Cycle the Back Roads of Sri Lanka
Experience Overview
Sri Lanka is best explored on two wheels. Hop on a bike and you experience this compact island like a local: waving to smiling children and riding through a natural paradise of tea hills, safari parks and golden coasts. On this cycling adventure, 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?
Profile
— Accommodation: 8 Superior nights (hotels), 5 Classic nights (hotels) — 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 —
E-bikes available for an additional cost
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 8 Superior nights (hotels), 5 Classic nights (hotels) — 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 —
E-bikes available for an additional cost
Trip For You
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.
Please note, 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 a strong fear of heights may prefer to stay on the lower level (where the lion “pawsare) 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 12 - 13 April 2024 and 13 – 14 April 2025 (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
Group Description
Our Sri Lankan team of leaders have proved very popular with their incredible knowledge, passion and hospitality adding greatly to the experience. There is no better way to experience Sri Lankan culture than letting a local leader show you around their country. Depending on group size, there may be two cycling leaders.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts and 10 lunches included.
We suggest allowing about 7,000 rupees (US$23) per day for lunch and dinner.
You can eat out very cheaply in Sri Lanka and your leader will provide recommendations for where to eat locally however, the options may not always be suited to larger groups. Some locations you stay may have limited local restaurant choice, in which case meals will be at the hotel. Hotel meals are generally buffets; the majority offer an à la carte menu, but service can be slow. Where suitable, your tour leader will be happy to arrange a shuttle transfer into the local town or, if you prefer to be more independent, take a tuk tuk or taxi. Your leader can help recommend some good places to eat.
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 as well as the Dutch, Portuguese and English. Despite (or perhaps because of) these influences, Sri Lankan cuisine is often referred to as simply 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 as well as various pickles, sambols (condiments), and a handful of tiny poppadum – all using the contrasting flavours of coconut, chilli, curry leaves, cinnamon and garlic.
Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Please note, the availability of certain products is minimal or non-existent in Sri Lanka. For example, wheat- or dairy-free options outside of hotels are limited. Please be prepared for this and you may need to bring these from home. Spicier food can be avoided easily and lots of the hotels will serve Western options alongside traditional food.
Mineral water is provided by our local operator in large containers throughout the trip so please bring a bottle with you to refill. Please note, restaurant service can be quite slow.
Transportation
Transfers to and from the airport are in a private bus. All your luggage and personal belongings will be carried by the support vehicles. The support vehicle will follow the riders for the majority of the rides allowing you to cycle as much or as little as you like. There may be some minor exceptions where road conditions are not passable by vehicle however, these occasions are brief and your leader will advise in advance.
Please Note: For the optional train ride on day 6 of the itinerary, your leader will endeavour to secure train tickets from Kandy to to Nuwara Eliya at your request. Due to the Sri Lankan rail booking system, we are unable to purchase and reserve tickets in advance (for any class carriage), they must be purchased on the day of travel from the railway station ticket office. Seats also cannot be reserved in advance. During peak holiday seasons/busy periods, if the train is sold out or overcrowded, you will have the alternative option to ride in the support vehicle following the cycle group.
Joining Instructions
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 in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
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 an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. 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 an Exodus 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 a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Weather Information
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.
Spending Money
For small purchases, particularly at local shops and markets, cash is generally preferred and easier for transactions than credit cards.
It is recommended that you allow at least 2,200 Sri Lankan rupees (US$6) for personal expenditures such as stamps, postcards and soft drinks. Some sites may charge a small fee for camera use. Shopping opportunities in Sri Lanka are endless and we suggest you take money for souvenirs, even if you are generally not a keen shopper, we have found most people succumb to the wide variety of handicrafts on offer.
All entrance fees and activities described in the itinerary are included with an exception for the optional activities mentioned on some days.
Optional excursions
— Koggala Lake mangrove boat tour on Day 12: 5,000 rupees per person – enjoy a serene boat ride across Koggala Lake. As you drift through the calm waters, you're surrounded by lush vegetation, including well-preserved mangrove swamps. During the trip, you visit Cinnamon Island, where you learn about the fascinating process of how cinnamon is grown, harvested and processed. You also stop at Monkey Island, a haven for various primate species, including purple-faced leaf monkeys, gray langurs and toque macaques. The excursion lasts approximately 1hr 30min, offering a perfect blend of nature, wildlife, and local culture.
Whale watching (November to April)
— The whale-watching trip by private boat should cost about 32,500 rupees per person depending on the number of participants. Minimum six passengers required.
Below is the breakdown.
— Cost of Boat- 110000 to 140000 (Depending on the availability, Supply, and demand on the given day) — Entry ticket – 8000 rupees — Tuk Tuks - Rs. 1500 per person. (We cannot take the bus into the Harbor.) — Tips - 500 to 1000 rupees per person.
— Approximate cost for 6 pax - 80 pounds per person — Approximate cost for 10 pax - 65 pounds per person — Approximate cost for 14 pax - 55 pounds per person
Please note, if you choose to enjoy this excursion on your free day, we strongly advise booking a private charter boat through your leader in advance as the boats are always subject to availability. The more members of the group who wish to join the charter the more cost-effective it will be. We do not recommend larger, commercial boats; they may be cheaper, but they do not always respect the welfare of the animals or operate in an environmentally responsible way. We have also had reports of overcrowding on the boats. Please ask your leader for further details on how to book a private charter.
Tipping
Tipping is part of the culture in Sri Lanka. However, it can often be an awkward affair, especially when you’re in an unfamiliar country. As such, your tour Leader will offer to arrange and look after a tipping kitty, which will be used to tip hotel staff, local guides, and other support staff used on the trip (optional excursions are not included in the group kitty).
Your Leader will suggest how much to contribute, but it is usually about 20,000 rupees (approximately US$67) total per person. At any time during the trip, your Leader will happily show you an account of how the kitty is being distributed.
Tips for the Leader and transfer and cycle crew are not included in the kitty and are at your own discretion. If you wish to show your appreciation, our recommendation is as follows:
For the driver, driver’s assistant, assistant cycling guide, and cycle support vehicle driver around 1,300 – 1,600 rupees (US$4 - US$5) per person per day.
For your Leader around 1,100 – 1,600 rupees (US$4-US$5) per person per day.
Where possible, please try to tip in the local currency.
Highlights
— Discover Sri Lanka by bike, meeting the friendly people and exploring the incredible landscapes — Challenge yourself on a ride through emerald tea estates to Nuwara Eliya — Enter Dambulla’s sacred cave temples to walk among ancient Buddha icons — Summit the mighty rock fortress at Sigiriya for unforgettable views over the central plains — Game drive through Yala National Park in search of the elusive leopard
Trip Details
Product Code: 4386
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: oup.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: MIR
Starts: Sigiriya, Indian Ocean
Finishes: Sigiriya, Indian Ocean
Duration: 14 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Unknown
Includes
— All breakfasts and 10 lunches — All accommodation — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughout — Local bike hireAccommodation
Hotels and local guesthousesAccommodation on this cycling trip is a mixture of hotels (some with pools) and local guesthouses. The guesthouses are modest but in good locations along the route and provide a real taste of the country. 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) This four-star property surrounded by nature is the perfect place to begin our adventure. Ease into the trip with a dip in the freshwater pool (which has near-unbeatable views of Sigiriya Rock) and relax in your spacious room with garden views. Ella: Hotel Country Comfort (night 8) Experience Sri Lankan hospitality with a stay at this traditional 20-room guesthouse, where the rooms are simple, and 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) 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) Enjoy a spot on the beach, where it is possible to swim in the sea most of the time. Spacious rooms offer sea views and the quiet fishing village is an easy walk for those wishing to explore a local community. Worth knowing Wifi is available at most accommodations, either in the rooms or the communal areas.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.The Nuwara Eliya hotel (Araliya Red, nights 6-7) is a larger property than we would usually choose for our groups but has been selected for the central location, walking distance from the main town and swimming pool (which few hotels have in Nuwara Eliya), offering additional leisure options and ability to eat in local restaurants.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5,035 ($360 /day)
Itinerary
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)
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)
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)
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. 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. Accommodation: Hotel Topaz (or similar)
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)
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. 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. Accommodation: Araliya Red (or similar)
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 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. Some hotels here are locked in time, a living museum of the colonial era that existed hundred years ago. Accommodation: Araliya Red (or similar)
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)
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: Chaarya Resort & Spa (or similar)
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: Chaarya Resort & Spa (or similar)
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. Accommodation: Insight Resort (or similar)
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, return to the hotel via Koggala Lake (approximately 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)
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 Cinnamon Red (or similar)
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.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
John Hornby - Traveled, April 2024
Sri Lanka by bicycle The best way to fully experience a beautiful diverse country Most Inspirational Moment Beautiful children cheering us as we passed by Thoughts on Group Leader Suresh was fabulous. He went way beyond expectations to make sure we were experiencing everything possible wherever we went. Advice for Potential Travellers I used a hydration pack to ensure I drank plenty of water. It will help you stay comfortable in the heat. Suggestions Pack light.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/21/2024
Louise Littlewood - Traveled, April 2024
Cycling trip This was the best way to experience the country of Sri Lanka. The back roads on a bike gave access to the most amazing wildlife, natural beauty and glimpse into the culture and way of life. The cycling was challenging at times due to the heat, humidity and one day of tough climbing. The hotels and food were of a high standard and nothing was too much trouble for our support team. Most Inspirational Moment Reaching the top of the hill in Nuwara Elia was a relief but felt like a great achievement. Thoughts on Group Leader Suresh was outstanding. He led our group with such vast experience, knowledge of the country and the itinerary was so carefully planned. I really enjoyed the whole experience, not just the cycling. Advice for Potential Travellers This trip is a must . It is not for the inexperienced cyclist however. This is due to the heat, humidity, one big climbing day and occasional busy traffic. The food is varied and delicious but can be spicy. Sri Lanka is a beautiful country and seeing it from a bike is ideal. You don’t need too many clothes. Hotel laundry was very reasonable. Suggestions We had to have some early starts but it was much cooler in the early part of the day.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/21/2024
Angelika Ernst - Traveled, April 2024
Sri Lanka: best trip ever - eine wunderschöne Reise Eine wundervolle Reise durch Sri Lanka! Die atemberaubende Landschaft, die freundlichen Menschen und die wunderbare srilankische Küche haben diese Reise zu etwas ganz Besonderem gemacht. Ich kann die Tour in Sri Lanka sehr empfehlen! What a wonderful journey! this cycling trip in Sri Lanka was truly an unforgettable experience. The beautiful green landscapes, picturesque villages, very friendly locals and the excellent food made every moment of the journey special. Cycling through the tea plantations in the hill country was a highlight, as well as exploring the ancient ruins and riding along rice fields and tea or banana plantations. the Ayurveda massages, offered at the hotels, were great as well. Most Inspirational Moment too many to list... I really loved the peaceful atmosphere at the Buduruwagala temple, and the slower cycling on the backroads along small rivers, rice fields and tea plantations. Thoughts on Group Leader the team was great and super friendly. I always felt safe and the support during the cycling was excellent. Most remarkable was the group lead Suresh. He has great knowledge, a smile for everyone and exceptional organizational skills. He would always go the extra mile to show us something special on the way, where to find beautiful handmade souvenirs, offering an additional walk in the afternoon or get us to places with great food or drinks. Advice for Potential Travellers its hot and humid, therefore cycling on tarmac can get challenging. arriving a few days earlier is a good idea to adjust to time zone and climate. Suggestions I highly recommend this trip for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the beauty and culture of Sri Lanka
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/21/2024
John Davidson - Traveled, April 2024
A wonderful trip. This was a great trip. We had a lovely group of people who got on very well and a great team from Exodus well led by Suresh. Most Inspirational Moment Reaching the top of the hill at Nuwara Eliya on day6! Thoughts on Group Leader Suresh was wonderful. Very organised and knowledgeable. He kept us on the straight and narrow. Advice for Potential Travellers It was hot a humid so be prepared for that. Take electrolytes and drink plenty of fluids but save the beer for the end of the day. Suggestions This tour was a good mix of cycling, seeing the local places of interest and a bit of relaxing. Although there were not many coach transfers I would prefer just to cycle from A to B. When we visit a city we very often do a cycle tour to orientate ourselves so it would be nice to do this in Colombo.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/25/2024
Michelle White - Traveled, April 2024
Best holiday ever Back roads of Sri Lanka and more Most Inspirational Moment Too many to list Thoughts on Group Leader Suresh was marvellous from the moment we met him. His passion and knowledge of his home country was infectious. If I could ask for him on every future trip I take I would. He certainly made the holiday stress free. Advice for Potential Travellers If you are not used to heat and humidity try and arrive in Sri Lanka a few days before the official start so your body acclimatises. Suggestions If I were to do this trip again I would definitely have a few days added on to completely relax. There were a few early starts to avoid the main heat of the day and to keep to the agenda of the trip all worthwhile.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/22/2024
Mick White - Traveled, April 2024
Absolutely amazing The best holiday we have ever had. Seeing all the numerous cultural sights, and enjoying all aspects of Sri Lankan life. Most Inspirational Moment Stepping out onto the top of Lion Rock at Sigiriya. Thoughts on Group Leader Suresh. What a man, absolutely first class. Attention to detail and knowledge of his country unbelievable. Advice for Potential Travellers I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this trip to anyone. Having said that it is graded as moderate/challenging. The main challenge we experienced was the heat, but if sensible this can be easily managed. Suggestions A truly memorable trip, and left Sri Lanka with lifetime memories. Thanks to Suresh and his team.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/23/2024
Christine Norris - Traveled, March 2024
Beautiful Sri Lanka by bike Probably our best ever holiday – beautiful country, welcoming people, interesting and varied cycle routes, lots of bird and wildlife sightings, lush colourful countryside, interesting visits and tours, delicious food, excellent hotels plus our brilliant leader, Ruwan, and his kind, thoughtful and hard-working team Most Inspirational Moment Inspiring moments every day Thoughts on Group Leader Exceptionally good - Ruwan deserves to win the Exodus Leader of the Year award Advice for Potential Travellers Read the Trip Notes - all is as stated. If you like what you read, don't hesitate - book now! Suggestions If you can only do 1 trip and you love cycling, this is the one.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/25/2024
Sally Davies - Traveled, March 2024
Fantastic holiday and a great country From the initial enquiry and booking process through to the trip itself the whole experience was easy, efficient and generally in line with the high standard I have experienced on my two previous Exodus trips. The hotels and eating places were generally of a good standard, clean and comfortable. Our guide/trip leader went above and beyond to ensure the trip went to plan and all arrangements worked as expected. He made sure we all had the best possible experience and was enthusiastic and keen to show us the best of his country. He dealt calmly and efficiently with any unforeseen events, kept us safe and was always available to help and support us all with anything we needed. The four support staff were also excellent, always smiling and ensured we never wanted for anything, including bike support, water and snacks at every stop. A slight black mark was that several of the ebikes seemed quite old and a bit unreliable and a few broke down a few times which made extra work for the leader and bike support guys, who were already working incredibly hard. They dealt with the problems well though and it didn’t really detract from the overall experience due to their efforts. I would highly recommend this trip (but if you intend to rely on an ebike be prepared for a few issues). Most Inspirational Moment There are a couple - Cycling past all the kids in the villages who clapped and waved at us and seemed genuinely happy to see us. Reaching the coast towards the end of a hot and sticky couple of weeks and getting into the wonderful Indian Ocean. Thoughts on Group Leader Suresh worked very hard to make the trip a success, personally made sure the hotel staff delivered great service and ran the cycling and excursions in a very well organised manner. He was also knowledgeable and shared with us information about the country, its history and local insights. A very professional leader who made sure everyone in the group felt part of the team. Advice for Potential Travellers Some of the cycling is pretty challenging with some long climbs in the heat. You do need to make sure you have a good level of cycling fitness although there is the ebike option which I took just to make life a bit easier and meant I could enjoy the holiday a bit more without worrying about the climbs or having the odd gin & tonic of an evening! And a minibus follows us the whole way so there is always the option to hop in the bus for part of the journey if it does get too much. Suggestions In general how welcome the Sri Lankan people made us feel and how beautiful the country itself is.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/26/2024
Ruth Jones - Traveled, March 2024
Happy memories of Sri Lanka Cycling through a unique meze of colourful chaos and quiet country roads with a great mix of people all wanting a good time, with delicious food thrown in, by far the best way to see Sri Lanka! It’s an exciting country and Suresh brought it to life for us, providing great commentary, and passing on his knowledge on the way. I learned so much about the country in the best possible way! He cleverly orchestrated the tour giving information and leaving enough time the group to bond, also important . Most Inspirational Moment So many every day! Thoughts on Group Leader Suresh is by far the best leader I have witnessed, his attention to detail in dealing with group members is over and above anything I have seen on other trips and this for two weeks, I have only done week long trips. He works with a pertinacious resistance to interruptions, sometimes failing and sometimes exasperated by our constant questions, I’m sure, but he is funny, caring and very professional. I have huge respect for anyone working so hard to give a great experience in tourism. He is an excellent ambassador for Sri Lanka. Exodus you are lucky to have him! Advice for Potential Travellers Go with a good attitude, a sense of adventure and a quest for joy!! I did and had a fabulous time! I did go a couple of days early and therefore very chilled by start of tour, can be hard straight after long flight! Suggestions If you are a solo traveler like me and considering this trip, just book, you won’t regret it, I felt totally safe in the hands of Suresh and team and soo looked after! After a couple of days Suresh knew what I wanted before I did! Thanks Suresh!! X
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/27/2024
Shirley Bottom - Traveled, March 2024
Amazing trip Fantastic trip start to finish. Excellent leader and good group. Most Inspirational Moment Each day had memorable sights. Mini Adams peak was quite special. Cycling in the highlands was probably the highlight Thoughts on Group Leader Ruwan Balasoriya was an excellent leader. Very professional, friendly and well organised. He kept the group and itinary in order which made for a good experience for all. Very knowledgable and passionate about his country . He made the trip for us. Good insight into current affairs and history was also helpful. Advice for Potential Travellers We took far too much clothes. I’d pack first and then empty half of what you pack out. It’s possible to get washing done through the trip . Very cheap and helps local economy as well. Suggestions Hotels were mid range. Sri Lanka is getting back on its feet so what it lacks in western luxuries it makes up for in the warmth of the welcome. Only one hotel missed the mark for some of the group and that was because no kettle in the room and no buffet breakfast. Not an issue for me personally. I appreciate that this particular hotel would have been chosen for location. I’d rather hotels were local owned and ran so as to boost local economy. A great trip. I’d definitely recommend. Will go back to Sri Lanka again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/28/2024
Sandra Burns - Traveled, March 2024
Wonderful Sri Lanka ! A wonderful , full on trip with a mixture of culture and cycling, spent with a lovely group of people Most Inspirational Moment Cycling past elephants, and seeing all the wildlife Visiting tea plantations / tea factories Beautiful scenery in Nuwarya Elyria and waving at all the children when cycling The additional extras such as walking up Lions rock, tea with a local family ( food was amazing) and visit to Galle to do some shopping Thoughts on Group Leader Suresh was a brilliant leader and the crew were so helpful always smiling and happy to help Suresh was Very organised and nothing was too much trouble, he was Extremely knowledgeable on the history and culture of Sri Lanka and happy to answer questions whilst cycling and walking - he stopped many times to tell us about history or to point out a rare bird or crocodile! “Best leader so far”! Advice for Potential Travellers The weather was very hot and humid and made the cycling very challenging at times, we had to get in the bus a few times due to the heat, there are a couple of challenging days, and the train was an option for 1 day Which in hindsight I wish I had taken! A good level if fitness is needed Or consider an e- bike Half of the group were on e- bikes and I would consider for next cycling trip There was some busy roads at times but also cycling the back roads We didnt get the rabies vaccine as not mandatory- I would however recommend as there are lots of stray dogs and monkeys! Suggestions My husband and I loved the trip, it was a lovely group of people and suresh and the support crew made it run very smoothly Would highly recommended
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/26/2024
Rebecca Taylor - Traveled, March 2024
A fantastic country filled with lovely people! I loved Sri Lanka, but found the heat hard work on a poorly chest and tummy. I was ill for the whole two weeks plus on returning home, but I at least managed to do a bit of cycling. Most Inspirational Moment I loved the gorgeous scenery of the train ride from Kandy to Nuwara Elya, although I felt ill! The downhill cycling, the tea plantations, the Indian Ocean resort - it was all magical. Thoughts on Group Leader The support boys were fantastic - absolutely faultless and hard working. Suresh is a nice guy and obviously knows organisation stuff, and delivered a lovely two weeks. If I had to find a criticism of him it is that he didn't give us much in the way of general talks on the culture/history of Sri Lanka. Maybe he was a bit jaded with it all after 157 previous trips, but I felt he could have said more about the places we visited, not only in the evening before's talk but on the bus and bikes when we went somewhere. We didn't seem to know why we were looking at something or going somewhere a lot of the time. I only knew about places because of reading the trip notes, but as a local, I wanted him to tell me more, and really sell Sri Lanka to us. I've been on a number of these trips, and usually a lot more is told to you. Advice for Potential Travellers Pack light and maybe read up about the country before you go. I didn't have time, but feel that having been there, I don't really know much more about it than before I went.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/28/2024
Susan Maclennan - Traveled, March 2024
Cycle back roads of Sri Lanka Very varied 2 weeks cycling lush backroads through rice fields , visiting temples and tea plantations , afternoon safari and swimming in the Indian Ocean . Beautiful country , great food and lovely people Most Inspirational Moment So many- mostly the interactions with the Sri Lankan people. Waving , smiling children and always friendly staff in hotels , shops , everywhere Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent leader - everything well organised, nothing was a problem- even getting rabies vaccinations organised after monkey scratch! All the team were excellent. Advice for Potential Travellers If possible arrive a day before trip starts - our flight was delayed and so 6.30 am start and big days were quite exhausting Suggestions 2 in our group had problems with their e bikes - new bikes needed Bus also needs upgrade - a third of seats had no working seat belts
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/29/2024
Geoff Deans - Traveled, February 2024
Cycling back roads of Sri Lanka Excellent trip, great guide (Ruwan) and back-up team Most Inspirational Moment Cycling up 2000m in one day! Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent Advice for Potential Travellers It’s hot! Suggestions Bus air con could have been better ie colder!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/20/2024
Lisa Wilkinson - Traveled, February 2024
A good trip, but some things to be aware of. The trip was great, but some of the roads are very busy with scary traffic which sometimes feels quite aggressive. Most evening meals were at hotel buffets, as the hotels used were a way outside towns. The food quality was good, but it got a bit repetitive. There was a lot more riding on unpaved rough roads than the trip notes says. Thoughts on Group Leader The group leader, Ruwan, was excellent and very knowedgeable about wildlife, plants and history of the country. Advice for Potential Travellers If you are not used to busy roads, or riding off-road, get some practice in. Suggestions We saw an enormous variety of landscapes and wildlife and some fabulous places, and learned a lot about the country and its history.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/21/2024
helen davies - Traveled, January 2024
Fab tour Highly recommend this tour, so many different highlights to mention them all but cycling the backroads through the rice fields, seeing the wonderful wildlife, felt like i was on the set of Madagascar on several occasions, even saw wild elephants. The tour guide, Suresh, and his team are great. Making sure everyone is well looked after, with regular breaks with great snacks, sampling some of the local dishes..the pancake with dessicated coconut being one highlight. ?? The food was great, suresh organising some great lunch stops and also an evening meal demonstration from one of the local chefs was great, so good to get some curry tips and it tasted delicious.. This cycling tour is a great way to see the country, especially with suresh providing great commentary, good insights and passing on his knowledge and passion for his country. Most Inspirational Moment Seeing the wild elephants. Cycling along the backroads and seeing all the wildlife. The descent down from ella was grt fun. Thoughts on Group Leader Suresh was great. Can see why he has been tour guide of the year twice. Very attentive, made sure everyone was happy. Gave some great insight into his country which he talked about with great passion and humour. Advice for Potential Travellers Do it. You won't regret it. Fab country. Maybe take a few days after to enjoy the beaches on the south coast near galle. They were fab.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/17/2024
C Knights - Traveled, January 2024
Do this trip if you want a sense of adventure and don’t mind testing yourself on the hills Our group had a fantastic 2 weeks cycling through the back roads (and a couple of busy roads) of Sri Lanka. There scenic views of course come with some hills and harder days but the bus was always available for those in need of a rest. Food was varied and safe (no real GI issues despite consuming salads and ice) and excellent especially if you love curry and usually consisted of a varied buffet at each meal which often included western options as well. I can’t eat gluten and there was no problem with options on this trip. Vegetarians also seemed to be well catered for. We saw endless monkeys, lizards, birds, fruit bats and much more and explored temples, coastlines, went in safari in search of leopards and elephants and stopped frequently for tea and local snacks. You’ll never go hungry on an exodus trip and this was no exception! While Sri Lanka has had some tough times in recent years, don’t let that out you off. The locals are friendly, the areas visited felt safe and Ruwan our guide was exceptional in his knowledge and leadership Thoughts on Group Leader Ruwan was excellent all round Advice for Potential Travellers Just do it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/18/2024
Juliet Robey - Traveled, November 2023
Wonderful holiday - stunning scenery, delicious food I highly recommend this trip. The cycling routes were superb, only a couple of days on main routes. Stunning vistas and a wonderful experience in a very unspoilt country of rural beauty. Standard of hotels was very high. The food was delicious. Buffets in all hotels for breakfast but one and likewise for dinner so a very wide range available. People very friendly. Our guide Ruwan was delightful and very knowledgeable. The other activities besides the cycling were also great. Really enjoyed the safari and whale watching. There can be heavy rain in the afternoons so waterproofs essential…. Most Inspirational Moment From a cycling perspective, making it to the end of the really hard hill climb was very inspirational from a personal perspective! I loved the view from the hotel in Lake Girithale, breathtaking view. The final beach hotel was wonderful. Standing on the sand looking out at the ocean at the surfers was wonderful and the final poolside BBQ was very special. The pools at that hotel were fab as well as the one at Chaarya hotel Seeing elephant and leopard on safari and a fin whale while whalewatching also very special. Thoughts on Group Leader Ruwan was a wonderful group leader. He was incredibly patient, knowledgeable, flexible, attentive, great wildlife knowledge too. Advice for Potential Travellers Bring your own loo roll and hand sanitiser. Bring cycling shoes and trainers because one will get wet. Bring high quality camera. Bring a sarong for easily going into temples to tie round your waist
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/18/2023
Andrew Putland - Traveled, November 2023
Wonderful Sri Lanka Absolutely wonderful trip. The country offers so much in the way of beautiful scenery and wildlife and so much better to be able to see it at your own pace on a bicycle. The standard of our accommodation was well above what we were expecting and the choice of food was exceptional – there was a great mix of both Sri Lankan and western food available most days, often via an an all-you-can-eat buffet. The entire trip was made so enjoyable because of the exceptional organisation and knowledge of our group leader Suresh helped by a great local support team. Most Inspirational Moment Too hard to pinpoint a single moment. Climbing Lion Rock at Sigiriya, the ascent to Nuwara Eliya, visiting Yala National Park, swimming in the warm Indian Ocean, having a cooking demonstration in a family home followed by delicious meal cooked in banana leaves...it was all good. Thoughts on Group Leader Could there ever be a better group leader then Suresh? He said at the beginning that we just needed to enjoy ourselves and to leave everything else up to him. True to his word, we barely had to think. He organised everything and any additional request or service, big or small, was no hardship at all. Always available, friendly and funny and always having everything under control to ensure we had a great time. Advice for Potential Travellers Just do it! The cycling was rated moderate and there were a couple of very hard uphill days, however, although I had done next to no training due to illness, I opted for an e-bike and everything was doable with the option of an air-conditioned mini-bus always available!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/20/2023
Kate Ferguson - Traveled, October 2023
Another fantastic trip in an amazing country We have done many Exodus cycling trips and this one was up there with the best, if not THE best. There are 4 different things we enjoy about these trips, and these vary depending on where we are – 1.The cycling 2.The country we are visiting 3.The food 4.The group of people you are with. Sri Lanka ticked all 4 boxes, The cycling was varied with easier days, and one extremely challenging day, but the scenery was spectacular with lush green vegetation, beautiful waterfalls and tea plantations up in the hills, temples and local villages. The food is to die for, simply delicious (as long as you like a bit of spice). Finally we were lucky enough to have a fantastic group of people, we had so much fun. The Sri Lankan people could not have been more welcoming, warm and friendly. I thought the accommodation was of a particularly high standard on this trip, lovely hotels, mostly with pools. Most Inspirational Moment Finally getting to the top of the big climb at Nuwara Eliya after nearly 3000 metres of climbing, group photo at the top with great sense of achievement! "Life saving cake" organised by Suresh half way up. Thoughts on Group Leader Suresh was the best - very experienced, has fine tuned the trip so things runs like clockwork. Nothing is too much trouble, he worked so hard to ensure all our needs were met and went the extra mile to make sure all our annoying requests were sorted for us! He is extremely organised and hard working and professional, very assertive without being rude (making sure we all were on time etc. and kept his team in order!). He was fun and enjoyed teasing us. Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared for a couple of days of hard cycling, take wet weather gear (we were lucky, didn't get wet too often, just a couple of showers). There are quite a few days of heavy eating - easy to eat too much at lunchtime with big curry buffets - hard to get cycling sometimes after a big lunch, so pace yourself!! Suggestions Do book this trip, just about everyone who has done it has loved it, especially lucky if you get Suresh as a guide but as he leads most of the trips this is more than likely!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/22/2023
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