waters of Sri Lanka’s southern coast.
  • Experience a fascinating slice of traditional culture with a Kandyan dance performance in Kandy.

Short Description

Ride through tea plantations, quaint fishing villages, and swathes of lush green jungle on this cycling adventure from Negombo to Colombo. Sri Lanka is gaining traction as one of Asia’s most exciting new destinations and it’s not hard to see why. With pristine coastline, ancient ruins, rugged peaks and wildlife-filled national parks, it’s a dream for travellers who like to get active. In between two-wheeled treks, laze on the beach, ride the rails (a must in Sri Lanka), explore the country’s premier Hindu and Buddhist sites, and taste the flavours of the tantalising night markets.

Style Small group tour
Spend most of the time outdoors. Common trip themes and activities include cycling, hiking, kayaking, whitewater rafting.
Itinerary Focus Active
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Lodging Level Value (3*)
Flight & Transport Inclusions All internal ground transport
Start City Negombo
End City Colombo

Destinations

Sri Lanka

Attractions & Cities Visited

Colombo Kandy Mirissa Negombo

Activities & Interests

Adventure & Adrenaline Cycling

Age Requirement

14-99

No Single Supplement
See more

Itinerary

Day 1 Negombo

Ayu-bowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure begins in the town of Negombo which is located close to the international airport. You can arrive at any time today as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting at 5:30 pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where the meeting will take place. 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. Notes: If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time for the welcome meeting, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

Day 2 Chilaw & Anuradhapura

Rise early and enjoy some breakfast at the hotel. Start off with a test-ride through the city streets, from the hotel to the fish market. This gives you a nice insight into the daily working of the market and the dry fish industry. You will then cycle from Negombo to Chilaw (approximately 40 km). Along the way, you'll encounter quaint fishing villages, the scenic Dutch canal, coconut plantations and various tile factories. Sit down to a picnic lunch on arrival in Chilaw. Afterwards, hop aboard a coach and travel to Anuradhapura (approximately 90 km). Here you can settle into your hotel, relax and perhaps take a swim in the pool. You have the option of joining a 'food crawl' through the streets and markets of Anuradhapura – a great chance to sample some tasty local cuisine.

Day 3 Anuradhapura

After breakfast, cycle to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Anuradhapura (approximately 20 km each way). Enjoy a guided bicycle tour of the ancient city. Among the ruins you'll see the sacred old Bo Tree – a spiritual reminder of the beginnings of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and the inspiration for Anuradhapura's great buildings. The ruins themselves are spread over quite a large area, with some in woodland settings and others appearing more cultivated with columns and ponds dotted about. While you're here you will visit the impressive  Isurumuniya Temple. Pay a visit to the Anuradhapura museum, then enjoy a local lunch. Return to the hotel and enjoy free time for the rest of the afternoon.

Day 4 Ritigala & Polonnaruwa

Cycle from Anuradhapura to Ritigala, passing paddies, man-made water tanks and jungle patches (approximately 70 km). Sit down to some lunch along the way at a countryside kiosk. Make a visit to the beautiful Ritigala monastery, which dates back nearly 2000 years and is named after the mountain on which it sits. After exploring the site and learning a thing or two about its local mythology, board a coach and travel to Polonnaruwa (approximately 60 km). Relax and unwind on arrival. 

Day 5 Polonnaruwa & Dambulla

Saddle up for a morning ride to Polonnaruwa. Arrive at the ancient site of Polonnaruwa, the second oldest of Sri Lanka's kingdoms, and do some exploring. Visit the likes of Vihara temple, Parakrama statue and Siva temple while you are here. Then cycle to Diyabeduma (approximately 45 km). Marvel at the scenery along the way – sanctuaries, man made channels and farm lands – before sitting down to a picnic lunch. Next, travel from Diyabeduma to Dambulla by coach (approximately 40 km). Enjoy some free time on arrival. In the evening you'll visit the Dambulla wholesale vegetable market, where there's an option to join in on a food crawl.

Day 6 Sigriya Rock & Kandy

This morning you will cycle approximately 15km from your hotel in Dambulla to Sigiriya, an ancient rock fortress perched among lush greenery that strikes an awesome pose against the skyline. Hike to the top and enjoy some well-earned breakfast, taking in the lovely views. Afterwards, jump back on your bike and pedal your way through the pleasant countryside (approximately 35kms) and reward yourself with lunch at a spice garden near Matale. Enjoy a rest in the support vehicle as we drive the final kilometres to Kandy. In the evening you will sit down to a traditional Kandyan dance performance – a riveting insight into an age-old culture.

Day 7 Kandy

After breakfast at the hotel you have the option to either head out for some extra cycling in the Hanthana Mountain Range (weather/time permitting) or stay in Kandy and explore. Later in the morning the group will head to Giragama (approximately 15 km) for a guided tour of a tea factory. This is a great chance to learn about how Sri Lanka's best-known beverage is made. You will also sample some of the delicious varieties on offer. Today’s lunch is something really special – pay a visit to 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. Try some delicious Sri Lankan dishes prepared by the women while learning a little more about the restaurant and their important mission. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax. In the evening you will visit the Temple of Tooth Relic, the most important Buddhist site in the country. Explore the complex that surrounds it, then return to town for an included food crawl.

Day 8 Hatton

Transfer to Kandy railway station after breakfast. From the station you will embark on a scenic train trip from Kandy to Hatton, then cycle from Hatton station to Maskeliya (approximately 40 km) through leafy tea plantations. For lunch, enjoy an authentic Tamil meal from a local kiosk. Check into your guesthouse, then relax. In the evening, there's an optional climb of Adam's Peak, a beautiful, conical, snow-capped mountain (2,243 m). The best time for this activity is from mid December to early May.

Day 9 Tissamaharama

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before cycling down from Bogawanthalawa to Balangoda (approximately 55 km). This is one of the most beautiful stretches of road in Sri Lanka – it follows a path along the tea plantations and passes lush pine forests. Have lunch at Balangoda on arrival, then transfer from Balangoda to Tissamaharama (approximately 100 km).

Day 10 Yala National Park

Cycle from Tissamaharama to Kataragama after breakfast (approximately 20 km each way). The holy city of Kataragama is a colourful and vibrant religious centre that rivals Adam's Peak in terms of national importance. This is where the two-week Kataragama Festival attracts thousands, mostly Hindus, each year in July/August. Afterwards, take a jeep ride through the beautiful Yala National Park, home to elephants, crocodiles, and gorgeous waterbirds such as the great thick-knee. Yala also lays claim to one of the world's highest concentration of leopards.

Day 11 Mirissa

After breakfast, cycle from Tissamaharama to Hambantota via the pretty Bundala National Park. After lunch at Hambantota, continue to Mirissa. Enjoy an afternoon of beach splendour in Mirissa. The beach itself is a long curve of sand with lovely clear waters for swimming – a great spot to watch the sunset. Consider cycling to nearby Weligama, where colourful fishing boats bring fresh fish to sell along the shore. The local cottage industry of lace products is also well worth a look.

Day 12 Mirissa & Galle

Enjoy a free morning to relax, or you might like to go whale-watching, which is more successful from November through to April. Later drive to Galle (approximately 50 km each way). Along the way to drop into a centuries-old Buddhist temple and meet our local artisan friend Mr Sunil. A traditional woodcarving expert, he will take you through a practical demonstration of the craft and encourage you to give it a go yourself. Afterwards, continue to nearby Galle, home to an impressive World Heritage-listed Dutch fort with extensive walls and many interesting old buildings. Spend the evening exploring, enjoying a stroll around the historic fort and watching the sunset from the ramparts before driving back to Mirissa.

Day 13 Colombo

Depart Mirissa after breakfast with a transfer to Colombo (approximately 3 hours). On arrival, check into your hotel and then take a city walk past the bustling Petta Bazaar, Independence Square, Parliament, and the National Museum. Your walk finishes with a shopping opportunity at the Barefoot fairtrade store. Here you can find a collection of handicrafts from around the country and support small cottage industries. Tonight there's an optional final group dinner to celebrate your journey. This comes in the form of a food crawl along the city's tantalising market stalls. 

Day 14 Colombo

Your trip comes to an end this morning after breakfast and the hotel's check-out time is 11am. For those who are staying on and want to explore Colombo further, check out our Urban Adventure day trips.

Availability

Checking price
Price From $ 2,268
Price Per Day: $ 162 per day
Checking price
Start DateFinish DateBase PriceAvailability 
Apr-15-2023Apr-28-2023$ 2,3209 spots left Reserve
Jul-15-2023Jul-28-2023$ 2,26810 spots left Reserve
Aug-05-2023Aug-18-2023$ 2,35610 spots left Reserve
Aug-26-2023Sep-08-2023$ 2,26814 spots left Reserve
Sep-09-2023Sep-22-2023$ 2,73016 spots left Reserve
Sep-23-2023Oct-06-2023$ 2,73016 spots left Reserve
Nov-11-2023Nov-24-2023$ 2,73016 spots left Reserve
Nov-25-2023Dec-08-2023$ 2,73016 spots left Reserve
Dec-02-2023Dec-15-2023$ 2,83514 spots left Reserve
Dec-16-2023Dec-29-2023$ 2,94516 spots left Reserve
Dec-23-2023Jan-05-2024$ 2,94516 spots left Reserve
Dec-30-2023Jan-12-2024$ 2,94516 spots left Reserve
Jan-13-2024Jan-26-2024$ 2,78016 spots left Reserve
Jan-27-2024Feb-09-2024$ 2,78016 spots left Reserve
Feb-03-2024Feb-16-2024$ 2,78016 spots left Reserve
Feb-10-2024Feb-23-2024$ 2,78016 spots left Reserve
Feb-17-2024Mar-01-2024$ 2,78016 spots left Reserve
Feb-24-2024Mar-08-2024$ 2,78016 spots left Reserve
Mar-02-2024Mar-15-2024$ 2,78016 spots left Reserve
Mar-16-2024Mar-29-2024$ 2,78016 spots left Reserve
Mar-30-2024Apr-12-2024$ 2,78016 spots left Reserve
Apr-13-2024Apr-26-2024$ 2,78016 spots left Reserve
Jun-29-2024Jul-12-2024$ 2,78016 spots left Reserve
Jul-13-2024Jul-26-2024$ 2,78016 spots left Reserve
Aug-03-2024Aug-16-2024$ 2,78016 spots left Reserve
Aug-10-2024Aug-23-2024$ 2,78016 spots left Reserve
Aug-17-2024Aug-30-2024$ 2,78016 spots left Reserve
Aug-24-2024Sep-06-2024$ 2,78016 spots left Reserve
Sep-07-2024Sep-20-2024$ 2,78016 spots left Reserve
Sep-21-2024Oct-04-2024$ 2,78016 spots left Reserve
Nov-09-2024Nov-22-2024$ 2,78016 spots left Reserve
Nov-23-2024Dec-06-2024$ 2,78016 spots left Reserve
Nov-30-2024Dec-13-2024$ 2,78016 spots left Reserve
Dec-14-2024Dec-27-2024$ 2,78016 spots left Reserve
Dec-21-2024Jan-03-2025$ 2,78016 spots left Reserve
Dec-28-2024Jan-10-2025$ 2,78016 spots left Reserve
See more

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Intrepid Travel.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

4,260 Intrepid Travel Travel Reviews & Ratings

94%
4.6 out of 5 (100+ reviews)
Excellent 3,217
Great 675
Average 134
Disappointing 68
Terrible 166
Value
4.6
Guide
4.6
Activities
4.6
Lodging
4.6
Transportation
4.6
Meals
4.6

Cycle Sri Lanka

No reviews yet for this trip. Be the first one to write a review

Company Reviews

A brilliant trip

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
I can thoroughly recommend this Vietnam trip. The hotels were all very good and were well situated within walking distance of the city centres. There was a good variety of visits and activities which were very well organised. As with all the Intrepid trips we've been on, it was our brilliant trip leader Linh who brought the trip to life. He gave us so much information about Vietnam and its people it really enhanced the trip. He made sure everything ran smoothly and nothing was too much trouble - a great trip leader!
Read more

Best guide ever...Thank You, Trang!

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
A trip is only as good as the guide. And our guide Trang was fantastic. The best! She made our trip wonderful, and Intrepid is so brilliant to have hired her and have her represent Intrepid. The trip went smoothly and we were delighted with everything we saw. Getting through via phone to Intrepid is tough, but it is worth the wait. The hotels, the spots we visited, the transportation....all was well-planned and executed!
Read more

Perfect for Solo Travellers

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
I've travelled with Intrepid many times, most recently to Antarctica, and I can't recommend them enough. Great people, great destinations, great itineraries. Love that they pair you up with another traveller if you're travelling alone.
Read more

Adventure and local interaction without the worry!

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
With so many travel companies out there, and so much info on travel planning sites, Intrepid is still in a class of its own. I've often read their itineraries to get ideas, and even copy them, but this time I went with them on a trip. And it was everything that they say on their websites. So if you are reading to verify everything they say on their website, I say just don't hesitate, DO IT. Its all happening and its all true.
Read more

WOW!

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
Wow - Intrepid thought of everything. Great adventure, variety, safety, group dynamics, and an amazing guide Karni! He was knowledgeable and you could feel the pride he held for his country. My next adventure will definitely utilize Intrepid.
Read more

What an amazing tour.

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
What an amazing tour. So well organised from good accomodation, comfortable transport to boats waiting in the wilderness. A wonderful experience lead by an exceptional, knowlegable tour guide Quang Dang.
Read more

Details

Flight & Transport Inclusions

All internal ground transport Bicycle (e-bike option available,subject to availability),Support vehicle,Train,Jeep

Group Size

Small Group - 24 max

Maximum Number of People in Group: 16

Accommodations

Hotels (13 nights)

Guides

All Intrepid cycling group trips are accompanied by one of our cycling leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Our cycling leaders are all passionate cyclists, as you’d expect, but they also go through some pretty rigorous cycle-trip specific training. Each one has undergone on-road training and supervision and knows how to do safety checks, basic repairs and emergency first-aid. And at the end of the day they’re still regular Intrepid leaders, which means they will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Age Notes :

Min. Age: 14

Max Age: 99

Additional Information

Finish point

  • Fairway Colombo
  • No. 7, Hospital Street,
  • Colombo 01
  • Colombo
  • SRI LANKA
  • Phone: +94 (0)112153153

Trip ID#:

intrepid-HPXC

×
Great Choice!

Now, Unlock Member Savings

Our Travelstride Select trips allow you and your travel companions to save up to $700. You wouldn’t want to miss that, right?

or
or
Provide email and password

With your FREE membership you get to:

  • Save up to $700 per person!*
  • Access private deals and offers
  • See personalized trip recommendations
  • Save favorite trips
*See Member Savings Program details
Already a member?

We respect your privacy and take great care to protect your information. By joining you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

×

You could save $ 300 per person on this trip!

TripSaver
Flexible travel vouchers redeemable on thousands of trips like this one!
×
×
×
Sign in to Save Trips
Welcome back! We're so happy to see you. ? Forgot Password?
Don't have an account? Join
  • Bookmark trips you like
  • Share with your travel companions
  • Track price changes
  • Access private discounts on trips you save
×
Sign in to see your results

TripFinder is a member-only feature. Don’t worry, it’s free!

With a membership you:

  • Save up to $700 per person!*
  • Access private deals and offers
  • See personalized trip recommendations
  • Save favorite trips
*See Member Savings Program details
×
Activate your free Travelstride membership

Just use the email address and password provided in the email we sent.

? Forgot Password?

With your free membership you:

  • Save up to $700 per person!*
  • Access private deals and offers
  • See personalized trip recommendations
  • Save favorite trips
*See Member Savings Program details
×
To Follow, sign in or sign up (it's free) ? Forgot Password?
Don't have an account? Join
member benefits

By signing in, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

First name is required!
Last name is required!
First name is not valid!
Last name is not valid!
This is not an email address!
Email address is required!
This email is already registered!
Please enter valid email address
Password is required!
Enter a valid password!
Please enter 6 or more characters!
Please enter 32 or less characters!
Passwords are not the same!
Terms and Conditions are required!
Email or Password is wrong!
Please select the captcha checkbox!
Please select the valid captcha!
Something went wrong! Try again later!

"Take only memories, leave only footprints."
Chief Seattle
x
x
Download your brochure

Enter your email to get the "" brochure.

x
Brochure successfully sent!

We've sent the "" brochure to "". Check your inbox!