4out of7 - Moderate / ChallengingYou are moderately fit and have an interest in remote or challenging environments. Some previous experience is required for activity based trips.
Explore the rich history and culture of Sri Lanka by bike
Although a compact island, Sri Lanka is incredibly diverse. Exploring on two wheels is the best way to see this rural country and to experience the way of life of the friendly people. We travel from ancient cities and the fortress at Sigiriya to the hill country towns of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. In the south, we visit Yala National Park, where we search for leopard, before ending on the beaches of the beautiful south coast. Most of the route is a continuous ride, and transfers are kept to a minimum.
In many regions of Sri Lanka, bicycle is the most common form of transport, so travelling by bike yourself is a great way to mix with the people and gain access to their world. This trip covers a substantial part of the island, taking in as much as possible of the scenic and cultural variety that Sri Lanka offers. A combination of ancient cities, great rides through beautiful hill country, varied wildlife, and a chance to relax on wonderful beaches, will certainly display the many delights of Sri Lanka.
Highlights
See the magnificent cave temple at Dambulla
Climb the rock fortress at Sigiriya for breath-taking views
Explore the old, ruined city of Polonnaruwa
Discover the fascinating town of Kandy
Ride through tea estates to Nuwara Eliya
Search for leopards in Yala National Park
Key Information
10 days cycling (including one optional ride) with full vehicle support
95 percent paved roads, five percent unsurfaced
Routes mostly follow quiet backroads, with frequent climbs
Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader and driver. Minimum age: 16
11 nights in hotels, two nights in guesthouses, all en suite
We work hard to create trips that improve life for the people and places we visit, and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
The use of a local guide means our customers will be well informed about local traditions, and cultural and social sensitivities.
This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally-owned hotels and restaurants, the emphasis on eating locally produced food and support of other local enterprise.
We financially co-sponsored a local Tsunami relief project, which enabled 25 families to be rehoused and for two schools to be equipped with toilets, running water and outdoor swings.
In collaboration with a German operator and the village temple, we have helped towards 10 large water tanks and an eye clinic in a remote village with a donation of 200 pairs of glasses.
We assisted a principal agent of UNICEF in development of day care and education of school children of the estate sector labourers in the hill country.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels.
By travelling in a small group, led by a local guide, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices with regard to working animals and wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found here.
We visit culturally important sites like the 2nd century Buddhist temple at Dambulla, the rock fortress at Sirigiya and the Temple of the Tooth at Kandy. Here, our entry fees make a vital contribution to their upkeep whilst also celebrating Sri Lankan history.
During this trip (depending on the time of year), we visit Yala National Park, or alternatively Lunugamvehera or Udawalawe National Park, where clients may have the opportunity witness elephants, deer, leopards, and other Sri Lankan wildlife. A proportion of the trip costs will go towards the upkeep and maintenance of the National Park.
We work with our partners on the ground to proactively eliminate or reduce waste, for example eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles and instead providing refills for re-usable bottles.
The Exodus Travels Foundation has launched the Community Kickstart Project to help our destination communities recover and rebuild following the impact of COVID-19. In Sri Lanka, we’ve contributed to the Yala Park Driver Support initiative, more details can be found here.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally-sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at majority of accommodation and restaurants.
This trip favours locally-owned and run accommodation and establishments with strong environmental policies. For example, Hotel Sigiriya uses scheduled light switching, recycling and waste regulations and water saving cisterns.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, we’d ask you to consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own re-usable water bottle on this trip; filtered water will be provided where tap water is not drinkable.
Please be aware there are a large number of stray dogs in Sri Lanka, and you may encounter some during your trip. Our local operators are aware of this and we are monitoring any animal welfare concerns.
Cultural respect:
One should not touch someone’s head as this is considered disrespectful.
It's polite to use your right hand when shaking hands or handing money and small objects to someone else.
It is common practice to remove one’s shoes before entering someone’s home.
Especially when visiting temples, men’s and women’s clothing should cover shoulders and be on or below the knee.
This is His Sri Lanka
For over 20 years, Roshan has been leading the way when it comes to immersive travel experiences, but an important part of his job as a guide, Roshan stresses, is seeing how he as an individual can give back to his local community.
The group flight usually departs in the evening from London Heathrow.
Day 1
Start Sigiriya
This Sri Lankan cycling trip begins in Sigiriya. There are no planned activities today, so take time to relax in the hotel and rest those legs before our two-wheel adventure begins in earnest tomorrow. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening helmed by our tour leader; it’s a good chance to get to know the group a little and ask any questions you may have.
Accommodation: Hotel Sigiriya (or similar)
Meals Included: Lunch
Arrive Colombo; transfer to Sigiriya
The group flight from London typically arrives at Bandaranayake International Airport around lunchtime and we transfer to Sigiriya (approximately four hours) where we stay for the next two nights.
Accommodation: Hotel Sigiriya (or similar)
Meals Included: Lunch
Day 2
Ride to Dambulla cave temple; climb Sigiriya Rock
After breakfast, we ride along gravel roads following an old irrigation canal to Dambulla, a second century BCE Buddhist cave temple. On the way we stop by the impressive Kandalama man-made reservoir, rich in bird life. On arrival to Dambulla, it is well worth the walk to view the five caves, which contain many ancient Buddha statues, some carved from the solid rock. Returning via the busy market town, we take another quiet backroad through chilli and rice fields before cycling back to our hotel for lunch and a relaxing swim in the pool. In the late afternoon, we climb the fifth-century rock fortress of Sigiriya to see the beautiful frescoes painted onto the rock face (not recommended for those who suffer from vertigo). The ruins of the palace on the summit are surpassed only by the magnificent aerial view of the surrounding jungle. Stay as long as you like, it's only 10 minutes’ walk back to our hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Sigiriya (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3
Ride to Polonnaruwa; cycle tour of ruins
This morning we have a long ride along a quiet backroad, which is part of the Sigiriya nature reserve where you often come across Monitor lizards and monkeys, before joining the highway to Polonnaruwa and riding to our hotel. Later, we tour the ruined city of Polonnaruwa, which dates from the 10th to 13th century. You will have the option in the evening to join your Leader at a family owned restaurant to experience some local food and culture.
Accommodation: Hotel Giritale (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4
Ride through foothills of spice-growing region
We follow a 4mi (6km) long artificial dam and canal to the source of a local lake, the Amban Ganga River. The afternoon ride is flanked by the Kalanduwa hills on one side and Wasgomuwa Wildlife Park on the other. And as jungle gives way to plantations, we enter the spice-growing region of Sri Lanka.
When we reach the main road, we dismount and board the bus for the journey as the road to Kandy can get very busy. On the way, we stop at a spice garden to learn more about the spices used in the piquant Sri Lankan curries.
Accommodation: Hotel Thilanka or Hotel Topaz
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5
Free day in Kandy
Enjoy a free day to explore. Kandy has so much to offer, including the wonderful botanical gardens, the Temple of the Tooth, and streets lined with curio shops. The surrounding hills are dotted with wonderful temples. Walk around the lake in the heart of the city to see huge water monitor lizards, fruit bats, palm squirrels, and birds such as kingfishers, pelicans and night herons. Also don't miss the fruit and vegetable market for a chance to see busy Kandy in full swing.
Accommodation: Hotel Thilanka or Hotel Topaz
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 6
Challenging ride through tea estates to Nuwara Eliya
For anyone who doesn't do hills, we strongly recommend the train ride to Nuwara Eliya. For those who feel like a challenge, it’s 52mi (84km) – climbing up to 6,562ft (2,000m) above sea level – to reach this most favoured hill station. For the first part of the ride, we take the old road, a far more pleasant route, and one of the few places where you see terraced paddy fields. Beyond is tea country, reputed to produce the finest teas on the island. We cycle through thousands of acres of tea crops, where you will spot the tea pickers moving swiftly between the bushes in their vibrant clothes.
Tickets for the train journey are dependent on availability on the day (tickets are usually available; if not, we can use the bus instead).
Accommodation: Mirage King's Cottage (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7
Morning ride to Nuwara Eliya town and tea factory; afternoon free
Nuwara Eliya was a popular hill station during the British era and is situated in the cool highland air at 6,200ft (1,890m). Known locally as Little England, it is dotted with British-style houses and parks and even features a golf club and racecourse.
After a leisurely breakfast, we ride into Nuwara Eliya town and then continue our ride to a tea factory through little villages and patches of vegetables. As we twist and turn on the undulating windy road, we get to see the town from different viewpoints. After understanding the journey from leaf to cup, we ride back to the hotel through lush green tea plantations.
We then have a free afternoon to explore Nuwara Eliya. Some hotels here are locked in time, a living museum of the colonial era that existed hundred years ago.
Accommodation: Mirage King's Cottage (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8
Hill country ride to Ella
In the morning, we cycle through hill country towards Ella, stopping for tea in Bandarawela, a trading centre where exotic fruits from the east coast are traded for hill country vegetables. On arrival into Ella, we stop for a late lunch before check-in. We have the chance to watch the sunset from the Ella Gap viewpoint. On a clear day, you can see the coast shimmering in the distance.
In the evening, we visit a local family to have a truly Sri Lankan dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Country Comfort (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9
Descent, stopping at the rock-cut Buddha statues at Buduruvagela; to Tissamaharama
Descending 3,281ft (1,000m), we leave the breath-taking scenery of the Uva Province for the gentle rolling hills of the dry zone, taking a break en route at the impressive Rawana Ella waterfall before stopping at the rock-cut Buddha statues at Buduruvagala. The 49ft (15m) rock carving of Buddha is flanked by small figures depicting his helpers and a very rare image of Maitreya, the future Buddha, which dates from the 10th century. The tranquillity here is enhanced by the lotus-covered lake; we relax on the banks and eat fresh fruit before riding to lunch. Here we can retreat from the heat of the day, before the final 19mi (30km) to Tissamaharama, the capital of the old Ruhuna kingdom.
Accommodation: Chandrika Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10
Morning ride to Kataragama Temple; afternoon drive to Yala National Park for safari
In the morning, we cycle to Kataragama temple, which lies 10mi (16km) northeast of Tissa. People of all faiths come to seek favour with the god Skanda, who is reputed to restore people's health. The colourful and noisy pooja (ritual) is always busy, with thousands of pilgrims during the festival season from July to August. Tissa is close to Yala National Park, the best park in Sri Lanka to see leopards. After lunch, we have a safari in the park, where we may see elephants, deer, wild boars, sloth bears, Asian jackals, lots of birdlife and, if we’re very lucky, a leopard. We return to Tissa for the night (please note, the sanctuary may be closed for four to six weeks from September to October allowing the park authorities to check the animals. We therefore go to a nearby alternative, usually Lunugamvehera or Udawalawe National Park).
Accommodation: Chandrika Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11
Ride through Bundala National Park and by the lagoon for spectacular birdlife; continue riding on the coast to Hambantota; transfer to Ahangama
Leaving early to avoid the heat of the dry zone, we ride along the boundary of Bundala Bird Sanctuary. During certain times of the year, thousands of flamingos wade in the brackish shallows, eyed up by crocodiles basking in the early morning sun. We hit the main road for the final 19mi (30km) to Hambantota, a series of sandy bays fanning out from this typical coastal town. We then take a transfer from Hambantota to Ahangama by coach. For the next two nights we stay in Ahangama.
Accommodation: Insight Resort (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12
Free day on beach; optional ride to Koggala
Today you can pick your own adventure. Either relax at the hotel or join a late morning ride along rural roads to Wandurugama village where you will stop at a colonial manor house for High Tea and authentic Sri Lankan snack. Today it is known as Thalpe Walawwa Heritage Villa, occupied by a leading family within the local ancient Sri Lanka society. Quite a few prominent personalities were born and spent their childhood in beautiful residence. After the visit you will return to the hotel via Koggala Lake.
This afternoon is free to explore the beach or swim and laze by the pool. In the late afternoon, we can view the stilt fishermen climb their poles to catch a few bites for supper. From November to April, we can also go whale watching off Dondra head, near Mirissa, which is one of the best places in the world to see blue and sperm whales. Huge pods of dolphins often accompany the boats.
Accommodation: Insight Resort (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 13
Transfer to Colombo via Galle
Leaving early after breakfast, we stop to visit Galle. The fort here was built in 1663 after the Dutch took the island from the Portuguese. The old ramparts and small back streets bring alive some of the history of the fight for colonial domination of this prized island. You’re free to find your own lunch, meeting back at the bus mid-afternoon for the two-hour drive to Colombo. The rest of the day is free to relax by the pool or shop along the main street. For the last evening meal, we can choose from one of the many restaurants in Colombo.
Accommodation: Hotel Mirage (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 14
End Colombo
Our Sri Lankan cycling adventure comes to an end this morning after breakfast. Unless, of course, you’ve booked onto our ultra-relaxing post-trip extension to the Maldives with your sales representative.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fly to London
If you are travelling on the group flight we will have a morning transfer to the airport for the daytime flight to London. The arrangements for those not flying with the group end after check out.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Extend Your Trip
Maldives
If you are keen to end your holiday on a relaxed note, we can arrange a visit to the Maldives for you.
The flight from Colombo is around one hour and upon arrival you will be transferred by speedboat (approximately 20 minutes) to the Paradise Island four-star resort. Paradise Island is a beautiful coral island, covered with tropical vegetation and palm trees, surrounded by a wide sandy beach and an azure lagoon.
You can choose to add as many extra nights to your trip as you wish; your time on the island will be at leisure for you to do as you wish. The accommodation has a swimming pool, restaurant, bar, room service and all rooms are air conditioned and have en suite facilities. There is also access to scuba diving and snorkelling or the chance to swim in the wonderful, calm waters. Either way, it is a veritable paradise and a memorable end to the trip.
If you choose to take advantage of this opportunity, we can arrange flights for you to Malé and book the hotel and speedboat transfer to the island. Please be advised, all accommodation booked at the Paradise Island four-star resort is based on a half-board basis.
Galle Beach
How about slowing the pace down and extending your stay a night or few? Before finishing your trip in Colombo take a detour and head just south of Galle to the fishing village Ahangama. There you can relax on the beautiful beach front of your hotel or wander through the village watching the locals go about their daily lives. A perfect wind-down before it’s time to fly home.
Post-trip Extensions
Maldives
If you are keen to end your holiday on a relaxed note, we can arrange a visit to the Maldives for you.
The flight from Colombo is around one hour and upon arrival you will be transferred by speedboat (approximately 20 minutes) to the Paradise Island four-star resort. Paradise Island is a beautiful coral island, covered with tropical vegetation and palm trees, surrounded by a wide sandy beach and an azure lagoon.
You can choose to add as many extra nights to your trip as you wish; your time on the island will be at leisure for you to do as you wish. The accommodation has a swimming pool, restaurant, bar, room service and all rooms are air conditioned and have en suite facilities. There is also access to scuba diving and snorkelling or the chance to swim in the wonderful, calm waters. Either way, it is a veritable paradise and a memorable end to the trip.
If you choose to take advantage of this opportunity, we can arrange flights for you to Malé and book the hotel and speedboat transfer to the island. Please be advised, all accommodation booked at the Paradise Island four-star resort is based on a half-board basis.
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally need a visa to enter Sri Lanka. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
Travellers from most countries can obtain a visa (ETA) before travel through http://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/. It costs US$50 per applicant. We strongly recommend you obtain your visa (ETA) online prior to travel to avoid any complications and delays on arrival.
You should also be aware of local laws and customs in Sri Lanka (see: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sri-lanka/local-laws-and-customs). The mistreatment of Buddhist images and artefacts is an offence; please note, people have been refused entry to Sri Lanka because of visible tattoos of Buddha.
Vaccination
Sri Lanka
There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, tuberculosis and typhoid. You will also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or transiting for more than 12 hours through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
The risk of malaria is slight but you may wish to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice. Additionally, dengue fever, a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes, is a known risk in places visited. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available; the best form of prevention is to take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Eating and Drinking
All breakfasts and 10 lunches included.
Sri Lankan cuisine is a fascinating reflection of the island’s heritage; there is a unique fusion of fresh local produce with spices brought to the island over the centuries by Malays, Arabs, Indians, Dutch, Portuguese and English. Despite, or perhaps because of, these influences, Sri Lankan cuisine is often referred to simply as ‘rice and curry’; this is the staple dish in most restaurants and is usually a serving of rice accompanied by assorted meat and vegetable curries, plus various pickles, sambols and a handful of tiny poppadums – all using the contrasting flavours of coconut, chilli, curry leaves, cinnamon and garlic. The variety is constant and this, along with the abundance of fresh seafood and fish, ensures the cuisine is a constant highlight of the trip.
Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Please note, the availability of certain products in Sri Lanka is minimal or non-existent (for example, gluten-free or dairy-free) so please be prepared for this as you may need to bring these from home. Spicier food can be avoided easily and lots of the hotels serve Western options alongside traditional food. All lunch and tea stops are subject to change dependent on the cycling speed of the group and weather conditions.
Weather
With a location near the equator, Sri Lanka has a hot and humid climate. At the higher elevations, however, it is cool; the humidity is lower in the northern and central parts of the country. The average annual temperature is 32C (90F) in the lowlands and 21C (70F) in the higher mountainous regions, though it can get chilly in the hill country at night.
Is this trip for you?
This trip is rated Activity Level 4 (Moderate/ Challenging).
Average daily distance: 40mi (65km)
Number of cycling days: 10 (including one optional ride)
Vehicle support: Fully supported
The terrain is hilly, particularly around Nuwara Eliya and the hill country, but the support vehicle is available if required. Routes mostly follow quiet backroads with occasional unsurfaced sections, which may be rough in places. Rides are designed to run door-to-door without transfers. Keeping to the backroads means there is less traffic but it will become busier when approaching towns.
Hotels & Guesthouses
Accommodation on this trip is a mixture of tourist-class hotels (some with pools) and local guesthouses. Guesthouses are simple but in good locations along the cycle route giving a real flavour of the country. All rooms have en suite facilities. Wifi is available at most, either in the rooms or the communal areas.
The hotel we typically use in Nuwara Eliya has been selected for the character of the premises and the appearance of its grounds, but the level of service is not always at the standard of the other hotels on this itinerary.
Single accommodation (available on request)
Please note, paying the single supplement may not mean you receive a double or twin room for sole use. The room you are allocated may differ from hotel to hotel, and on some nights a smaller room for ‘one person’ may well be allocated.
We had the most fantastic cycling trip around Sri Lanka recently. Everything went to plan from the meet at the airport to the departure 2 weeks later. Each days cycling offered new experiences & sights – the scenery & wildlife was as varied and stunning as you could wish for. The hotels were of a very good quality & the food throughout the trip was both plentiful and of a high quality. We ate at some fantastic local restaurants which offered a real insight into the fantastic Sri Lankan cuisine. Our group gelled from Day 1 and this really helped make the trip memorable. The cycling was incredibly enjoyable and whilst stretching on a couple of days most reasonably fit people would easily cope with each days cycling. Our group leader Suresh was the most inspirational guide a group could wish for – extremely organised, very funny and used his extensive local knowledge to make the trip highly enjoyable. His support team were excellent providing back up bikes, food/water, transport & guidance – real unsung heroes. This was our first cycling holiday – would we recommend this trip – undoubtedly & we are planning our next one for 2024. The phrase Maximum Damage was used extensively by our excellent guide Suresh when we sat down to a buffet !
Most Inspirational Moment
The cycle from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya was both physically testing but incredibly rewarding to see such stunning scenery en route. It was real group effort and some went on e bikes whilst others did the last leg in the support bus but we all made it - what a day. The other magical & unplanned sight was seeing elephants in the wild by the side of the road - amazing to see them in the natural habitat
Thoughts on Group Leader
Suresh was inspirational. Nothing was to much trouble & he used his years of local knowledge & contacts to take us to places that were not on the beaten track. His choice of restaurants was fantastic, his knowledge of the area was impeccable and he lead the support team incredibly well. Health & safety was a high priority (without being OTT boring). I would highly recommend him as a group leader
Alex Neely
Reviewed March 2023
Excellent
The trip was excellently led from start to finish, everyday an adventure and a challenge. Expectations exceeded. Would recommend. The group I was with were very inclusive. As a single male one is always aware of being able to fit in. A good mix
Most Inspirational Moment
I didn't think of the trip like that, it was all very enlightening. Sri Lanka and it's people I suppose and the warmth that the group leader brought to it. After the years he'd done it, he still managed to Inspire that in us.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Really good, friendly and caring. He was never off duty, always available..
Advice for Potential Travellers
It will be good, don't worry about your ability. The bikes are hybrids and if the hills are too much, just get in the bus.
Keri Lewis
Reviewed March 2023
Simply amazing trip in beautiful Sri Lamka
Very hard to find anything to fault in this action packed, well organised cycling tour of Sri Lanka. Suresh and his team were amazing. We honestly couldn’t have been looked after better, with every meal more incredible than the last and some fabulous hotels on the itinerary. A great mix with some challenging cycling, sightseeing, tea plantations and the Indian Ocean. Plus more than a few mojitos.
Most Inspirational Moment
Some of the scenery was beautiful and coupled with some real cycling challenges, it was memorable in many ways. As a vegetarian the food was among the best experiences I’ve ever had - loved it.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Suresh was simply outstanding, as were the rest of the crew. Everything was impeccably organised, and although we must have been hard work at times, we were made to feel very special. No notes!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Just go. Sri Lanka is stunning, felt very safe and has so much to offer. People were lovely, such a friendly place. We were barely bothered by mosquitoes although always be prepared, but not much else to add - if you need anything you can get it while you’re there. Although if you need them gals, bring tampons!
Suggestions
Thanks to Suresh and the exodus team for a holiday I won’t forget.
Catherine Southall
Reviewed March 2023
Cycling in stunning Sri Lanka, mountains, beaches and amazing cultural sites
A brilliant trip in a land full of World heritage sites, stunning scenery and friendly smiling people. A great mix of cycling and sight seeing, with time for relaxation on the coast and some challenging cycling. The food was amazing, especially if you are a vegetarian, as the curries are made from fresh local spices and vegetables. The accommodation was well chosen and of a high standard. Our guide, Ruwan and his team were five star and the snacks they provided every day were delicious.
Most Inspirational Moment
Cycling down from Ella in the pouring rain and stopping at Buduruwagala to see the amazing gigantic standing Buddhas
Thoughts on Group Leader
The group leader Ruwan was brilliant. He was a very knowledgeable tour guide and was always pleased to answer our questions. His organisational skills during the whole trip were excellent and he was great fun to be with, always willing to go the extra mile for the group by organising a cricket match and a fantastic barbeque on the beach.
Advice for Potential Travellers
You need to go and go now, whilst there are fewer tourists visiting Sri Lanka. You will have a great time! The day climbing up to Nuwara Eliya is very challenging due to the heat and the ascent, but you can always get in the mini bus if it becomes too much.
Suggestions
One of the best trips I have done with Exodus and I have trekked and cycled with them for over 20 years.
Jackie Moses
Reviewed February 2023
Brilliant.......
Had a fantastic time in Sri Lanka, Ruwan our tour leader and his team were beyond excellent, couldn’t do enough for you and always with a smile. We were warmly welcomed everywhere we went; the food was lovely and the cycling fabulous. Although we had a couple of tough days everyone was able to go at their own pace and do as much as they felt they wanted to do. The trip was fully supported so when the cycling got too much you could always stop and get on the bus for a rest. The trip offers great variety from important cultural sights, wildlife, fabulous scenery, beaches and so much more.
Most Inspirational Moment
Personally completing the 100km cycle day..... further than I have cycled before.... and seeing blue whales :)
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ruwan was fantastic, always smiling, very knowledgeable of his country's history, culture, and fauna. Exceptionally generous with his time and nothing was too much effort. He and his team worked exceptionally hard behind the scenes to ensure that everything ran smoothy.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you're thinking about it and unsure.... don't be, just do it.
Glen Clark
Reviewed January 2023
Maximum Damage Tour
We had an amazing time on this beautiful tour, it was incredibly varied visiting temples, tea plantations, a safari and swam in the Indian Ocean. The hotels ranged from good to fabulous, the food was great (the title of our review comes from the instructions of our tour leader in how to deal with a buffet – one must inflict maximum damage). The support team was excellent and worked really hard to ensure we had a great tour.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were two of us, so we have two. One was reaching the top of the 20km climb to Nuwar Eliya, which is a really challenging climb on a bike and the other was our visit to Buddhuruwugala where there are several statues of Buddha carved into the rock. Climbing the Lion Rock was also an excellent experience.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Suresh was simply excellent - a hugely experienced tour guide and worked tirelessly to ensure we all had a great trip. He was incredibly knowledgeable about Sri Lanka and its history, and the challenges it currently faces. He dealt with all the issues and it was excellent.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go on this trip if you have the chance!
Alison Bloxham
Reviewed January 2023
Fantastic country and cycle tour.
This was our first group trip and my partner’s first bike touring holiday and it exceeded all our expectations! The trip was a fantastic exploration of Sri Lanka with so many places visited and sights seen. The wildlife was amazing – we saw eagles, fruit bats, peacocks, land and water monitors, mongoose, deer, tortoises, crocodile, elephants and the elusive leopard – what a treat that was! So many different birds. We also visited lots of interesting cultural and historical venues and our guide, Suresh, brought so much of this to life with his in-depth knowledge of the history, culture and wildlife of the country. The cycling was challenging and I was very glad that I had opted for the e-bike as this meant that I could enjoy the whole trip without the anxiety about whether I would be able to keep up with the group. Suresh really made the trip special for us with so many extra touches such as visiting local families, organising group meals and group games, ensuring that our luggage was always in our rooms on arrival and magically collected each morning! The group was fantastic and definitely made the whole experience even better – I hope we will keep in touch!
Most Inspirational Moment
Meeting a local family and visiting their home Seeing Leopards in the wild Having a family dinner served in banana leaves The abundance of wildlife
Thoughts on Group Leader
Suresh was outstanding and for sure has spoilt us for future trips! His passion and enthusiasm for his country, his humour and banter with the group, his organisational skills, his numerous "little extra touches" - all of this meant that the trip was truly stress free and hugely enjoyable. He even arranged our transport for us when we were travelling onward after the trip and checked that we were safely arrived home at the end of our holiday. I cannot imagine how anyone could be better which is a real challenge for the poor leader when we go on another tour!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take sterling cash with you as much easier to change than using card and incurring excessive costs. 3-pin plugs always available so no need for plug adaptors Mosi repellent an absolute must!
Suggestions
Highly recommend this trip! January is the perfect month to get away from the grim weather at home and be warm for 2 weeks!
Stephen Fawcett
Reviewed January 2023
An accurate description
Sri Lanka is a wonderful country with fantastic scenery, history and people. Despite their recent problems everyone we met was so welcoming and helpful. Our guide Suresh was exceptional in all respects including organisation, local knowledge and attention to detail. He made our experience so enjoyable and informed
Most Inspirational Moment
For me, given that it was a cycling trip the highlight was cycling up and over the hill to Nuwara Eliya- a height of around 1,850 metres.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Suresh was an amazing guide and exceptionally good at his job. His attention to detail, organisational and social skills and his ability to deal with and anticipate the needs of every group member were over and above anything I have experienced on other trips. He gave the impression that he knew every individual we came across and he enabled us to have a feel for the local lifestyles, food and culture everywhere we went.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do visit Sri Lanka and don’t be put off by the recent problems. The country is keen to welcome tourists once again and it’s people will go out of their way to make visitors’ experience enjoyable.
Suggestions
Sri Lanka seemed to me to be a very safe place for cycling and most, but not all, of the road surfaces were good without too many potholes and off road sections. For those who feel the need ebikes are also available
Daniel Morris
Reviewed December 2022
Sri Lanka December 2022
Fabulous cycling trip, filled with amazing activities.
Most Inspirational Moment
Downhill cycling from Ella
Thoughts on Group Leader
Fantastic - knowledgable, funny, entertaining, went way beyond the call of duty
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go on this trip!
David H
Reviewed April 2022
A Fantastic Trip
I found the Wildlife of Sri Lanka amazing, everywhere we went, not just the in the game reserves. Generally cycling along, we found crocodiles, long Lizards, a variety of bird life, mischievous monkeys, etc. One day an elephant was on the road, just before we cycled through. I wasn’t expecting so much nature outside of the reserves.
Rowan, the trip leader, and the boys were amazing in every respect. You will be well looked after.
Be ready for early starts and a quick departure to take advantage of the cooler mornings. The heat and sun when ascending, was challenging, but the bus and truck were always there if it got too much.
I felt completely safe in Sri Lanka. Although there are lots of problems there regarding fuel and food, we did not experience any problems as tourists, so don’t let the News put you off. They badly need tourism to return to pre-covid levels to support their economy.
Most Inspirational Moment
The wildlife and the friendliness of the Sri Lankan people, especially on the local small restaurants and bars.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Superb
Advice for Potential Travellers
The whole day was very tightly structured, including where the group were to eat in the evening (e.g. at the hotel or a ride to local restaurant). If like me, you want to be independent in the evenings, make sure read in advance what's around your hotel, so you can have evenings to yourself as it's not always obvious as to what you can do and there were no alternative options given by the leader for most evenings. Tuk Tuks are available everywhere and inexpensive, I used them a few times to get around locally when not with the group. The monsoon weather is heavy vertical rain. My 'expensive' breathable shower proof jackets were insufficient. Take a brolly and a cheap all body waterproof poncho with you... you will be glad you did. Day 4 at the Countryside Hotel was not so great, in my view, with a poor breakfast and 'rundown' chalets. Hopefully you have a better experience, but maybe you want to buy some fruit for breakfast and have some insect repellent available for that night, just in case. All other hotels/guesthouses were fabulous.
You will get a refund if you have to cancel your trip due to COVID-19.
Start
Finish
Availability
Adult Price From
Optional Single Supplement
Sunday Saturday
09 Apr 2023 08 Apr 2023
Saturday Saturday
22 Apr 2023 22 Apr 2023
AvailabilityGuaranteed (On Request)
Adult Price FromCAD 4,195
Optional Single Supplement+CAD 741
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
AvailabilityGuaranteed (Limited) Only 4 spaces left!
Adult Price FromCAD 3,895
Optional Single Supplement+CAD 741
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
*Please note any date & price adjustments will be displayed on the next step of booking. You will be able to revert back to booking without flights if the options aren't suitable for you.
