Wheels Around the Island

Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka! Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport. Beyondary ’s Sri Lanka cycle tour begins in the coastal town of Negombo. On arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be met and transferred to hotel.
Negombo is a multi-faith town with a majority population of Roman Catholics, as well as Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims. It is sometimes referred to as ‘little Rome’, with over 20 Catholic churches featuring ornate architecture that date from the Portuguese era.
Fishing is a key industry and there are bustling markets where you’ll see mats spread out with drying fish along the sandy beaches.

Setting off on the bikes from Negombo the first 3km of ride are on main road until reach quiet back road. You may pass a fish market and local fishing communities as you cycle towards Kurunegala along a picturesque route that passes coconut plantations and toddy tappers and paddy fields on fairly flat, wide roads. We first ride on tarmac and then red dirt track.
After 45km you may reach Kattimahana. From there you will transfer to Kurunegala. Coconut and rubber plantations surround the town, but long before you arrive, you may spy a towering Buddha statue. Eight large rocks encircle the city and legend has it that they represent animals who were turned to stone by a demoness lady of the lake for threatening to drink the water dry. Once a medieval capital city, Kurunegala is now predominantly a modern town with an old stone clock tower in the center. After a Sri Lankan rice and curry lunch in a local restaurant you will transfer on by vehicle to avoid main roads to Dambulla or, after one hour by vehicle, you can choose to ride a further 38km from Malsiripura to Kiriibbankatuwa Lake. First cycling along 14km of small sealed road through agricultural countryside and clay house villages, then continuing on red dirt road for a further 24km. Thereafter take another vehicle transfer to reach Dambulla.
Situated at the heart of the cultural triangle, Dambulla has the best-preserved cave temples in Sri Lanka. There are five caves; the shrines are decorated with murals and populated by numerous Buddha statues. The temples are evidence of the presence of indigenous civilizations long before the arrival of Indian influence on Sri Lanka.

Cycling Distance: 88km (55 miles)
Total Climb: 324m (1,063ft)
Total Descent: 280m (921ft)
Accommodation: Overnight stay in Dambulla (B, L, D)

Today’s excursion to Sigiriya involves cycling in a circle. First, we cycle 20 km along the shores of Kandalama Lake, allowing excellent panoramas of the old rock fortress Sigiriya (Lion Rock), which dates back to the fifth century. This “eighth wonder of the world” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that goes back to the fifth century B.C. It was the legendary Kassapa, King of the Sinhalese, summer residence. Ascend 300 meters to the summit through striking murals while making a hard elevation using a combination of circular iron staircases and steps cut out of the rock. You may discover the ruins of Sinhalese King Kasyapa’s citadel at the summit, where you’ll also be treated to breathtaking vistas.
Once we get back to the ground, you can have a refreshing King Coconut (Thambili) beverage before ride on to your lunch destination. Enjoy a meal at a kamatha, a paddy field farmer’s work station. In addition to having the chance to sample hoppers and “kotthu,” you may also try your hand at cooking on the iron stove.
Ride a well-surfaced loop back to Dambulla after lunch.

Cycling Distance: 45km (28 miles)
Total Climb: 240m (785ft)
Total Descent: 245m (804ft)
Accommodation: Overnight stay in Dambulla (B, L, D)

Start the day with a ride through little villages and rice fields, with jungle on both sides of the road. Along the way, you might hear or see some peacocks and monkeys. Thereafter You will be served seasonal regional cuisine by a village family today for lunch.
You’ll get a chance to see the village school. you will have fantastic views of the local birdlife when you ride on red dirt roads by Kadawalal Lake this afternoon.
After arriving at Polonnaruwa, which is the center of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, you will cycle another 15 kilometers through the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was found again in the 18th century after it had been abandoned in the 13th century. The Cholas’ Brahmanic chiseled stone monuments demonstrate the splendor of the erstwhile Rajarata Kingdom. This 11th and 12th century AD medieval capital is still a well-preserved city of stupas, moonstones, lovely parks, tall buildings, and massive ancient statues. Among the ancient riches are some of the best examples of Sri Lankan art and architecture from that era, such the enormous Buddha statues at the Gal Vihara. Bicycling is the best way to explore the vast expanse of woodland that houses the city’s ruins.

Cycling Distance 79km (49 miles)
Total Climb: 288m (946ft)
Total Descent: 418m (1,374ft)
Accommodation: Overnight stay in Polonnaruwa (B, L, D)

The day begins with a vehicle transfer to Bakamuna (1 hour, 30 minutes). Once on the bikes you will be cycling on a flat terrain experiencing variable surfaces and passing the beautiful Wasgomuwa Wildlife Park. We head on riding up into the hills, following small roads and lanes first through forested scenery. As you ascend into the spice plantations are surroundings change with dramatic landscapes, hidden waterfalls and stunning mountain views. There after stop for lunch in a local house with mountain views.
Cycling Distance: 45km (28 miles)
Total Climb: 1,387m (4,553ft)
Total Descent: 450m (1,477ft)
Accommodation: Overnight stay at a Bungalow (B, L, D)

The journey begins with a 35 km cycle on winding roads through a picturesque valley and hillside in the Knuckles Mountain Forest Reserve. The route is upward and offers breathtaking views of cloud forests, waterfalls, and a wealth of natural diversity. The town’s residents are descended from Arab spice traders when we arrive in Matale, the capital of the spice hills. Also, Alu Vihara is a colorful temple and spice garden located just north of Matale.
After a vehicle transfer, continue on to Kandy, the hill capital and cultural center of Sri Lanka.
Cycling Distance: 56km (35 miles)
Total Climb: 1,372m (4,502ft)
Total Descent: 1,909m (6,266ft)
Accommodation: Overnight stay in Kandy Hotel (B, L, D)

You may take today break from riding the cycles to explore Kandy.
One of the most picturesque towns in Sri Lanka is Kandy. At 488 meters above sea level, it is the second most popular tourist attraction in Sri Lanka, behind Colombo.
An important religious temple called the Temple of the Tooth is located in Kandy. Here, since the fourth century, is a revered tooth relic belonging to Lord Buddha. The woodwork and elaborate decorations of the temple are exquisite. Every day at dawn, midday, and evening, religious ceremonies (pooja) are conducted with traditional music and drumming, and visitors are welcome to attend.There is a mix of traditional and colonial architecture and at the town’s centre is a small lake. The Udawattekelle forest reserve is right at the heart of Kandy. In just a matter of minutes you can leave the bustling city centre for tranquil jungle surroundings if you want.
Accommodation: Overnight stay in Kandy Hotel (B, L, D)

Leave beautiful Kandy, Transfer to Kandy railway station after breakfast. From the station you will embark on a scenic train trip from Kandy to Hatton (Approximately 3hrs), then cycle from Hatton station to Dikoya (approximately 8 km) through leafy tea plantations.
For lunch, enjoy an authentic Tamil meal from a local kiosk. Check into your hotel then relax.

Cycle Distance: 8km
Accommodation: Overnight stay in Dikoya (B, L, D)

Continue riding your bicycle through tea farms today, joining hill stations and former colonial plantations with dirt paths that wind through the lush greenery. To get to Belihuloya, passengers will be cycling over numerous hard climbs through gorgeous scenery.
This beautiful hillside location links the dry and wet zones and the hill and low countryside at an altitude of less than 1,500m making it a rich bio-diversity spot. The vegetation ranges from moist semi-evergreen and tropical forest, to dry patana grasslands and temperate forests. A perfect location for nature lovers.

Cycling Distance: 40km (25 miles)
Total Climb: 2,001m (6,562ft)
Total Descent: 940m (3,086ft)
Accommodation: Overnight stay at Hotel in Belihuloya (B, L, D)

From Belihuloya you will cycle gravel paths through small towns, villages and forest, first on gentle undulating road before a steep uphill ride. We ride mostly through thick forested areas; the journey is refreshingly cool in the shade of the trees cycling leading us to Udawalawe national park.

The area was created to provide a habitat for animals displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe reservoir on the Walawe River. There are many water birds and Sri Lankan elephants here. Udawalawe is a popular tourist destination and the third most visited park in the country.

Proceed to Udawalwe. In the evening explore Udawalawe on safari jeep. Mainly open parkland, the park is famous for its elephants which can be seen in herds of over one hundred. Udawalawe is also home to spotted deer, sambar, barking deer, wild boar, water buffalo and jackal whilst the birding is excellent as well.

Cycling Distance 64KM (39 miles)
Total Climb: 879m (2885ft)
Total Descent: 1,366m (4,481ft)
Accommodation: Overnight stay at hotel In Udawalawa (B, L, D)

Today, we ride on back roads through picturesque paddy fields and past tiny village homes as we make our way towards the southern shore. You will see some of Sri Lanka’s best cinnamon plantations along the way.
Cinnamon grows very well in the mild coastal hills of southern Sri Lanka. Additionally, at an elevation of 600 meters above sea level, you will witness some of the best low-grown tea plantations. These teas have a rich color and are powerful and hefty.
Lunch in a local home where you can sample the local specialty, “black dodol,” or buffalo curd with honey.
You may ride the cycle last few km along the main coastal road to reach Mirissa. At the southern tip of the island, Mirissa has a headland between a small fishing harbor a beautiful stretch of sandy beach with calm, clear waters. This tranquil spot is now becoming more popular as travelers turn away from the more popular resorts. Fringed with coconut trees the beach offers spectacular sunsets Mirissa is a popular place for whale and dolphin watching.

Cycling Distance: 101km (63 miles)
Total Climb: 756m (2,481ft)
Total Descent: 833m (2,734ft)
Accommodation: Overnight Stay at Hotel in Mirissa (B, L, D)

Make an early start cycling northwards this morning following the coast towards Galle;
The story of Galle Fort is fascinating and dates back even further than the 16th century when the Portuguese built the first ramparts. The Dutch arrived later and heavily fortified the settlement and then eventually along came the British. Through these many changes of rulers, the ethnic makeup of the city was born through its significant role as a trading port. Today the families who live in the fort have in most cases, lived there for many generations.
This is a story that deserves two hours and you may walk through the atmospheric streets and along the ramparts with the ocean crashing against the rocks below.

Cycling Distance: 47km (29 miles)
Total Climb: 307m (1,009ft)
Total Descent: 309m (1,014ft)
Accommodation: Overnight Stay at Hotel in Galle (B, L, D)

Today you are going to go on an hour-long cycling tour around the city this morning. Then pack up the bikes and eat lunch at a Galle Fort restaurant.
Return to Negombo this afternoon. You have time to visit the fish market, long lengths of sandy beach, and the town’s historic section.
Cycling Distance: 10km-Around Negombo (6 miles)
Accommodation: Hotel (B, L, D)

Beyondary ‘S cycling tour ends today.
Leave early in the morning for Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo in order to make further connections; the trip takes around 30 minutes from the final hotel to the airport.

After breakfast transfer to Colombo Airport to catch your flight back home accompanied with all the happy memories of the tropical isle Sri Lanka once known as TAPROBANE.