Schedule:

● Meet at the Bandaranaike International Airport and Transfer to the hotel in Negombo.

(We recommend arrival on the 17th as tour activities will commence at 8:00am inclusive of a visit to the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children. Extra accommodation can be arranged at an additional cost)

● Go for a City Tour in Colombo with a visit to Lady Ridgeway Hospital to meet officials.

● Back at Negombo. Familiarization RIde for Cyclists in the evening.

● Dinner and overnight stay at Goldi Sands Hotel, Negombo (Half Board)

Upon your arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake, you will be transferred to a nearby hotel in the coastal town of Negombo where you will spend your first night. Depending on your arrival time, you can decide how you want to spend the rest of the day. A city exploration tour with a visit to Lady Ridgeway Hospital in Colombo will be arranged based on the arrival times of the group. Upon returning to the hotel in Negombo, the medical professionals and non-cyclists are free to enjoy the amenities. A familiarizing ride in Negombo with cycling guides is a great way for the cyclists to explore the area while getting accustomed to their bikes.

After breakfast, you will be transferred north to Dankotuwa; the ‘start-up point’ of the cycling tour.

From there you will start your cycling adventure on a soft graded track up to Narammala. This town located in the Kurunegala District is surrounded by paddy fields and coconut estates. It also holds the world’s first and only betel research lab and institute while boasting a multi-ethnic community predominantly made up of Sinhalese and Muslims. Although temperatures can rise in this part of the country, Narammala is the perfect place to begin your cycling expedition as it offers beautiful scenery and a hospitable local community. You will cycle mainly on flat terrain with a mixture of tarred roads and concrete/dirt byroads. From Narammala, you will be transported to Sigiriya. The non cyclists will join the riders in a restaurant passing Kurunegala for lunch, from there the entire group will transfer further to Sigiriya. In Sigiriya, an overnight stay is foreseen for you.

Embark on an incredible trail in the backyards of Sigiriya with Pidurangala Rock & Majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the background. The cycling tour starts from Camellia Resort & Spa and you ride through “Thalkote”, a remote isolated village to the Thalkotawewa (reservoir). At the village, you will be able to see and experience how traditional farming (paddy and other crops) is done. Chena cultivation (slash and burn farming) is prevalent in the area. The region’s clean air and friendly environment is perfect for stress relief. The village borders Thalkotawewa, its main source of water.

Paying a visit to Thalkotewewa Primary School will be a highlight of the day while visiting Sigiriya Rock Fortress would be a remarkable experience. The Group will get together for both visits and will enjoy lunch at a restaurant near Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

Post lunch, the riders will continue another 6km ride through the rural villages and get into the coach and drive back to your hotel. The hardcore cyclists are free to continue another 9km to the hotel itself.

This is an incredible ride through Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, offering breathtaking views of ancient ruins, lush greenery, and local villages. Our primary highlight of the day is the second most ancient kingdom of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa, which dates to the 13th century. The track provides a smooth route on a fairly flat and open terrain as well as taking you through a forest patch. You will cycle along the great Minneriya Tank which was built by King Mahasen. This wonderful feat of human endeavour covers an area of approximately 4,670 acres. Pass through jungle areas, paddy fields, and small villages with occasional glimpses of wildlife and local roadside fruit stalls for a refreshing king coconut drink.

Having a delicious Sri Lanka Lunch with an array of local dishes could be arranged in Polonnaruwa before you start the return journey which would be in the coach.

Today it’s going to be another interesting day as you’ll be exploring Ritigala Strict Forest Reserve along with a unique Horiwila Hela Weda Gedara (Ayuruveda treatment center for Orthopedic patients. Mostly flat but with some mild inclines as you approach Ritigala. You will have a mix of paved roads and rural paths in the route while lush greenery, occasional elephants, and birdlife along the way. Stopping at Horiwila Weda Gedara would be a great place to experience traditional Sri Lankan Ayurvedic treatments that cures orthopedic patients using indigenous treatments using only the combinations of herbal pants and trees. Your final destination, Ritigala Monastery & Strict Nature Reserve is an ancient monastic site hidden deep in the forest with mystical ruins and a peaceful atmosphere. Go for a walk in the Nature Reserve to witness the historical remains as well as the glimpse of nature.

Leaving the cultural highlights behind, today, we will be heading towards the central hilllands of the island. We will start riding towards Kandy with a stop at Dambulla Cave Temple, one of the UNESCO world heritage sites.

The ride starts from the hotel after breakfast, cycling from Sigiriya to Dambulla via Kandalama Tank is an amazing ride that blends nature, history, and culture. Mostly flat with some gentle inclines, smooth roads with scenic detours and ride through lush paddy fields and quiet village roads will give you an amazing rural cultural experience. Kandalama Tank, a stunning reservoir surrounded by jungle and the famous Heritance Kandalama hotel. The bank of Kandalama Tank will be a perfect spot to take a break and enjoy the peaceful waters.

The next stop will be the famed Dambulla Cave Temple which has 5 caves full of Buddha Statues and frescos. The newly built Golden Buddha Statue would be another highlight of the day.

We will continue another 20km towards Kandy with scenic detours upto Naula, from there you will be transferred to Kandy in the coach. The entire group will join a restaurant in Matale for the lunch stop.

Upon reaching Kandy, your accommodation is set at Thilanka Hotel which is located very close to Kandy Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

The Stage one only participants will finish the trip today and will be transferred to Colombo Airport in time for the departure flight to the onward destination or fly back home while the stage 2 participants will be joining the group later, depending on their flight schedules.

Cycling through Kandy’s iconic temples is an incredible way to explore the city’s rich history, spiritual landmarks, and scenic beauty while enjoying an active ride. A mix of paved roads, mild climbs, and scenic countryside paths through lush greenery, historic sites, and stunning lake views will make your ride an adventurous one while appreciating the historic creations.

Lankathilake Temple is one of Sri Lanka’s most picturesque temples, perched on a rock and Embekka Shrine is famous for its intricate wooden carvings and drummers' hall. 14th-century Gadaladeniya Temple features South Indian-style stone carvings while the ride to newly built Nelligala International Buddhist Center is a breathtaking ride that offers panoramic views, peaceful surroundings, and a spiritual retreat at the top of the hill.

The final encounter would be a Traditional Drum Making Community who makes traditional drums from generations. This is a community who was occupied by the Kandyan kings and deemed as the drum making village and continues for the generations. It is yours to try making your own drum.

Back to Thilanka Hotel for Dinner and overnight stay.

Prepare yourself for the second longest hike on The Pekoe Trail beginning at a small bridge over the Ma Oya on the Loolkandura Estate. This estate is one of the oldest tea plantations in Sri Lanka, established by Sir James Taylor who is widely renowned as the father of Ceylon tea.

On this hike you climb through some of the most historically significant tea trails in Sri Lanka. The further you climb the more remote it feels. Take a moment to appreciate the fact that you are standing on the old and forgotten Dimbula road – a trail meant for horses and bullock carts built over 150 years ago by British Engineers.

This would be a remarkable day for both riders and non-riders.

The Riders will start strolling from Heaven Seven Hotel to Bandarawela which is an absolutely breathtaking ride through Sri Lanka’s hill country. A mix of downhill stretches, gentle climbs, and winding roads through tea estates are down the track. Vegetable slots along the route will showcase the hill country farming in Sri Lanka for you to enhance your overall experience.

Non-riders are free to start the day a little later as usual, a visit to Victoria Park in Nuwara Eliya Town itself or visiting Hakgala Botanical Garden would be some optional activities along the way.

Upon reaching Bandarawela, the entire group will get on board a special train called “Calypso Train” which is specially designed for tourists to have a scenic train journey covering some of the highlights in the Up County Railway Track. Stopping at famed Nine Arch Bridge will enable you to have great photography opportunities, the train ends at Demodara Railway station from where you will get on to the coach and drive to Yala. Check in at Big Game Tented Safari Camp in Yala, a hearty BBQ meal is waiting for you. Joining a night walk in the camp with the resident naturalist is an option for wildlife enthusiasts.

After the exciting night at the campsite, we will embark on an early morning jeep safari in Yala National Park. Sri Lankan Leopards (panthera pradus kotiya) are the stars here, but the park is also home to the large herds of Asian elephants as well as to the spotted deer, sambar, wild boar, wild buffaloes, sloth bear, jackal and mongoose. The birdlife is fantastic too. Over 215 species of birds have been recorded in Yala, with six being endemic to Sri Lanka.

Upon returning to the campsite, enjoy a late breakfast at the camp. Freshen up yourselves and it is time for a cooking competition among the team. Camp chef will teach you how to cook a Sri Lankan Curry, it is all yours to cook the best dish among your group. Enjoy the lunch at the campsite and start the short cycling journey towards Tissamahara to visit the local community.

Mingle with children in the community, witness and appreciate their talents and depart to Tangalle in the coach with an unforgettable experience. Evening is yours to enjoy. At night you will have the option to witness Turtle Nesting on Rekawa Beach.

Cycling from Rekawa to Matara offers an amazing journey with numerous attractions along the way. Dondra point, which is the southmost point of Sri Lanka, would be one of the most iconic locations that you will visit. As you pedal through the coastal road, you'll be greeted by stunning views of the Indian Ocean. Continuing on, you'll pass through beautiful coastal villages, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and interact with friendly villagers. As you reach Matara, you will be taken on a visit to Matara District General Hospital to meet up with the doctors and have an insight of the health system in Sri Lanka.

The keen cyclists are free to join a morning cycling trail in the countryside of Mirissa admiring the morning mist. Riding along the villages and witnessing the morning routine of the local communities. Back at the hotel for breakfast, you bid farewell to your cycling team as the cycling guides & bikes will no longer be available.

Before bidding farewell to the stunning island, you will be taken on an excursion to Galle. As you approach Galle, you will be led by a local host to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle Fort, with its charming cobblestone streets and colonial architecture. By foot is the best way to explore Galle Fort. Visit the museums with their memorable treasures and the lighthouse which was once an indispensable asset of the area. While walking around Galle Fort, you’ll find that there are numerous things to see from the functional courthouse and rustic-looking law offices to the stunning historic monuments and relics.

You can enjoy your lunch at a restaurant in Galle Dutch Fort and you are free to explore Galle on your own. Please make sure that you return to your coach before the departing time.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake in time to catch your flight back home. Take with you a host of memories and experiences of Sri Lanka that will be second to none.

If you want to stay extra nights or arrange additional activities, this can be discussed with us at a later stage.