Cycling Holidays in Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, you can expect a vibrant and flavourful culinary experience that reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage. Some must-try dishes include rice and curry – a staple meal consisting of rice served with an array of curries such as fish, chicken and vegetable, accompanied by sambal (a spicy condiment). Another popular dish is roti, a type of flatbread served with various fillings like vegetable, egg or meat. Seafood lovers will enjoy fresh and flavourful dishes like fish ambul thiyal (sour fish curry) or prawn curry. For a unique culinary experience, try hoppers – bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour, often served with egg or spicy sambal. Don’t miss out on trying kottu roti, a tasty and hearty street food made with chopped roti, vegetables and meat or seafood, all stir-fried together.

Sri Lanka is home to many magnificent national parks, each with their own unique charms. Among them, Yala National Park stands out as one of the best in the country. Known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, leopards and an array of birds, Yala boasts an unparalleled safari experience. As well as exploring the park’s picturesque landscapes, from dense forests to pristine beaches, you can also explore ancient ruins. With its rich biodiversity and incredible scenery, Yala National Park deserves its world-famous reputation.

In the past, Sri Lanka was indeed home to a subspecies of tigers called the “Sri Lankan tiger” or the “Ceylon tiger” (Panthera tigris tigris). However, due to various factors such as habitat loss, hunting and conflicts with humans, this subspecies became extinct in the mid-20th century. The last recorded tiger in Sri Lanka was seen in the 1940s, marking the end of their presence on the island.

Despite the extinction of tigers in Sri Lanka, the country has taken significant steps towards wildlife conservation and protection. National parks and reserves have been established to safeguard the existing wildlife species and their habitats. Efforts are also being made to reintroduce species that have become locally extinct, although the reestablishment of tigers in Sri Lanka has not been attempted due to various challenges.

The best month to visit Sri Lanka is generally considered to be between December and March due to the optimal weather conditions. This is the peak tourist season in the country, with plenty of sunshine, clear skies and minimal rainfall. The temperature during these months is comfortable, making it perfect for exploring the beautiful beaches, lush rainforests and ancient cultural sites that Sri Lanka has to offer.

The ideal number of days needed for a cycling trip in Sri Lanka will vary depending on your interests and the areas you want to explore. If you are looking to cover the highlights of the country and cycle through some of its most scenic regions, a recommended duration would be around 14 days. This allows you to experience diverse terrain, from the lush tea plantations in the central highlands to the pristine beaches along the coast. Also, taking time to immerse yourself in the local culture and sample the delicious cuisine will enrich your experience.