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Cycle the Back Roads of Sri Lanka

Name: Cycle the Back Roads of Sri Lanka
Brand: Exodus
SKU: MIR
Availability: LimitedAvailability
Rating: 4.8 (218 reviews)

218 reviews

Overview

Cycle Sri Lanka’s quieter backroads, passing Buddhist temples, tea estates and small villages before reaching the Indian Ocean

Hop on a bike and immerse yourself in the best of Sri Lanka: tea hills, safari parks, golden coasts, and a selection of nights in Superior Comfort accommodation (just when you need it!). Led by a knowledgeable local cycling leader, we take the quietest roads possible, with a chance to test yourself against the scenic hill regions of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. That’s complemented with visits to iconic landmarks, including the mighty rock fortress at Sigiriya, Dambulla’s sacred cave temples and Yala National Park, where we search for the elusive leopard. And where better to end than the gold-sand beaches of the south coast?

Key Information

Travel Style Superior: Adventure with a softer landing, thoughtfully elevated through upgraded stays and added comfort: Superior
Activity: Cycling
Activity Level: Moderate & Challenging
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Trip Code: MIR
Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Superior
Countries: Sri Lanka
Carbon Footprint: 32.9kg CO2e per person per day
Terrain: Low altitude; 95 percent paved, 5 percent unsurfaced roads. Routes mostly follow quiet backroads, with several climbs

What's Included

All accommodation: 8 Superior Comfort nights (hotels), 5 Comfort nights (hotels)
All breakfasts, nine lunches and one dinner
Immersive cycling itinerary with all transport and listed activities, including Yala National Park game drive
Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure, plus cycling support team
Group arrival and departure transfers available
Local bike hire of a fully serviced Proformance ACL-02 touring/hybrid bike
10 days cycling with full vehicle support

Positive Impact

We donate to our Foundation and rewild 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller. Find out more about how our adventures support nature and people to thrive.

Don't Forget To

Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations. If you want to upgrade to an e-bike, these are available for an additional cost.

Highlights

Cycle quiet backroads through rice fields, rural villages and Sri Lanka’s changing landscapes

Challenge yourself on a rewarding ride through the emerald tea hills of the central highlands

Hop off the bike to climb the iconic rock fortress at Sigiriya for unforgettable views over the central plains

Game drive through Yala National Park in search of the leopards, elephants and other wildlife

Enter Dambulla’s sacred cave temples, home to an extraordinary collection of Buddhist statues and paintings

Unwind with Superior Comfort hotels on select nights: think pool views of Sigiriya and a beach resort in Ahangama

Itinerary

First Destination: Sigiriya
Next Destination: Colombo

Accommodation:Hotel Sigiriya (or similar)
Meals included:Dinner

Distance:48 km / 29.8 miles
Accommodation:Hotel Sigiriya (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Distance:54 km / 33.6 miles
Accommodation:Hotel Giritale (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Distance:76 km / 47.2 miles
Accommodation:Hotel Topaz (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:Hotel Topaz (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Distance:80 km / 49.7 miles
Accommodation:The Blackpool, Galway Heights (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Distance:20 km / 12.4 miles
Accommodation:The Blackpool, Galway Heights (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Distance:62 km / 38.5 miles
Accommodation:Hotel Country Comfort (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Distance:102 km / 63.4 miles
Accommodation:Chaarya Resort & Spa (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Distance:41 km / 25.5 miles
Accommodation:Chaarya Resort & Spa (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Distance:36 km / 22.4 miles
Accommodation:Insight Resort (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:Insight Resort (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Ramada by Wyndham Colombo (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Sigiriya
Next Destination: Colombo

Welcome to Sigiriya, where our cycling adventure begins. There are no planned activities today, so there’s time to settle into the hotel and relax before we get on our bikes tomorrow.

Around 6pm say ayubowan to your tour leader and fellow travellers at the hotel, where we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.

Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome by arranging a group dinner for your first taste of Sri Lankan cuisine.

Want to explore further? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Accommodation:Hotel Sigiriya (or similar)
Meals included:Dinner

Rise early to climb the fifth-century rock fortress of Sigiriya. As we make our way up, we pass ancient frescoes on the rockface before continuing to the summit, where we explore the palace ruins and take in far-reaching views over the jungle.

Return to the hotel for a late breakfast and then 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 Kandalama reservoir, which is rich in bird life. Arriving in 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.

Distance:48 km / 29.8 miles
Accommodation:Hotel Sigiriya (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

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. After around 15mi (24km), we take a 15-minute bus transfer to avoid a stretch where wild elephants roam, before getting back on the bike to complete our ride.

The second stretch of the ride winds through small villages and lush rice paddy fields. We pass a couple of tranquil reservoirs and an irrigation canal running parallel to the road – look out for mongoose, kingfisher, storks and birds of prey amongst the rural scenery.

Later, we tour the ruined city of Polonnaruwa, which dates from the 10^th to 13th century. You have the option in the evening to join your tour leader at a family-owned restaurant to experience local food and culture.

Distance:54 km / 33.6 miles
Accommodation:Hotel Giritale (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

We follow a 6mi (10km) 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. The ride starts at an elevation of 328ft (100m) and the destination is at an elevation of 820ft (250m).

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.

During today’s ride, we also visit a special roadside tea shop near Polonnaruwa. After the stall fell into disrepair, our Sri Lankan tour leader Ruwan Balasuriya donated the prize money he won entering the our Leaders’ Hall of Fame to help the owner family renovate the stall, making it a welcome stop for all passers by.

Distance:76 km / 47.2 miles
Accommodation:Hotel Topaz (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

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 Topaz (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

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.

A short drive from the hotel will take us to the beginning of the ride, enabling us to bypass Kandy’s busiest roads. 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.

For anyone who doesn’t do hills, we strongly recommend the train ride to Nuwara Eliya. Tickets for the train journey are dependent on availability, they can only be purchased on the day and unable to reserve in advance. If unavailable, we can use the bus instead.

Distance:80 km / 49.7 miles
Accommodation:The Blackpool, Galway Heights (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

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 take a short bus transfer into Nuwara Eliya town and then ride to a tea factory through little villages and patches of vegetables. As we twist and turn on the rolling, 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.

Distance:20 km / 12.4 miles
Accommodation:The Blackpool, Galway Heights (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

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. After a refreshing tea break, we take backroads through hundreds of acres of tea plantations and cycle along the edge of the Central Highlands to reach Ella. 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 join a local family to share authentic Sri Lankan cuisine and learn firsthand from our hosts about their customs and culture.

Distance:62 km / 38.5 miles
Accommodation:Hotel Country Comfort (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

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.

Distance:102 km / 63.4 miles
Accommodation:Chaarya Resort & Spa (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

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 explore the lesser-visited Block 5 area, which has denser vegetation than the open plains but the same chances of seeing the elusive leopards and sloth bears, all without having to compete with multiple other game vehicles. After, 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.

Distance:41 km / 25.5 miles
Accommodation:Chaarya Resort & Spa (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Leaving early to avoid the heat of the dry zone, we ride along the boundary of Bundala Bird Sanctuary. 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.

Distance:36 km / 22.4 miles
Accommodation:Insight Resort (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Today you can pick your own adventure. Either relax at the hotel or join a late-morning ride (15.5mi/25km) along rural roads to Wandurugama village, where you 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 this beautiful residence. After the visit, return to the hotel via Koggala Lake (approximately a three-hour ride).

This afternoon is free to explore the beach, laze by the pool or join an optional boat ride through mangrove swamps to a cinnamon plantation and monkey island on Koggala Lake. 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

After an early breakfast, we travel to Galle, where there is time to discover its historic fortified old town. Galle Fort reflects centuries of colonial history, with much of its fortifications developed by the Dutch in the 17th century. Wander along the old ramparts and through the narrow streets before finding your own spot for lunch.

We meet back at the bus in the mid-afternoon for the approximately two-hour drive to Colombo. On arrival, the rest of the day is free to relax at the hotel or explore independently. This evening, we can choose from one of Colombo’s many restaurants for our final dinner together.

Accommodation:Ramada by Wyndham Colombo (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

You’ve explored Sri Lanka from the saddle, summited mighty Sigiriya and been on safari in Yala National Park, but today the adventure comes to end.

Alternatively, if you’re craving a little R&R, speak to your sales representative about a post-trip adventure in the Maldives or time relaxing on the golden sands of Sri Lanka.

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

Need flights or extra nights? Book through us and fly with confidence

Call us on 1 844 462 4317

Your Group, Your Adventure

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View Details

Accommodation

Hotels and local guesthouses

We aim to secure locally owned accommodation that is well located, offers good value for money, and plenty of comfort. The normal accommodations used on this trip are on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are a few of the notable places we stay.

Sigiriya: Hotel Sigiriya (nights 1-2)

Cycle the Back Roads of Sri Lanka

Swim with a view of one of Sri Lanka’s most remarkable landmarks at this relaxed retreat near Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The outdoor pool faces the towering rock itself, creating a memorable backdrop for a dip. Spacious rooms sit among leafy gardens, plus there’s a spa with ancient Ayurvedic treatments should you wish to treat yourself.

Nuwara Eliya: Galway Heights (nights 6-7)

Galway Heights

Breathe in the cool hill-country air at this contemporary hotel in Nuwara Eliya, surrounded by tea-covered slopes. Spacious rooms feature large windows and warm wood interiors, while a lounge bar and peaceful garden setting make it a welcoming base after exploring Sri Lanka’s tea country.

Ella: Hotel Country Comfort (night 8)

Hotel Country Comfort

Experience Sri Lankan hospitality with a stay at this traditional 20-room guesthouse, where the welcome is warm. It has a 40-seat restaurant serving a mix of cuisines (specialising in traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry) and a bar with local and international drinks.

Yala: Chaarya Resort & Spa (nights 9-10)

Cycle the Back Roads of Sri Lanka

Retreat into the wilderness at this four-star property close to Yala National Park, which has spacious chalet-style bedrooms with private balconies. Cool off in the pool, an oasis between the trees, or visit the spa for a welcome massage. The resort also has an al fresco and indoor restaurant serving international and local cuisines.

Ahangama: Insight Resort (nights 11-12)

Cycle the Back Roads of Sri Lanka

Finish with two nights at the atmospheric Insight Resort in Ahangama, where the beach is just beyond the gardens – a fitting reward after pedalling your way through ancient cities, tea country and Sri Lanka’s wildlife-rich south. Spacious rooms offer sea views and the fishing village of Ahangama is also within easy walking distance if you’d like to explore. Weather permitting, there may also be the chance to enjoy a barbecue on the beach one evening.

Worth knowing

Wifi is available at most accommodations, either in the rooms or the communal areas.
Tailor your trip: Extend your adventure by securing extra hotel nights before or after the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Private rooms: Like most tour operators, we room solo passengers together. If you’d prefer to have a private room, it’s normally possible to do this for a supplement. 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 be allocated.

Post-trip Extensions

Exclusive Add-ons

Sri Lanka Beach Hotels

Recharge with a few relaxing nights by the beach and make your Sri Lankan adventure feel even more extraordinary. Think warm waves, swaying palms, and fresh seafood enjoyed with a coastal breeze. Here are a few of our favourite beach hotels to inspire your stay:

Jetwing Lighthouse, Galle: An iconic hotel celebrated for its unique architectural heritage near the historic trading post of Galle. Perched on a rocky headland with rooms overlooking the Indian Ocean, Jetwing Lighthouse offers exceptional service, multiple pools and elegant dining.

Heritance Ahungalla: Set in a tranquil coastal location, this five-star resort blends beachfront luxury with sweeping ocean views. Its prime position on a long stretch of sandy beach makes it perfect for travellers looking to unwind and soak up Sri Lanka’s natural beauty.

Jetwing Beach Hotel, Negombo: A stylish and comfortable base with direct access to Negombo’s golden sands and a beachfront pool. Spacious rooms, excellent dining and close proximity to the airport make it an ideal choice for unwinding before your journey home.

This is just a glimpse of what’s possible. Speak to your sales representative, who can guide you through the options and arrange everything for you.

Maldives Hotels

Why not end your adventure with a touch of luxury in the Maldives, just a one-hour flight from Sri Lanka?

Beautiful islands covered with tropical vegetation, surrounded by wide sandy beaches and azure waters. Spend your days diving, snorkelling or swimming in the warm, calm ocean. For an unforgettable stay pick an iconic Overwater Villa, where panoramic sea views and serene sunsets come as standard. With many properties offering all-inclusive options, the Maldives can offer an indulgent finale to your holiday. Here are a few of our favourites to inspire your stay:

Royal Island Resort, Baa Atoll: Set on a lush, palm-fringed island in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this peaceful retreat is known for its excellent diving/snorkelling, serene beaches and relaxed, natural atmosphere.

Hotel Riu Atoll, Dhaalu Atoll: A modern, all-inclusive resort offering overwater suites, beachfront rooms and a selection of dining options on Maafushi island. With great snorkelling, it’s perfect for those who want convenience and activities.

Taj Coral Reef Resort, North Malé Atoll: A stylish boutique island retreat, renowned for its vibrant marine life and exceptional diving. With elegant villas and personalised service, it offers an intimate and luxurious escape.

This is just a glimpse of what’s possible. Speak to your sales representative, who can guide you through the options and arrange everything for you.

Essential Information

Trip Expert

Suresh Bandara

Expert Leader: Sri Lanka

Introducing Suresh Winner of our Leader of the Year and Hall of Fame awards, Suresh is the perfect example of what a leader should be: friendly, extremely knowledgeable and passionate about sharing his destination.

This trip is rated Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

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, such as Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Bandarawela, especially from Nuwara Eliya to Ella. However, these situations typically only occur during long weekends and holidays.

When visiting Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Lion Rock) the final ascent to the top is on metal open stairs fixed against the side of the rock. There are handrails on either side but those with vertigo or a strong fear of heights may prefer to stay on the lower level (where the lion “paws” are) and not continue to the rock plateau.

April departures, Sinhala and Tamil New Year:

A unique celebration to the people of Sri Lanka, this important New Year national festival, known as Avurudu in Sinhala and Puththandu in Tamil, is not celebrated by any other nation. The Sinhala and Tamil New Year festivities are observed by both Sinhala Buddhists and Tamil Hindus across Sri Lanka for two days on the 13 – 14 April (may vary slightly year on year). If you are travelling in Sri Lanka over these dates you can expect to see religious ceremonies, family activities, traditional foods, colourful decorations and a general feeling of good will toward neighbours and friends. Parties can go on into the night and it can be quite loud during this period. Your Leader will be happy to show you some of the activities where your itinerary allows. Please note, during the New Year public holiday, most shops, monuments and attractions will be closed however, your Leader will modify the itinerary as required to ensure minimal disruption

Key information

Start hotel: Hotel Sigiriya, Hotel Road, Sigiriya
Phone: +94 664 930 500
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing around 6pm this evening.
Airport: Colombo Airport (CMB)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately a 2hr 45min drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:

Take the group transfer

We provide one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times.

Make your own way

It’s possible to reach the start hotel by public transport, but the journey is complicated. We therefore recommend joining the group transfer where possible. If not, you can speak to your sales representative about booking a private transfer. Please note, the cost of our private transfer is likely to be higher than a local taxi as our service is subject to local government tax; however, we only allocate vetted drivers.

On arrival at the hotel, please make the reception staff aware you are part of our group and they will have more details on meeting with your leader and group.

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s one group transfer to the airport, which you can join at no extra cost. Please speak to your sales representative for the time of the transfer. If the group transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative.

Sri Lanka

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally need a visa (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka. Travellers from 40 countries, including the UK, US and Canada, can obtain a free 30-day ETA at www.eta.gov.lk. We strongly recommend that you do this prior to travel to avoid any complications and delays on arrival. 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.

Local customs and laws: You should 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.

We suggest allowing about 7,000 rupees (US$23) per day for lunches and dinners that aren’t included.

Eating out in Sri Lanka is generally affordable, and your tour leader can recommend local places to eat. In some locations, restaurant choices may be limited or unsuitable for larger groups, in which case you’ll eat at the hotel. Hotel meals are generally buffet-style, although many also offer an à la carte menu. Where practical, your tour leader can help arrange transport into the local town, or you can travel independently by tuk tuk or taxi.

Sri Lankan cuisine combines fresh local produce with aromatic spices and flavours influenced by the island’s diverse cultural heritage. Rice and curry is a staple, typically consisting of a selection of meat or vegetable curries, pickles, sambols (condiments) and poppadoms. Coconut, chilli, curry leaves, cinnamon and garlic feature prominently in many dishes.

Vegetarians are well catered for, but please let us know before departure about any dietary requirements. Some specialist products can be difficult to find, particularly outside hotels, and options for certain diets, including wheat- or dairy-free, may be limited. If you rely on particular products, you may wish to bring suitable alternatives from home. Spicier food can usually be avoided, and many hotels offer Western options alongside traditional Sri Lankan dishes.

Drinking water is provided by our local operator in large containers throughout the trip. Please bring a reusable bottle to refill.

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.

Rainfall is determined by seasonal and regional variations. The monsoon season in the southwest lasts from May to November, when the rainfall can be exceptionally heavy. In the northern dry zone, most of the annual precipitation, roughly 1,016mm (about 40in) occurs during the monsoon season, which begins in the first week of November, though we do not really visit this region and so are largely unaffected by this monsoon. The hills and lowlands of the southwest normally have some rainfall throughout the year, with the heaviest occurring in May and June and again in October and November.

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

You’ll also find Thriving Nature, Thriving People moments across our trips. These experiences are often a highlight of your adventure, while also benefiting the natural world or local communities.

On this trip, we:

Join a family in Ella to share authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, learning firsthand from our hosts about the local customs and culture.
Visit a roadside tea shop that was renovated with a donation from Ruwan Balasuriya with the prize money he earned when entering the Exodus Leaders’ Hall of Fame.

Gordon Bare

Added December 2025

Bike Sri Lanka

This was a great opportunity to bike and see Sri Lanka (even impacted by a typhoon) but marred by a seriously inadequate ebike. It was underpowered at best, power on my bike and another one cut out on occasion and the governor at 25 kph makes an ebike worse than useless since one has to pedal a heavy bike hard to stay up with the group sometimes doing 27-28 kph on good roads. After my complaints, guide Surech stried to help and swapped out my bike for a slightly better powered but much heavier urban stile bike but it was not really an improvement. And I had a very heavy urban ebike on an Exodus Japan tour last year that I complained about with little result.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great

Advice for Potential Travellers

enquire carefully about ebike rental

Read all reviews

USD 3795

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Trip Notes

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USD 3795

14 Days Excluding Flights

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Cycle the Back Roads of Sri Lanka

Overview

Cycle Sri Lanka’s quieter backroads, passing Buddhist temples, tea estates and small villages before reaching the Indian Ocean

Key Information

What's Included

Positive Impact

Don't Forget To

Highlights

Itinerary

Dates & Prices

Need flights or extra nights? Book through us and fly with confidence

Your Group, Your Adventure

Accommodation

Hotels and local guesthouses

Post-trip Extensions

Sri Lanka Beach Hotels

Maldives Hotels

Essential Information

Trip Expert

Key information

Getting to the start hotel

Catching your return flight

Sri Lanka